The "BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS"
AWARD

has been granted to
Joe May
on December 01, 2004

United States

Annunciation Orthodox Church in Akron, Ohio

Joe May is the founder of Matthew 25, a house of hospitality that offers transitional housing to homeless men in the Akron area. He started Matthew 25 with his father three years ago with the desire to live the Gospel in a more direct way and to follow Christ more closely.


The Akron neighborhood is racially diverse, mainly African-American, but with Asians, Hispanics and other groups well represented. It's a very poor neighborhood, with a median household income of $9300 per year. It is the town's second highest crime neighborhood.

The men who come to live at Matthew 25 include people who have no other place to go. Most of the men are in recovery from an addiction to either alcohol or crack. Many have a history of incarceration and/or mental illness. Also, many Hispanic guests come, who are usually "undocumented."

The project has the support, both financial and volunteers, of Orthodox parishes in the area. The house gives a warm welcome, good food, challenging conversation, and the sense of Christ
being present.

Nominated by
Orthodox Peace Fellowship