Our History

Kurt Salierno is the Founder and Executive Director of My Father's House Visalia. Kurt began ministry to the homeless over 40 years ago. He has seen hundreds of men and women move from addiction, homelessness and prison to productive and fruitful lives.

Kurt lived on the streets in his late teens and early twenties. His heart for God led him and protected him as he walked Burnside Street in Portland, Oregon, encountering a community of people foreign to him. A homeless community that was less than welcoming. Most were defensive, violent and closed due to many factors. Addiction, poverty, abuse was their reality and it had hardened them. They didn't trust God, they blamed God. Kurt's hunger to spread God's love to this forgotten population became his ministry. Each day he shared the truth of God's unconditional love and grace assuring them nothing they have done can separate them from God's love.

With the support of students from Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon, Kurt started feeding the homeless and having outdoor church services called "Church on The Street" which expanded to over 40 programs around the country. Kurt's many experiences were not exclusive to skid row. People of all walks of life, no matter if they live under a bridge or in a mansion have struggles and ALL need God. His ministry has taken him all over the world from scrubbing toilets with Mother Teresa, leading teams at a children's orphanage in Peru as well as his own back yard.

Kurt is an example that God uses the weak to show His strength. As a severe stutterer, he knows the struggle of "being different." Kurt has been humbled to reach thousands in Gd's ministry and continues in his hometown with My Father's House Visalia.

In Visalia, Kurt and Pam have homes that provide sober living housing for those out of prison, homelessness and addiction. They receive no government money as they require, as a part of their program, that the men be a part of a church, tithe, work and save money. All of which are not popular to this current government.

Kurt has also written 5 books chronicling his experiences, of which there are many! Living On Skid Row, Saddle Soar, Mercy Beyond Measure, Giving to The Least of These and Mother's Hope.