This is the story of Dion Watts. A native of Fairfield, Dion now serves as Urban Hope’s director of ministries.

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Dion Watts grew up in a single-parent home marked by poverty, welfare, and public housing. As the oldest child, he instinctively tried to protect and provide, yet life felt directionless. At sixteen, tragedy struck—their uninsured home burned down, leaving the family homeless and desperate. In that moment of helplessness, Dion cried out to God, asking for help and guidance.
God answered through the generosity of local churches, which provided shelter, food, clothing, and transportation. Their compassion stabilized Dion’s family and revealed God’s provision through His people—a turning point in Dion’s life.
Later, God opened the door for Dion to attend college, where he began confronting the destructive patterns that had plagued his family. Determined to break the cycle, he pursued a life of faithfulness and got married with a desire to honor God. Yet without a model for godly manhood, he struggled.
That’s when Pastor Alton Hardy entered his life. Alton became a spiritual father, pointing Dion to Scripture and discipling him into a stronger Christian, husband, and leader. Through this mentorship, Dion came to know God as a faithful Father—one who provides, protects, and redeems.
Today, Dion is serves as an elder and staff member at Urban Hope Community Church, sharing the same love and hope that once restored him and is happily married with two children.​