Unity House Of Davenport Email from John N. dated 03/12/08
Unity House is a great place for a guy to get a hand up not a hand out. It is not for guys who are looking to take advantage of the system. Those types will be exposed during the evaluation process and will be weeded out. This type of environment is for guys that want to stay sober but want to work as well. It is a safe environment where there are men who are staying clean and sober and working to pay their own way. Unity House guys will help the newcomer get settled and show them how to get food stamps and health care needs met and how the bus system works. They will also show the newcomer where the AA and NA meetings are and how to get there and how to find a sponsor. Working the program is an integral part of ones stay at Unity House but it has to be done individually to be of any help to the resident. I can personally tell you from experience of living at Unity House 2 that if a guy is just looking for a flop house he will not like Unity Houses. If he is looking for accountability and responsibility and is looking for help in staying clean and sober he will make it at Unity House.
Each man must pay $325.00 monthly dues and a $150.00 damage deposit. Sometimes depending on the individual and his sincerity we will give a person 30 days to find a job and begin to pay his dues. However Unity House loses more than it wins in this endeavor and the bills still have to be paid however somehow God provides for all of our needs. So it is best if the resident has his dues and deposit up front but if not Unity House may decide to work with him. This is done on a case by case basis.
Your Brother in Christ-
John N.
Letter from Gary A. dated 12/20/07
I just wan to thank you for everything you've done. I was living a life not worth living before I came to Unity House. Since you gave me the opportunity to work on the real problem (me) in a sober environment I've learned to enjoy life again. Something I thought I could never do, and I couldn't have done it without you or Unity House. I know there could never be a monetary value put on something like saving someone's life so it is my duty to be of service to others like you have done for me. If you ever feel down I hope you always remember how you are my hero and most trusted friend. I wish you a Merry Christmas and many Happy New Years to come.
Webster's definition of a hero is: A legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability or a man admired for his achievements and qualities.
Loving Friend,
Gary A.
Letter from Philip dated 8/1/07 Unity House Brothers, I entered Unity House #4 at 14th and Perry on October 21, 2007. Dennis, Fred, and J.C. interviewed another individual and myself at the same time; we were both accepted. I was surprised as I was under the impression there was only one opening. As it turned out there were 2 openings. I had just completed 5 months of Substance Abuse Treatment at the Salvation Army ARC. I needed a safe place to stay and I was starting a new job at Oscar Mayer the 24th of October. Dennis, in good faith, welcomed me into the Unity House without deposit or dues. I needed the fellowship and structure to help me make the transition into the real world. I remember one of the AA readings Dennis emphasizes; Acceptance. That is a classic as are many of the other passages Unity House uses. I was once again blessed to be able to be a part of this wonderful organization. I tried to take it "One day at a time" and to stay several months. As it turned out I was there about 9 weeks. I felt as though it was time for me to move on. Today I have my own apartment and live 9 blocks from work; another blessing. Because of God in my life and working through others; being a part of this fellowship has helped to put me where I am today. I had a great time at the house and I learned much. The structure and disciplined atmosphere are the key to it's success. Because of my being successful at Unity House I was welcomed back by Dennis to visit. Also, Fred, the House Manager, said "Philip, you can come back anytime." I said, "How about 4:00 AM when I get off work?" He reiterated, "Philip, anytime." There it is. I continue to go there in my free time. I fully recommend Unity House to anyone if they have the opportunity. Dennis, Fred, and J.C. are gifted and talented in their specific roles. Not to mention the LOVE and SUPPORT that is given by the rest of the house. I need them and they need me. That is how my God works. It's a "We" thing, not an "I" thing. Thank you, Dennis Haut and Unity House Staff and members. Brother In Christ, Philip P.S. I have the "Acceptance" prayer on my kitchen counter. Letter from Gary R. dated: 5/28/07 Dear Dennis and Unity House Brothers, It has always been easier for me to express myself on paper the things I needed to say that would otherwise be awkward saying to someone face to face. Because of this, I am writing this letter to you. That Sunday at the motel I had no idea what was to become of me. I was in a strange city with no money, no place to go, very hung over, and scared to death. All of the plans XXXXXX and I had made had fallen apart and I realized I could not live with this person, yet I could not survive without XXXXXX. Then, no less than a miracle occurs and you come along and were willing to take me, sight unseen, into Unity House. I had only $100.00 to offer which I had to borrow from a friend. Out of the goodness of your heart you trusted me to be responsible and do the right thing when I was financially able. You helped me to open a bank account when I didn't have money to make an initial deposit. You have loaned me money for food and even taken me to the supermarket to get it. I have been able to come to you for advice and a hug and was always well received with warmth and a kind word. For all of these things and the acceptance and love that came with them I will always be grateful to you. You are a good and decent man and my life had been greatly enriched simply by knowing you and being at Unity House. You make me want to be sober and do the right thing which helps to increase my self-esteem and hopefully makes me a better person. Thank you for having faith in me and giving me a chance. Love, Gary R.
Letter from anonymous dated June 1, 2008
I entered the Unity House at 14th and Perry (Unity House #4) on October 21, 2007. Dennis, Fred, and J.C. interviewed another individual and me at the same time and we were both accepted. I was under the assumption there was only 1 opening. As it turned out there were 2. I had just went through 5 months of Substance Abuse Treatment at the Salvation Army A.R.C. I needed a place to stay plus I was starting a new job at Oscar Meyer the 24th of October. Dennis, in good Faith, welcomed me into the home without deposit or dues. I needed the fellowship and structure to help me make the transition into the real world. I remember one of the AA readings Dennis emphasizes; Acceptance. That is a classic as are many of the other readings. I was Blessed to be able to be a part of this wonderful organization. I tried to take one day at a time and to stay focused on recovery. I could not have done this without Unity House. Thank you and mat God Bless Unity House.
Sincerely,
Anonymous
