Nonprofit begins construction on new house for foster kids
After two years of preparation, Isaiah 117 House is building a home in Georgetown for children transitioning into the foster care system. The Tennessee-based nonprofit broke ground on its Williamson County home on Sunday, November 10.
“I cannot express to you the gratitude that I have for the way the Lord is moving in our midst. It's unbelievable,” said Tara Thornton, location leader for Isaiah 117 Williamson County. “This house will change the trajectory of a child's life because he/she will know what love looks like and what kindness feels like.”
Isaiah 117 House is a nonprofit that was founded in February 2017 by Ronda Paulson in Tennessee. The group’s mission is to provide a home to children when they are waiting to find a foster home. The name comes from Isaiah 1:17 in the Old Testament which reads, “defend the cause of the fatherless.”
“We are so grateful to this community for coming alongside to bring us one step closer to making this dream a reality for Williamson County,” said Ronda Paulson, founder and executive director of Isaiah 117 House. “We encourage everyone — whether you have been in prayer for this project, plan to help out, or have given financially — to be a part of this milestone in the journey of Isaiah 117 House Williamson County.”
The team behind Isaiah 117 House Williamson County landed in Georgetown in October 2022. In April 2023, the organization held its first major campaign, the “Let’s Build This House” fundraiser.
“Two years ago, we kicked off, and we had an idea of where we thought the house might be built,” Ms. Throton said. “But God had a plan all along, and it was far better than our plans.”
The Isaiah House will sit on a property that was in the Peters family for nearly 50 years.
In March, the Peters’ sold the lot to the organization. The organization received a “significant gift” from Kim and Gary Hutchins to procure the property.
“We are forever grateful for the opportunity to build the Isaiah 117 House here on this land where we know many family Easter egg hunts and other fun family events happened. Thank you,” Ms. Thornton said. “God never ceases to amaze me when he brings people into this journey and shows up in a big way.”
Over 100 volunteers arrived at the groundbreaking ceremony. Members from the City of Georgetown and the Texas Department of Family Protective Services were also in attendance.
“Before I got this position and learned about this organization, I really didn't think about how important it was how children would enter care and those first 24 to 72 hours,” said Gina Torres, who leads child protective investigations for TDFPS. “How crucial it is that [the children] feel loved, that they feel important, and that they feel like they're safe.”
The facility will include girls’ and boys’ bedrooms with twin beds and a trundle under each bed, a well-stocked kitchen with home-baked cookies always available, bathing and laundry facilities, and outdoor play areas. Clean clothes and toys are provided. Homes are staffed 24 hours.
Ms. Throton said there are over 70 organizations that helped with the Isaiah House, with 25 construction businesses that have said yes to donating parts labor, time, talent, and all the things to build this house.
Tim Carter with AO Services, Andrew Tredemeyer with Giddens Homes, Brandon Currey with Currey Builders and Paul Goodner with Goodner Brothers Custom Homes contributed to the project.
“You don’t know how refreshing it is to make a phone call about a build, and the guys don't care about the dollars and cents,” said Tim Carter. “It's just the right thing to do. So they step up, they show up, and they do it super, super quick.”
When breaking down the numbers, several other nonprofits along with 20 churches partnered with Isaiah 117 and at least 30 other businesses or restaurants helped as well.
Director Sarah Miller said Isaiah 117 House has more than 50 locations in 12 states: Tennessee, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Virginia. She said work is just getting started.
“From my vantage point as the state director, it is an honor and a privilege to watch communities rally around this mission,” she said. “Williamson County, you know how to rally.”
The $300,000 house is scheduled to be completed late next Spring and will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its completion.
“This is the place where every child entering foster care will feel loved and welcomed and valued,” Ms. Throton said. “Every single person who walks through these red doors will feel the love of Jesus Christ, whether it's a kid, a caseworker, a volunteer or a contractor, everybody who walks in these doors is going to feel that love.”
To learn more about Isaiah 117 House or to donate and volunteer, residents can visit www.isaiah117house.com.