Thomas House was founded in 1986 by a group of private citizens for the specific purpose of assisting homeless families with children. The shelter has been in continual existence since that time and remains dedicated to assisting homeless families. Several of the founders continue to serve on the all-volunteer board of directors.

The original shelter consisted of one apartment and has continued to grow since then. On January 31, 2003 Thomas House closed escrow on the two buildings which it had partially occupied since 1987, increasing the number of apartments to 18 with the purchase.

All clients of the shelter are formerly homeless families, both one and two parent, with children. Clients are referred to the shelter by social service organizations, religious groups, other shelters, past residents, a telephone hot-line and word-of-mouth.

Thomas House has an active fund raising committee which has a program consisting of grant writing, fund raisers, newsletter solicitations, and contact with community and religious groups. Thomas House is a member of several collaboratives which have been successful in obtaining funding for programs associated with the shelter. These efforts have been successful in the past and will continue in the future.

Thomas House Temporary Shelter has provided services to homeless families since 1987 and has continued to introduce new services to clients as funding permits. Thomas House has the experience, management, staff, volunteer network and community support necessary to continue operation of the shelter in the foreseeable future.

"Thank you for helping us to learn to be independent and to believe in ourselves. You understood our situation...thank you. During our time at Thomas House, we learned that we can do it on our own. God bless all of you at Thomas House. ”
- A Thomas House Mom and Dad and Their Three Children