February 09, 2015

The Shepherd House3010 Columbus St. (SE)Albany, Oregon 97322

bear Opportunist,Transitional housing has great momentum, designed to support anybody wanting to

apply additions and difference to their life.A year ago I felt the need for group living with accountability, I found it at a faith-

based home, united The Shepherd House, The Shepherd House has a set of morals, ethiCS,principles, policies and procedures that differ from local transitional housing.

When I moved into The Shepherd House; the structure and connection between·co-tenants and Jesus Christ allowed me to rocus and re-connect with my higher power. When Iadmitted myself to the path of Jesus Christ, I noticed lost goals folding Into completed tasks.I was able to look at my finances, educational goals, health issues, social identities and track .each area in my life with love, faith and well being.

My story involves recovering from substance abuse. My life hit rock-bottom prior tofinding The Shepherd House. When I moved in, I also entered a program identifying mybehaviors, allergens, and teaching me how to problem solve certain cross-roads. At thatmoment in my life I had a lot to commit to, a lot to change, and change was a fear of mine.Subconsciously I was full of fear, consdously I was ready for change, ready for more love inmy life. These changes were.a blessing in diSguise. I had no more life todestroy, everythingin my life had slowly dissolved, even my family. Jesus, faith-based housing, and substance 'abuse tutorials was my only light from the darkness, a recipe for a chance to live. I had tosurrender. I had to listen and not speak. I had to utilize my resources in front of me. I hadto love. My new perception guided me successfully through aUchallenges I endeavored. Irecommend Jesus to anybody that feels they could use more awareness, understanding andlove in their life. Cleansed from all mind-altering-substances for over a year has given me theability to appredate Him with real clarity, without Him I couldn'thave done it: Without TheShepherd House I couldn't comprehend today. I'm grateful for life. I'm grateful for TheShepherd House. I'm grateful for what my future beholds. I recommend The Shepherd Houseto anybody that wants to live in a sateborne, an accountable home; a home where you canlearn and grow with fellow students, a home with a spiritual foundation.

Thank you for reading my testimony.Best Regards,

C.Chuck M.

Dale Brown02109/15

To Whom It May Concern;

My name is Dale Brown. I have lived in the Shepard House for over a year now. Before.

moving in, I was homeless and struggling to find my way. Over the past year, my life has

improved greatly. I am currently working on acquring my GED, and I am a highly active member

of my church, engaging in a variety of service work, for the church and for the community. I will

soon be joining the church on missions and look forward to the challenges and opportunlties

that presents. All of this would not have been possible without the love and support of Jon

Phelps, Peter Martin, and the Shepard Rouse. lam truly grateful and I am excited for what the

future holds. Thank you and God bless.

1

Matt Ferguson3010 Columbus St. SE

Altiany, OR 9'T3Z2(541)791-7370

To Whom It May Concern; -

My name is Matthew Ferguson and I would like to take this opportu-nity to share a little about my

experiences with regards to the Shepard House. Prior to arriving at the Shepard House, I, like so many

others, was going through a very dark and difficult time in my life. I had spent the past few years lost and

-confused, wandering, homeless and with no dear direction. Finally, after far too long, Imade the decision

to ask for help.

Iwaited at C.H.A.N.C.E.while John Phelps contacted Peter Martin about the possibility of my

interviewing with the Shepard House. Despite having seen me come- and go over the past year and

knowing the state Iwas in, Mr. Phelps didn't even blink an eye. He showed great compassion, as he always

does, and got in touch with Mr. Martin immediately. I had no idea what to expect, but to my surprise, Mr.

Martin appeared only minutes later. like John, Pete didn't hesitate, but showed great compassion. He

drove me to the House, where I interviewed and was accepted.

I have now resided in the Shepard House for fifteen months and my life has changed

dramatically. Pete and John are both dear friends, as are the men I live with. We are all working

individually, and together, to better ourselves and our lives. We are, each of us, strengthening our

relationships with Jesus and have been blessed to be a part of a Christ centered home like the Shepard

House. This has greatly enhanced our success and effectiveness in positively changing our lives. Iam

forever greatful to God, for having such grand and mysterious plans, and for involving in those plans, the

opportunity to meet and know Peter Martin and John Phelps, as well as all of my housemates. Pete and

John do so much more than people know to bring love and happiness to others' lives, and the Shepard

House, along with all of God Gear Inc., will always have my respect, admiration, gratitude and friendship;

Without them, Iwould not be here today.

I thank you very much for taking the time to read this and hope that it has helped to show what

an important and special opportunity these amazing people have provided for our community. God bless

and good day.

Sincerely,

~.o4;{o--Matthew Ferguson

1

Cory Thoma02/09/15

To Whom It May Concern;

My name is Cory Thoma. I moved into the Shepard House on 11/10/13. I feel that is

when I was given a second chance at life. Before moving in, I was homeless, had a hard time

staying clean and sober, had an open DHS case and was lost in every aspect •.In the time I have

lived here I·have all of my problems resolved and my faith in Christ has never been stronger. It is

a true blessing. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Igive thanks to the Lord, Peter

Martin and Jon Phelps.

Sincerely,

Cory Thoma

1

Shephard House Client

To whom it may concern:

My name is Christopher and the shepard househas saved my life- and has been a blessing to my -Ufe. My landlords and housemates are excellentpeop-Ie and have-been a great influence in my_life.

twas recently locked up in linn county and thepeople here were nice enough to give me achance and a place to live to becomesuccessful •.

.'\Sincerly, Christoph1\_ _...../\j ~....- /.11 ~ -I

.I Ij YVi)

1

3I •••••• Er TIE SHIFT 1298BmStSwAlbany. Oregon 97321

T 5.41491-9356F 54t·9263478neaIOdiscoyertheslp1t·com-.dic. WI1htshiff CPJB

To whom it may concern.

I am one of the teaching pastors of The Shift Clut:h.1 met Pete Martin and Jon PhJeps overfouryears agowhen they both began attending The Shift. 0Ver1he last couple of years I have witnessed a calling on their 6vesto help those in transition and/or need. nhas been a blessing to watch God Gear inc., The Shepherd's House,and now The Sparrow House not only exist but flourish and thrive. Pete and Jon pour their heart and soul intOthese homes and the results speak for themselves. These homes are among the best transition faciBties In in theMid-VaDey and are on a trajectory to continue a pattern of care and rehabilitation to those in need.

The elders ofTbe Shift support and offer biblical counsel to the leadership of God Gear and IruIy offer our en-dorsement of this minisby.

Smcerely yours,

Neal MCKinney

David A. Bella, Ph.D.3295 NW Charmyr Vista Dr.

COrvallis. OR 97330541-753-0020

bellacd@peak.org

February 7,2015

BretDixonSenior Loan SpecialistUSDA Rural Development31978 North Lake Creek DriveTangent, OR 97389

Re: Purchase of Property at 989 Kees Street, Lebanon, OR

Dear Mr. Dixon,

Iam writing to you concerning the application-of Peter Martin for ruralDevelopment financing.

ihave known Peter Martin since 2011. We have talked often of theprogram God's Gear for transitional housing for men. Ihave an interest andsome experien~ in programs such as this. I believe I can provide aknowledgeable recommendation. .

First. I have been.favorably impressed with the character, dedication, andcompetence of Peter Martin. I have seen him provide much-needed mentoringfor young men both at the gym he owns and on the football field where he servesas a referee for 9 man football games. He is finn and fair. He has the respect ofthose he works with and oversees.

Second, Ican say from some experience that there is a real need fortransitional housing for men in this area.

In brief, Iextend the highest recommendation for the support of PeterMartin in this important work. If you have any questions, feel free to contact meat the number above.

Sincerely,

February 10, 2015

RE: God Gear Houses

To Whom It May Concern:

·1have been working in the community fur a number of years as an alcohol and drug

counselor as well as my service work with a recovery center. Traditionally there have not

been a lot of options for recovery housing in the East Linn area which would include the

Lebanon and Sweet Home areas. Having worked with God Gear and their transitional

housing options for those in recovery Iam confident 1hat they will do amazing work in

the Lebanon area by supporting transitional housing"pt the community for those who are

seeking recovery. There are no options for those in reCovery that are in need of clean and

sober housing in the Lebanon area at this time. I look forward to the news that clients

will have a better success rate in treatment and recovery with the new option of

transitional housing in the Lebanon Oregon community.

Sincerely yours,

Michelle Y. Shannon, BS, CADC I

michelleyshannon@live.com

~.~~

238 3rd Ave SE PO Box 1256Albany OR, 97321

Phone: 541-791-3411 Fax: 541-791-3423

February 10, 2015

To whom it may concern

Re: Case for support of transitional housing in Unn County

There is a vast need for transitional housing in Unn County. Oregon. On a daily basis, we serve apopulation that struggles with basic needs. One of the major needs is affordable andtransitional housing. There is simply, not enough transitional housing available in Unn County,especially in east Unn County. We have a large homeless population to start with, then to addthe need for mental health housing. dean and sober housing and housing for those coming outof the correction facilities and parole and probation, the need is just so great. There are simplynot enough beds in Unn County to serve the need.

Here at C.HAN.C.E., we do case manage housing for Unn County Alcohol and Drug and DrugCourt, and try to assist with housing needs and offer help to for those individuals that don't fitwith in the Drug and Alcohol model, or don't meet the criteria for housing. Often the individualis left to fend for their own, as we don't have enough beds in the traditional housing that wecan offer, or the individual won't make it at one of the other transitional houses in Albany dueto mental health needs, or they have a criminal background that prohibits getting into one ofthe group homes or a place of their own. There are so many barriers that stand in the way ofpeople getting basic needs met.

They just need a chance. If we offer them a chance, we can change lives and make ourcommunity a better place. .

C.H.A.N.C.E. would support every opportunity that would allow additional housing to serve theneeds that ends homelessness in our community. We see firsthand the need for transitionalhousing. Addition housing will change the dynamic of our community and would allow peopleto be successful in their recovery programs and achieve a sense of self-worth and wellbeingthat only housing security can bring.

FondlYI\j ~~;. C·~~vD1J~C:r<---

Jeff BlackfordExecutive Director