About US

The late Bishop Willie J. Marbury had a dream. He had watched too many men go through a drug treatment program only to return to the same crime-filled, drug infested neighborhoods where they eventually succumbed to the temptation to use and relapsed into addiction. 

He envisioned a Christ-centered recovery program connected with his church. But it wouldn’t just be a support group; he dreamed of buying a home to offer housing for up to a year for men set free of addiction.  It would be a positive environment where they could gain stability and support while working and saving money preparing to return to the community, this time as productive citizens.

In 1989, he met Fred Buford, who had found Christ and freedom from an addiction to crack cocaine while in a program at the VA Hospital. Fred, along with his wife Gussie, shared Marbury's vision. Together, they started the Emmanuel Promise of Hope ministry and began raising money for the house they hoped to buy one day.

In 1995, Bishop Marbury and Fred found a perfect piece of property close to the church near E. 60th and St. Clair. The oversized lot had one single-family and two double homes on it. The asking price of $65,000 was a good deal; the only problem was they didn't have much money. 

Several month later, Fred, was working as a counselor at the City Mission, was in his office speaking with Mark Mainor. Mark had previously participated in The City Mission Crossroads recovery program, but he had dropped out and relapsed.

Mark had returned with family members and former employer Bill Manning to see if there was a chance he could re-enter the program. That day, many issues were brought out in the open and the healing process began in Mark's life.

As Bill prepared to leave, he handed Fred his business card and offered his assistance. Three weeks late, Bill helped secure the aforementioned property for just $60,000 and Emmanuel Village was established. 

Bay Presbyterian raised funds, and men and women from the church came down to join with members of Emmanuel to rehab the houses. Later, a board was formed and its members contributed more funds and sought local foundation grants to thoroughly renovate and furnish all three homes on the property. 

EPOH has served hundreds of men and women through Christ-centered support groups, mentoring, life skills assistance, and much love. Many have accepted Jesus Christ and have been delivered from their bondage to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Many men and women have moved on to purchase their own homes, vehicles, set up their apartments, become active in their local churches and communities, and reunited with their families. EPOH has a success rate of about 70%.