History
The Original House of Compassion
The Hands of Compassion is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides short-term housing accommodations to Mayo clinic patients and their caregivers.
Overseen by the Rochester Church of Christ in Rochester, Minnesota, the Hands of Compassion is a missions-minded, benevolent work. The ministry touches the lives of many people who are experiencing pain, illness, and suffering. Many guests are emotionally and physically drained, financially burdened, and their faith is being tested.
As early as 1950, church members were housing and providing services for visitors with medical challenges. In 1979, Dennis Riddle was hired as a minister to serve clinic patients. He coined the name Hands of Compassion for the ministry that year. In April of 1985, a dream was fulfilled with the purchase of a six-bedroom house, appropriately named “The House of Compassion.” In August of 2007, a second house with six bedrooms was added. The houses are open to all on a first call, first serve basis.
Read Gladys Willis’ (one of the founders of HOC) story and listen to an interview with her as she talks about how the Hands of Compassion ministry began.
Over 50% of the house guests, including those served in the hospitals, are not members of the church of Christ. Through the efforts of the full-time hospital chaplain and the house parents, many have renewed or have even found faith here at the Hands of Compassion.
No charges are imposed upon people for staying in the house; however, affordable contributions are accepted and appreciated.