To meet the need for foster care in Texas, Isaiah 117 House, a Christian nonprofit with locations across the U.S., has plans to expand into Harris County.
Jordan Lewis, volunteer expansion coordinator for Isaiah 117 House in Harris County and member of South Main Baptist Church in Houston, said the nonprofit has 65 locations across the U.S., including six counties in Texas, and one house shared between Walker and Montgomery County.
“There’s estimated 5,405 confirmed cases of abuse and neglect in 2025 just for Harris County alone,” Lewis said. “And that’s not the entire state. The need is massive. Our department is working extra hard … to come alongside and meet their needs and meet the children’s needs.”
Isaiah 117 House’s beginnings
In 2014, Ronda Paulson, founder and executive director of Isaiah 117 House, and her husband were training to become foster parents.
“As part of our training, we attended a class at the Washington County, Tenn., Department of Children’s Services office in Johnson City, Tenn. During that class, we were informed that when children are removed from their homes, they often must come to the DCS office and wait for placement,” Paulson said.
“As I looked around the cubicle-filled space, I couldn’t imagine a scared child sitting in such a sterile, cold environment, waiting to learn their fate. That is when I believe God put on my heart the Isaiah 117 House.”
Isaiah 117 House was inspired by Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
“I believe that is what God was calling me to do,” Paulson said.
Overall, Isaiah 117 House focuses on changing the experience between a child’s removal from home and subsequent placement in foster care.
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What makes Isaiah 117 House distinct
Isaiah 117 House focuses on the period immediately after a child is removed from their home and before a foster or other placement is found.
Instead of waiting in a child-welfare office, children can stay in a safe, comfortable, home-like environment while caseworkers work to find an appropriate placement.
The houses are designed to feel like homes rather than institutions. They provide bedrooms, kitchens, toys, games, food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and other necessities.
Children also have opportunities to make simple choices about activities, food, and how they spend their time, giving them a sense of control during a period when many decisions are made for them.
Isaiah 117 House also supports caseworkers and foster families. Caseworkers have space to complete their work while children receive care.
Children can leave with clothing, hygiene supplies, toys, and other necessities for their next placement. Foster families may also receive help preparing for a child’s arrival.
The model relies heavily on local community involvement. Volunteers and supporters help operate the houses, provide meals and supplies, maintain facilities, and support child-welfare workers.
Isaiah 117 House turns an uncertain waiting period into a safer, more supportive, home-like experience while also supporting caseworkers and families involved in the transition.
Kickoff event
Isaiah 117 House will host a community-wide kickoff event at South Main Baptist Church in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3:30 p.m.
The event will introduce the awareness campaign for Isaiah 117 House in Harris County and will feature a presentation from Isaiah 117 House officials.
South Main Baptist Church in Houston is one of many churches and organizations across Texas and the nation Isaiah 117 House partners with to coordinate foster care initiatives.
“We encourage everyone, whether you are simply curious about our services, or know you are ready to get involved, to join us as we take this exciting next step in this community,” Paulson said.
Anyone interested in supporting, volunteering, or partnering with Isaiah 117 House can contact the Harris County team at [email protected] for more information.
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