Introducing New Dawn at Light on the Hill

Dawn is the first light after a period of darkness. New Dawn at Light on the Hill is a transitional housing initiative geared towards a fresh start for people willing to work hard to achieve their goals! 

What is New Dawn?
New Dawn provides temporary housing for people working full-time, who need a “hand-up” to get on the path to self-sufficiency. This housing initiative operates through community referrals and utilizes eight cabins on the Light on the Hill campus. The vision of New Dawn is to surround our participants with resources to help them transition into permanent housing and accomplish the goal(s) they set for themselves. The time limit for occupancy in our transitional housing program is a case-by-case basis, with the longest stay being 12 months. Our participants pay rent, based on a sliding scale, with half of their rent money going into a savings account for them to use for deposits for permanent housing and utilities once they leave the program. Strict vetting of potential participants is a high priority. Rules are in place for everyone’s safety and for the sustainability of the program. Mentors walk alongside New Dawn participants to help them improve their quality of life in areas of health and wellness, financial stability, and achievement of their self-set goals.

At New Dawn, we have had many success stories and have celebrated our participant’s achievements. With permission to share, here is a letter written by one of our past participants…
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“In August 2022, I found myself going through a divorce and not sure where I was suppose to live while I worked through all the new changes and adjustments. My counselor recommended New Dawn Ministry with Light on the Hill in Kerrville. After one visit with the New Dawn coordinator and looking at one cabin, I knew I had found my sanctuary.

New Dawn provided me a safe, quiet, and comfortable cabin. Centrally located in Kerrville near a quiet neighborhood and plenty of walking trails. I settled into a familiar routine. The cabin was adequately stocked with basic kitchen utensils and appliances. I had most of my personal belongs with me but had I needed anything, New Dawn would have found it for me!  

The cabin had fresh paint, new floors, a new kitchenette and bathroom. And AC and heat! With New Dawn staff on the grounds, I never felt alone. If I had a maintenance request, it was answered promptly. And a full laundry facility is on-site which was a real blessing!

Not only was I provided a cabin, but I was given support. One couple visited with me and helped me plan my budget and determine the amount of rent I could afford. Two different ladies checked on me by phone, texts, and personal visits, just to give me moral support and lend a shoulder when the emotions were strong.  

The New Dawn program is meant as a hand up. It is set up to help the resident get on their feet and leave with confidence and a strong plan in place as well as a savings account. Yes, 1/2 of my rent went into a savings account and I personally moved out with $2,000.00. I was able to pay my moving company, my apartment deposit and all my incidentals. I have never felt more confident!  

For me, New Dawn did everything it was designed to do. It gave me peace. A quiet place to lay my head at night, a support team that was behind me 100% of the time. The program is designed for a 12 month stay but I was so well prepared, I was able to move out in 8 months.  

I have moved out but the relationships and friendships I made will stay with me.  New Dawn is to be commended and praised for such a well thought out ministry.”  ​

Currently at New Dawn, all of our cabins are full. We do have a waiting list for potential participants. Our community health worker, Lori Payne is the director of New Dawn. Lori does a tremendous job coordinating the vetting process for the program and supporting the participants as she journeys with each one. Our team, of New Dawn Advisory Board members and mentors, are incredible and our participants are blessed by the guidance they receive. And Church, thank you for your prayers and support of the New Dawn Transitional Housing Initiative. Lives are being transformed and all of the glory and honor is God's! 

Recent additions at New Dawn…

• New carts were assembled by an awesome team of unpaid servants! Now each cabin has a cart for a microwave and added pantry space. 

• We have a Prayer Table in the laundry room! Our participants have the opportunity to request prayers and share praises! Thank you to Pastor Lonnie Phillips for supporting our residents with this opportunity!