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HAND UP VILLAGE CONTINUES TO PROVIDE A CRITICAL PATHWAY OUT OF HOMELESSNESS IN MERCER COUNTY

Spectrum, the daily public affairs program on WCSM, recently welcomed Pastor Rick and Trish Brosher to discuss the mission, history, and day-to-day work of Hand Up Village — a faith-based transitional housing community located just outside Celina. The program, founded in 2015 on church-owned property, began with a single small cabin and has now grown to 12 units. In that time, Hand Up Village has housed approximately 350 people, offering temporary stability to residents facing homelessness, financial setbacks, medical challenges, or major life disruptions.

Pastor Rick, formerly known for his longtime leadership at Abounding Grace Church, now serves as the full-time executive director of Hand Up Village, with his wife Trish managing budgeting, savings oversight, and financial coaching for residents. The couple explained that guests typically stay for about six months — long enough to regain employment, save money, and resolve past financial burdens. Trish emphasized that most newcomers arrive with little understanding of budgeting, and part of their mission is teaching residents how to manage income responsibly and build a foundation for long-term stability.

Hand Up Village operates without government funding. Instead, the program is supported entirely by individuals, churches, and organizations throughout Mercer County. Pastor Rick noted that residents must meet clear expectations: maintain employment, attend a church of their choosing, keep shared facilities clean, and save at least half of their income in a restricted account. That savings can then be used for fines, utility back pay, a reliable used vehicle, or rental deposits needed to secure permanent housing.

The Brosher family shared stories of both challenges and successes — including former guests who overcame medical crises, escaped unsafe living conditions, or rebuilt their lives after incarceration. One resident was even able to save enough to purchase a vehicle and pay six months’ rent upfront upon leaving the program. Another early guest recently returned with her teenage son to thank Pastor Rick, showing how far their family had come since their stay.

While the need remains significant, Hand Up Village continues to maintain strong relationships with local schools, Mercer Health, counseling agencies, and Job & Family Services, all of whom contact the Brosher family when a resident needs immediate shelter. The program is almost always full, and though expansion is possible in the future, Pastor Rick notes that it would require major upgrades to facilities and infrastructure.

For now, Hand Up Village remains focused on providing opportunity — not handouts — to those working to rebuild their lives. For more information or to support the program, the Brosher family encourages the public to visit the Hand Up Village Facebook page, where contact information and donation details are available.