The executive director of Beacon of Hope recently took those ideals a step further. He shared them with Jennifer Dutcher, associate professor of humanities and art coordinator at Iowa Central Community College, and the mural depicting what the men’s shelter has meant to so many was born into life.

“There are so many different samples of art work in Fort Dodge,” he said when asked about the original Beacon of Hope idea. “There are mission pieces and so forth. We know a homeless shelter isn’t a particularly favorite place.

“I knew we could try and do something that could show what we are and have been wanting to accomplish for the community,” he added. “The mural really embodies what we do. It shows the key facets of our shelter which are body, mind and spirit leading to restoration. Jennifer and her students did a wonderful job. We couldn’t stop looking at the proof they gave us, and then, in one month, it was on the big building next to us.”

The shelter at 1021 First Ave. N. has been in existence for 14 years, according to Bidleman.

“We are a Christian shelter for men only,” he said. “Our first goal is getting individuals having problems off the street. Once they make the decision to come to us, we get them cleaned up, have a new bed to sleep in and provide meals and counseling.”

“It’s all standard shelter services in the beginning,” he added. “From there we discuss ‘Yes, now you’re off the street, but how do we keep off your habit and focus on the way to get their lives turned around.’ The old phrase of it not being a sprint, but a marathon, is appropriate. I’ve seen it where men are worked with for a while and then put in an apartment with a job and money and unfortunately, although the intentions were good, the addiction is still there, so they go right back.”

According to Bidleman, around 2,500 men have benefited from the Beacon of Hope services.

“We average around 40 at any given time in our facility,” he said. “We keep ourselves within a 60-mile radius. We’re just trying to spread positive light to the men who come here.”