People in the SJ: Jeani Bockelman

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"I figure, the edge of my porch was the field, and it was given to them," she said. "The poor have a right to live somewhere."

Now, eggshell-blue steps lead up to the covered porch, the namesake of Jeani's mission. Four pillars, faded peach in color, and birdhouses of various sizesâ€" projects completed by her residents â€" adorn the front facade. Three finches roost in a tall white birdhouse, shaped like a church steeple, outside the front door. Towering clematis borders one side of the porch.

A letterboard sign outside the house reads, "With God, all things are possible."

Inside Our Father's Porch, it's close to dinnertime. During meals, Jeani is adamant that all the residents sit down together with her, family-style.

She walks into the kitchen to prepare the salad and slice her homemade bread, a new recipe she's trying out, unleavened bread. Under the cover of food permeates the scent of a potted Easter lily.

A current resident, Joseph Stewart, 28, peeks his head into the kitchen.

"Would you like me to set out the bowls?" he asks.

Jeani nods and thanks him. She scoops chili into bowls.

Co-founder Dennis Dickinson sips a mug of coffee.

"It's just right here, what we do," says Dennis, waving a hand to the dining table.

Dennis met Jeani through their church, Salem Vineyard. Dennis, a recovering gambling addict, provides counseling for the men, financial and emotional support for Jeani when he's not at his full-time job.

Everyone holds hands as Jeani says grace. Jeani's chili is praised around the table.

Joseph says he used to take turns with Jeani cooking dinner, but is now attending Chemeketa Community College, as well as attending treatment.

"By Jeani opening her door to people like me, it gives them an opportunity to do something with themselves," Joseph says.

Stories of new opportunities aren't limited to Joseph.

Jerry De La Rosa, 53, stayed at Our Father's Porch for one year. He moved out last October and works full time, attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and goes to church. Jeani taught him about God, he says, about hope and most importantly, listened to him when he struggled with his alcoholism.