Exodus Homes is a nonprofit supportive housing program in Hickory, providing safe, structured, and affordable housing for individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration, addiction, or homelessness. Along with housing, we offer vocational training through our social enterprise, Exodus Works, which provides real-world job experience in landscaping, moving services, janitorial work, and food service.

Rev. Reggie Longcrier is the founder and Executive Director of Exodus Homes. His vision for Exodus came from his own lived experience of overcoming addiction and incarceration. He understood firsthand the barriers people face when trying to rebuild their lives and believed that with safe housing, employment opportunities, and a strong support system, lasting change was possible.

Exodus Homes was founded in 1998 in response to a growing need in our community for stable housing and support for individuals returning from prison, treatment programs, or the streets. Too often, these individuals had nowhere safe to go, making relapse, re-incarceration, or homelessness almost inevitable. Our founders believed that with safe housing, accountability, employment opportunities, and community support, people could not only stay out of prison but also thrive, rebuild their families, and become productive members of society. That mission still drives everything we do today.

Exodus Homes is not just a housing program. We provide a comprehensive pathway to stability, combining safe, structured housing with employment training, life skills development, and ongoing support within a single program. Many organizations address only one piece of the puzzle, but we tackle the root causes of recidivism and homelessness from every angle.

We also operate Exodus Works, our own vocational training and employment enterprise. This enables residents to earn an income, build a job history, and develop skills before re-entering the competitive job market.

Our impact is measurable. A recent study found that 90% of our residents remain out of prison two years after leaving our program, compared to a 60% recidivism rate in North Carolina. These outcomes demonstrate that our model is effective and that we are making a lasting impact on lives.

Our advice is simple: look for ways to support your neighbors, especially those rebuilding after hardship. Offer encouragement instead of judgment. Hire someone willing to work hard, even if their past isn’t perfect. Volunteer your time or share your skills. Every small act of kindness and opportunity creates a ripple that reaches farther than you can see.

Invest in your community by investing in people. We’ve learned over the years that when individuals receive a genuine second chance, access to safe housing, steady employment, and someone who believes in them, it changes more than one life. It strengthens families, reduces crime, and builds a healthier, more connected county for everyone.

Rev. Longcrier’s commitment to second chances is the heartbeat of Exodus Homes, and his example continues to inspire staff, residents, and supporters alike.

Exodus Homes

610 4th St SW

Hickory, NC, 28603

(828) 324-4870