Matthew 25 House

Please note that latest Matthew 25 Newsletter can be accessed from this page - go to the bottom of this page for the link .

St. John's Deacon Don Payer is the spiritual mentor and one of the founding members of Matthew 25 House. St. John's congregation is one of the faith communities in Ames that supports this community in every way it can. This house is a home for those transitioning from prison to the workplace. If you would like to contribute time, talent or funds to this unique and exemplary ministry, please speak with Deacon Don Payer.

Matthew 25 House is located at 330 South 2nd St.in Ames. It provides 4 local, former inmates a Christian Family environment.

I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me (Matthew 25:31)

What is it? 

Matthew 25 House, Inc. is a local social justice outreach program for men who are now in the the Story County Jail, the Curt Forbes Center or an Iowa Prison. It helps integrate them into a local church and the Ames Community. Almost 70% of men released from jail eventually return to jail. Many have no one who cares whether they live or die.

Central to the Matthew 25 House program is overcoming this by having each member become a member of a local Christian congregation. That church commits to mentoring, supporting and befriending him for one year with this goal in mind....No Turning Back to Jail or Prison.

Our 4 key focuses are:

1. To provide a Christian family home-life for these men

2. To provide a church and a sense of belonging

3. To provide locally released men with a spiritual and faith-based lifestyle

4. To provide a base needed for success

Four men, screened and selected by the board, along with the Resident Director, will live in the house for up to 12 months. All residents are required to work and pay a fixed monthly amount to cover rent, food and utilities.

Matthew 25 House is completely supported through the generosity of local people, churches and businesses. A non-profit organization, it holds 501(c) 3 status with IRS so all financial donations are tax deductible. In addition to financial support, please support this program in your daily prayers.

Additional ways you can help are: job coaching, home repair work, transportation and donating supplies and furniture.

To inquire about Matthew 25 House, contact us at:  Please read the attached newsletter for current updates about Matthew 25 House.

Matthew 25 House

c/o Don Payer

535 Main St.

Ames, Iowa

50010

515 232 4115

515 233 8191

Email: matthew25ames@aol.com