A Few Good Words: HR Church gets sober mission through prayer, ‘Renewal’
This blue house at 1217 May Street will be used as a sober house for the next several years before it is demolished to make way for a roundabout at 12th and May streets in the Heights Development Plan.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 24, 2025 — Pastor Tina Combs said her church has been working for 10 years to start a sober house in Hood River.
But as we all know, finding an affordable house in Hood River is a big ask. Huge, in fact.
So her church asked God.
“We couldn’t see a way to strategize to make it happen. So in May, “We decided we were just going to pray,” she said last week from Alliance Church, 2650 Montello Ave. In July, The City of Hood River asked for letters of interest on using a vacant house on May street. The church quickly submitted their proposal for a sober house.
Pastor Tina Combs - Courtesy Alliance Church
When Combs returned from a recent vacation, she had a letter waiting for her from the City of Hood River. The letter was handed to Combs form a friend with the comment and prayer that “this may be our house.”
It was.
“We’re very excited,” she said. “With all the bad news lately - to have a church and City have a good relationship and see our community come together to do something good feels great - there is a lot of bad news out there, you know. This feels like a win for the whole community.”
Where’s the House?
It’s at 1217 May Street, across the street from Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. Urban Renewal recently purchased it as the City plans for building a roundabout at the corner of May and 12th streets in 5 years. At that point the house will be demolished to make way for the Heights Development Plan.
Combs said they will use the home for a transitional sober living home called “Journey House.” “We are now inviting the community to join us in furnishing and preparing this vital space,” she said.
”What began as a seed planted by God has now blossomed into reality,” she said. “Journey House is born from a vision discerned through community, fought for in prayer, and made possible by the Spirit of God. We are preparing to open our doors to those seeking healing, restoration, and hope.”
“There is still work to be done to make Journey House a true home,” she continued. “Your generosity can help us complete the final touches—furnishing rooms, stocking essentials, and ensuring a warm, welcoming space for our first residents,” she said.
Ways to Give
The Church is accepting donations to help outfit Journey House. Here are some ways you can contribute:
Kitchen Supplies: Plates, bowls, silverware, utensils, measuring cups, mixing bowls, casserole dishes, and more.
Household Essentials: Full-size bed sheets, cleaning supplies, vacuum cleaners, etc.
If you have any of these items, we would gladly accept used instead of new. Alternatively, you can purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist.
If you prefer to give a financial gift for us to use in furnishing the house, you can donate here.
More on Mission
“Journey House” will not only meet a pressing need in the community but also contribute to the overall health and resilience of Hood River. By providing individuals in recovery with the resources and support they need, it will reduce the burden on local emergency services, decrease rates of homelessness, and help foster a healthier, more vibrant community.
