Question: What began with three orphaned infants and two borrowed rooms? It is the story of De Pelchin Faith Home. Kezia Payne DePelchin took those children in 1892. No other accommodations were available at that time.
Kezia cared for them. She used her personal earnings and donations from caring Houstonians. On May 2, 1892, she moved the children into a small rented house. She christened it “Faith Home”.
Sadly, Kezia died one year later. The Houston community embraced her vision. They adopted the home and helped it grow. Kezia’s supporters included Captain James Baker. They secured a Charter of Incorporation. This formally continued her mission.
Ruth House was one of Kezia’s friends and supporters. She became the first President of De Pelchin Faith Home’s Board of Directors. Martha Payne was Kezia’s niece. She was hired as its first paid matron.
Monetary donations supported De Pelchin Faith Home. In-kind donations of food, goods and services also helped.
By the turn of the century, awareness increased. Construction began on a new facility in 1899. It was located at Chenevert and Pierce streets. The two-story brick building included gas fixtures. It also had running water and a modern bathroom. The cost was $11000.
The second site housed children for over a decade. By 1909, nearly 50 children were in care. The Board of Directors recognized a need for expansion.
The Levy family donated five lots in 1913. The location was on Albany and Dennis streets. This became the site of De Pelchin Faith Home for 25 years.
In 1922, the cost of caring for a child was about $26 per month. Some 28 employees provided shelter. They also gave food, clothing, education and loving care. Approximately 250 children were served. De Pelchin was supported by the Houston Community Chest. Today it is known as the United Way of Greater Houston.
Ben Taub secured a PWA grant. This was for the construction of a new facility. It was on 12 acres of wooded land next to Shepherd Drive. The fourth site of De Pelchin Faith Home cost $205000. It opened on September 13, 1938 and is still the current location.
Houston was divided by race in the 1930s. There was a gap in resources for African American children. De Pelchin’s Board of Directors responded. They opened the Negro Child Center. It was the first center to offer residential and foster care services.
In 1946, the United States entered World War II. The number of children and families needing services increased. A report stated the agency served nearly 2000 children. Many came from homes affected by death or divorce. Others faced separation, desertion or illness.
In addition to academic studies, children received useful life skills. These included cooking and woodworking. Prayers were part of the daily ritual.
In 1983, De Pelchin Faith Home changed its name. It became De Pelchin Children’s Center. This reflected the organization’s identity. It was now a multi-disciplinary agency.
In 1998, De Pelchin established the Kezia De Pelchin Award. It honors individuals with an outstanding record of service to children and families.
On May 2, 2017, De Pelchin celebrated its 125th anniversary. Thousands of children and families have been blessed by Kezia De Pelchin’s legacy.
De Pelchin continues to evolve. It addresses the changing needs of children and families in Texas. Its history is a testament to the enduring power of compassion. It shows the commitment to serving the most vulnerable in our community. De Pelchin provides hope and healing. It has done so for over a century.