In 1992, Christ House initiated the Kairos Program for patients with chronic illness who decided to make a commitment to their recovery. For the first four years of its existence, the Kairos Program was available to former Christ House patients who found living arrangements in the neighborhood. They met together, provided volunteer service, and participated in other kinds of structured community-building programming. After seeing the progress of the Kairos Program members, Christ House leaders decided to purchase an apartment property and open a permanent supportive housing facility. Our vision and philosophy is that Kairos is a spiritual recovery program, and Kairos House is a facility-based environment in which that recovery can take place.
Kairos Program participants are capable of living independently, but due to chronic illness, are unable to hold full-time employment. Volunteer service is a key element of the program and each member serves based on his gifts and abilities. They escort Christ House patients to medical appointments, staff the clothing room, work in the kitchen, and assist with mailings and other administrative activities. Some participants also work part-time jobs at Christ House or in the neighborhood.
Kairos House opened as a permanent home for program members in 1996. It then contained apartment units for 37 residents and 3 staff members. Because of the demonstrated success of the Kairos Program, the Christ House Board of Directors made it a priority to add 15 apartment units that enabled us to serve that many more formerly homeless men. Renovations began in October 2009, and occupants took residence in December 2010.
