Open Homes Initiative

Every day across West Texas, children are placed into foster care because of abuse and neglect. A process that leaves them feeling scared, confused, and alone. Right now, in most of our cities, there's a list of children waiting for a family to come into their story. And the longer these children wait, the bleaker their situation becomes. 

Half of the children that age out of the foster system will develop a substance addiction. One in three will become homeless. And statistics show that 60% of all human trafficking victims have a history in foster care. Something must be done. 

This is where followers of Jesus can step forward. Fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves is exactly what Christ did for us. His example of sacrificial love is what drives us to do the same. And is there anyone more defenseless today than children in the foster system? 

The Open Homes Initiative is a coalition of churches committed to loving these young neighbors. And our longing is to recruit and retain foster, kinship, and adoptive families. We do this by partnering with local churches, empowering them to live out this calling with the gifts and people that God has given them in order to help families foster longer and stronger. Jesus cares deeply about the lives and stories of these children. And with OHI's model, anyone can make a difference. 

Through the Open Homes Initiative, we're working towards a day when there will no longer be a list of children waiting for a family, but a list of families ready for children. But we cannot do it alone. 

We need churches and people like you who are willing to say to these young neighbors, "Your story matters to God and your story matters to us."