House of Eli is a Christ-centered 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry that provides young men ages 18-21 with a safe place to call home and the support they need to build healthy, independent, and purpose-filled lives. We serve young men who have experienced significant challenges, including involvement in foster care, the juvenile justice system, homelessness, and other unstable life circumstances.
Founded by Tawni and Brad Hodge after years of fostering boys and mentoring youth in the juvenile justice system, House of Eli was born from a simple but powerful belief: every young person deserves the opportunity, tools, and support to succeed. Through firsthand experience, they saw that many young men are expected to navigate adulthood at 18 without ever having been equipped with the stability, life skills, or guidance needed to thrive. Today, generous supporters make it possible for these young men to receive the stability and encouragement they need during this critical season of life.
House of Eli has grown into a comprehensive 12-to-18-month immersive program that combines transitional housing, life skills development, vocational training, mentorship, advocacy, and entrepreneurship opportunities within a Christ-centered family environment.
Our young men gain meaningful work experience through House of Eli businesses including Eli Bros., Still Charming, and What's Up Dawg, where they work alongside staff who provide daily coaching, encouragement, and accountability while developing marketable skills, financial responsibility, and a strong work ethic. As residents grow in independence, some have the opportunity to transition into our Grad House, where they continue receiving support and accountability while preparing for fully independent living. Your support helps provide the housing, mentorship, training, and resources that make this journey possible.
What makes House of Eli unique is the community that surrounds each young man. Dedicated mentors invest their time, build trusted relationships, and walk alongside participants as they navigate the transition into adulthood. Volunteers, local partners, churches, employers, donors, and supporters create a network of care that reminds these young men they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Led by co-directors Tawni Hodge and Laura Ayers and supported by a committed team of staff, mentors, and community partners, House of Eli takes a "work with" approach rather than a "work for" approach. Together, we help young men build the confidence, skills, relationships, and support systems needed for lasting success.
By modeling healthy family relationships and surrounding residents with encouragement, accountability, and opportunity, House of Eli empowers young men to break cycles of homelessness, poverty, abuse, and recidivism, creating pathways to lasting hope, stability, and freedom.
The need for this life-changing support continues to grow, and your gift today can help ensure more young men have the opportunity to build a future filled with hope, purpose, and independence.
House of Eli exists to help young men ages 18-21 build stable, independent, and purpose-filled lives. Through safe housing, meaningful employment, mentorship, life skills development, and a Christ-centered community of support, we help our residents overcome barriers, discover their potential, and create a future filled with hope and opportunity.
Every young man who comes to House of Eli has a unique story, but many share a common reality: they are entering adulthood without the stable support, resources, and relationships most young people rely on to succeed. Many come to us from foster care, the juvenile justice system, homelessness, residential facilities, or other unstable living situations. They often carry the lasting effects of trauma, neglect, poverty, and disrupted family relationships while facing the overwhelming responsibility of becoming independent.
For many of the young men we serve, turning 18 does not mean they are fully prepared to navigate life on their own. Without safe housing, consistent guidance, reliable transportation, healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and supportive relationships, the risk of homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, and continued instability significantly increases.
Many arrive at House of Eli with few personal belongings and little support, making it difficult to focus on long-term goals when immediate needs remain unmet.
Because our residents live at House of Eli full-time, we provide care and support around the clock. Donations help provide:
● Safe housing
● Nutritious meals and clothing
● Transportation and healthcare
● Counseling and educational support
● Life skills development and other essential services
These resources create a foundation for lasting stability and allow young men to focus on healing, personal growth, and building a future filled with hope and purpose.
Your gift supports far more than basic necessities. It helps provide mentorship, accountability, employment opportunities, life skills training, and a supportive community that empower young men to become confident, self-sufficient adults. Every dollar invested in House of Eli creates opportunities for young men to overcome past challenges, build healthy and productive lives, and break cycles of homelessness, poverty, abuse, and recidivism.
Through the support of generous donors, House of Eli can continue walking alongside young men during one of the most critical transitions of their lives, helping them build the confidence, skills, and support systems needed to achieve lasting independence and success. Your support today ensures more young men have the opportunity to build a stable future and pursue the life they deserve.
We serve a diverse population and believe every individual should be treated with dignity and respect.
Organization name
House of Eli
Tax id (EIN)
46-5009469
Causes
Justice-involved adults or youth
Operating Budget
$250,000 - $499,999
Counties Served
Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Tarrant
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American, Other
Address
123 S. Ricketts St.