Our Journey
2012-2015
Planning the End from the Beginning
2016-2017
Securing the
Property
2018-2020
Building the Foundation
2021-2023
Setbacks and Challenges
2024-Present
Residential Occupancy and Pressing Onward
The House Of Redemption's Timeline
Planning the End from the Beginning | 2012-2015
Fall 2012
● Founder and Executive Director, Rev. Cynthia F. Burse, began work on her Doctor of Ministry degree, concentration, “Prisons,
Public Policy and Transformative Justice”
2013–2015
● 2013-2015: Fundraising and planning conversations regarding the construction of a container home. In May, Rev. Dr. Cynthia F.
Burse completed her degree
Securing the Property | 2016-2017
2016
● June: Initial meeting with Columbus Landbank regarding purchase of parcel number 010-033647
● July: Signed Architect Concept Design Proposal
● December: Received preliminary construction costs with Contractor (Hamilton Construction)
2017
● January-April: Proof of funding submitted and building contracts drafted
● May: Met with Area Commission Members
● June: Received letter from Columbus Landbank approving parcel purchase. Property survey completed
● July: During open hearing, received formal approval from Columbus City Council for construction project
● August: Closed on parcel 010-033647
● September-December: Building contract signed
Building the Foundation | 2018-2020
2018
● January: Construction drawings submitted to Columbus Building Department. THOR featured in Columbus Dispatch news article
● February: Conditional building permit received
● May: Received tap cards for water and sewer
● June-December: Containers delivered. Site excavation and footing work began
2019
● March: Inspection of footers approved
● September: Contractor delays
2020
● February: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused widespread supply chain disruptions and operational
shutdowns
● July-November: Gravel and concrete delivery and application
● December: Containers placed on the foundation
Setbacks and Challenges | 2021-2023
2021
● May-July: Containers fabricated
● August: Attempts to resolve Contractor problems
● September: Formal contractor complaint submitted to Columbus Building Department. Architect Drawing Revisions/Building
Permit changes
2022
● January: Contract signed with new contractor
● August: New containers delivered in Cleveland, OH for fabrication
2023
● May-June: New containers delivered to Columbus site. Roof, windows, and siding installed
● October: Executive Director of THOR, Rev. Cynthia Burse, became the official Contractor**
● November-December: Violations addressed and corrected. Steel report obtained and truss deficits corrected. Insulation installed
by Koala Insulation and thermostat installed by Sub Zero Heating & Air Conditioning. Plumbing issues addressed. Skirt boards
installed and backfill completed. Debris removed from the yard
Residential Occupancy and Pressing Onward | 2024-Present
2024
● January: Drywall installed by Olympic Drywall
● February-April: Kitchen equipment and cabinets installed. Bathroom shower, toilet, and sink installation completed. Interior
doors installed. Door and base molding installed. Caulking completed. Stone walkway installed in front and back
● April-May: Final inspections completed
● June: Occupancy permit received
● July-September: Resident applications reviewed
● October: First resident moves in!
2025
● June-Successful Financial Review of THOR
2026
● July: Began work to establish a broad community alliance
*In 2023, The House of Redemption received a settlement from Hamilton Rebuilder/Remodeler, Columbus, Ohio
+In April 2026, judgment was granted to The House of Redemption by the Columbus, OH Court of Common Pleas against Contractor Defendant Container Homes, USA, LLC, Cleveland, OH
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Statement of Faith
The GOD of Creation, who extends love to all who would receive it, has built The House of Redemption on redeeming and consecrated ground, and GOD’s Grace is made visible every time THOR builds a house that becomes a home.