‘Home of Hope’ in Albion offers safe haven, chance to learn valuable trade skills

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Heidi and Andrew O’Hara pose on the porch of Trade 180’s Onesimus House at 574 East Ave. in Albion, which will open soon as a home to provide guidance and compassion and teach a trade to young men.

ALBION – A remodeled home in Albion is close to opening its doors as the Onesimus House, a ministry dedicated to helping underserved young men value themselves, their community and learn a trade.

Heidi O’Hara is executive director of Trade 180, a grassroots ministry developed out of a need in the rural communities of Orleans County and operating out of a donated building at 25 East Bank St. to help underserved young adults.

Since opening in 2021, they have made significant changes in the lives of 12 young people, including self-responsibility, work ethic, self-esteem, greater involvement in their community, building healthier relationships and baptism.

“Trade 180 refers to ‘trading your old life for a new life,’” Heidi said. “We have several retired tradesmen who are willing to work with us, including a carpenter, machinist, electrician and mason.”

At her side in development of the Onesimus House is her husband Anthony O’Hara, a nurse at BOCES.

The Onesimus House will operate out of a home owned by Harvest Christian Fellowship next door, which has donated use of the home to the new ministry. Onesimus House is a core initiative within Trade 180, but needs to raise $80,000 to staff and stock the home.

Onesimus is named after a disciple in the Bible who stole and was redeemed and sent back in his community as an active productive member, Anthony explained.

Showing off the newly-remodeled interior of the Onesimus House are Heidi and Andrew O’Hara. A benefit featuring comedians Dan Kulp and Dan Viola on May 31 at Bent’s Opera House will support the new “Home of Hope.”

When the idea for the Onesimus House was first discussed, it was during the Covid pandemic. The home was unoccupied and there was talk of tearing it down, until the idea for Onesimus House emerged.

Funds were donated by local individuals, businesses and churches to buy materials. Ace Hardware in Medina provided tools and paint, Heidi said.

“We want these youth to thrive, not just survive,” Heidi said. “Things that affect the human soul matter. Such as ‘Who am I, why am I here and where am I going.’”

Onesimus House can accommodate four young men aged 18 to 25, with a house mother.

“Young men will become less dependent on us if we train them to get a job and their own apartment,” Anthony said.

Young men can stay at Onesimus House for six to 18 months. They set their goals where they want to be at three months and six months. Some want to get a license, or an apartment and a job, Anthony said.

“If they want to get certified in a profession, we will work with them step by step,” he said. “We will help them recognize who they are as a child of God.

Youth will not only learn a trade, but life skills, such as budgeting, shopping and cooking a meal.”

“We want to make sure they leave here well grounded,” Heidi said.

“Many young people never had a family,” Anthony said. “When they become part of Trade 180, they have a family.”

“It’s a beautiful thing when you are in a family,” Heidi said. “You feel loved, accepted and wanted – and saved.”

There is a void in the community for this type of ministry, Heidi said.

Anthony said donations have come from Buffalo to Rochester. Pastor Tim Lindsay at Harvest Christian Fellowship has also been very supportive, in addition to donating use of the home.

“He is always willing to share for the community,” Heidi said.

Heidi also acknowledged support from the Risen Café on East Bank Street and other area pastors.

Men who come to Onesimus House will be given a list of area churches and they must agree to attend one.

“We not only want them to get established in their community, we want them to have an obligation to be a good citizen,” Anthony said.

“Six or seven years ago, this was only a dream,” Heidi said.

“This house is an example of steadfastness and faith,” Anthony said.

Much work still needs to be done on the outside, such as siding and landscaping, he said.

All those involved in this mission are hoping the comedy night at Bent’s Opera House will be successful. The event was the idea of Ayesha Kreutz of Medina, who has seen the comedians and highly recommends them. She said they are hilarious.

Harvest Restaurant is offering 20% off a meal that evening, and one of the hotel rooms will be raffled off during the evening.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with entertainment by jazz artist Doug Egling at 5 p.m. Comedians Dan Kulp and Dan Viola have both been seen on Dry Bar Comedy.

Tickets are $25 and are available at Della’s Chocolates, 512 Main St., Medina.