Candy's Warming House is a transitional housing for women who are recovering from various personal problems. They do not have a place to live, so this shared home will give them what they need to get a job and be able to move on to supporting themselves. For those who have left abusive home lives, had drug problems, have lost jobs because they do not have the education they need, or have no family to help them get a start in life, this home will provide them with what they need. To apply for a job, they need to have an address for the application. From there, they need to be able to shower, wash clothes, and get the rest they need to show up ready to work. In addition to providing the basics for the women in this shared facility, we have volunteers who are going to be teaching them skills they need to provide for themselves and progress in life. Mentors who have education and experience in offices, schools, restaurants, etc., will be offering guidance to further their education. The house is partially completed. It will house 12 women with shared living and kitchen space.

We know these transitional homes work because Ricky has helped set up several in Ashtabula for men and also advised other small towns and cities to set up spaces for their unhoused population. Ashtabula has a homeless problem, not as bad as many big cities. There are people who want to help the disadvantaged get out of the life of poverty, but there are also some who want them gone but offer no assistance or solution. We have the solution and unpaid volunteers to do the work; we just need funds for the materials to finish the home so it can be used to change lives for years in the future. The more people we help, the faster our city will prosper from them. They will not be a drain on finances; they will not be sleeping in the park or on the streets; they will be providing for themselves and paying taxes like every other self-supporting individual.

A problem does not fix itself. A problem does not get fixed, and a person does not get well without a plan. We all have a past. Some maybe not so good, but people do change. A time doing drugs, in jail or prison, or any other social problem should not be held against anyone forever. People do change, especially after time in jail or prison where they have missed the birth of their child or the death of their grandmother. Priests, nuns, and pastors regularly visit prisoners to encourage them to be responsible once they leave prison. Those of us called to help others stand with them as they turn their life around. Let us set that encouragement and assistance in motion with the first twelve women to share life in this home. Our opening date is scheduled for October 2025, so please help us by donating to our efforts to elevate women in need. Thank you very much.

Co-chairs, Carol Valitsky, Candy McCoy, Ricky Turner, and the board of Ricky Turner Ministries

Ricky Turner Ministry is a non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization