The 18th Avenue Peace House began in early 1986 as a joint effort of seven of us who were also involved in the formation of Metanoia Peace Community United Methodist Church. After agreeing with Bruce and Ann Huntwork to move toward the formation of an income-sharing household, John and Pat Schwiebert arranged for the purchase of what was then a vacant, neglected “white elephant.” Howard Willits and Brandt and Lynda Moore soon joined the household. We were supported in this venture by 27 other friends who made small, short-term loans to provide the cash need to acquire the property.

In April of 1987, after most of the work had been completed and the loans repaid with funds from the sale of property own by the Schwieberts and the Huntworks, the property was deeded as a gift to Metanoia Peace Community, and the residents became stewards of the property, rather than owners, thus making clear that this venture was no private investment, but the vehicle for an on-going ministry to a larger public constituency.