Fourteen years ago, Eastside Academy and BelPres Church came together around a simple belief: that young people seeking change should not have to do that work without a safe place to call home. Out of that shared conviction, Renew Housing was born.
For more than a decade, Renew provided stability, belonging, accountability, and grace for students who needed support beyond the school day, changing lives and opening new futures.
After an extended season of discernment, Eastside Academy and BelPres have jointly decided that the Renew Housing program will conclude operations on June 30, 2026.
The current residents will be transitioning either into college dorms or into safe and stable residential homes.
This decision reffects three emerging realities:
• Changing student needs difier signiflcantly from when Renew began.
• Sustainability pressures related to staffing, insurance, and operations
• New licensing requirements from the State created additional uncertainty and complexity to an already strained model
This is not a retreat from mission, and it is not a sign of organizational struggle. It is a strategic decision to close this chapter well, honoring what Renew has accomplished and creating space to reimagine how students are best supported.
Renew was pioneering work. We are deeply grateful for the students who trusted us with their stories, and for the staff, volunteers, donors, congregation members, and partners who made this work possible.
As this chapter closes, four things remain true:
• Eastside Academy’s mission and commitment to students remain strong
• BelPres remains a strong and committed ministry partner for EA
• Renew’s impact is real and lasting
• What we have learned will shape what comes next.
This is the end of a chapter, but it is not the end of the story.
A new chapter begins! We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Aaron Monts has been appointed as Eastside Academy’s new Executive Director!
Under his leadership, EA is entering a season of growth, transformation, and expanded impact––ensuring every student has the support, education, and encouragement they need to thrive.
The future is bright, and this is just the beginning!
