The old graystone mansion, out of time and place with its neighbors on the busy corner, men idling on its porch, having a smoke.

You might have heard the rumors, passed on in a distasteful whisper, "It's a half-way house," or "A bunch of drug addicts live there."

Though the rumors touch on the truth, in reality the John Taylor House serves as a home, and a family, for men struggling to overcome their past in hopes of finding a future.

The house was originally built in 1891 by LDS apostle John W. Taylor, the son of LDS Church President John Taylor, to house his large polygamous family. Since then, it has been the mayor's mansion, a boarding house, a home for wayward women and a nursing home.

It now serves as a low-cost boarding home for men, complete with all household necessities and three meals a day.

The men who live there have all fallen on hard times. Their troubles run the gamut of mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction, prison time and plain hard luck. For managing trustee Lon Scow, the house fulfills a Christian mission to help those in need.

Scow donates countless hours and thousands of dollars to the home each year. He also teaches the success training program, a once-a-week class where residents learn skills to succeed in life. By attending the classes and helping with household chores, residents can have their rent reduced by as much as $175 each month.

Peggy Hepsak, the home's executive assistant and surrogate mom, calls the program a win-win situation. Besides having extra money each month, the residents learn to contribute and take pride in where they live.

"They should feel important," Hepsak said, explaining the absence of self-worth is often a contributing factor to residents' past troubles.

For the residents, that feeling of self-worth and the support of others can be a huge help on the road to recovery. Barbara Sidener, a case manager for Valley Mental Health, said the house provides hope and a safe harbor for her clients.

"It keeps their dignity, it brings back their respect for self," Sidener said. "If they have an opening, I jump on it."

Sidener particularly likes that Hepsak is always willing to take a chance on someone.

Robert Carter said Sidener and the John Taylor House saved his life. He came to the house after battling drug and alcohol addiction. He has been clean for 8 months, the first time he has been off alcohol since 1991. He finds support in his housemates and likes being surrounded by people who understand him and the challenges he faces.

For others, like Michael Chadwick, affordability is the biggest draw. Chadwick pays half of his monthly income to child support, leaving him with little for living expenses. Though he would like to get his own place, he said the house is a good way to transition back to society after his stint in prison.

Having so many men - the house can accommodate up to 24 - all living together with shared rooms and little privacy, can be chaotic at times. Luckily, Scott Christian Bauer is around to keep the peace.

Though Bauer's title is administrative assistant, he also functions as fraternity house mother. In his private room on the third floor, he is the house's eyes and ears, making sure rules are obeyed and residents get along.

The list of rules is extensive, and keeps growing as problems arise.

Repeat rule-breakers risk being kicked out of the house, and half of the residents were ousted in Bauer's first six months. He admits the house can be chaotic and frustrating, but he has learned to "separate the sin from the sinner" when it comes to discipline.

A house resident since 2003, Bauer has the job skills to find outside employment, but stays at John Taylor because he knows he is making a difference.

Though money is often tight in the house, residents are always fed and clothed. The house has arrangements with Utah Food Bank and Deseret Industries for food and clothes, but most of the funding comes from rent and donations.

The house gained 501(c)3 nonprofit status years ago, and Scow said last year there was $15 left over after paying all the bills. The money was put back into the general checking account used to buy household items.

The house has hosted hundreds of men through the years. Some stop for a short time on a the way to new lives, while for others the John Taylor House is a final destination.

One resident has lived there since 1999.

Though life in the house can be frustrating and funds are always stretched to the limits, for Scow and Hepsak the hard work is worth it. As long as they can make it work, "my guys," as Hepsak calls her brood, will have a home full of understanding and love.

kdrake@sltrib.com

The John Taylor House is in constant need of donations. Common household items and food are always needed, as is cash for home improvements and necessities. In-kind donations can be made at the house, 705 E. 2700 South. For more information, or to make a donation, call 801-484-6263 or visit www.johntaylorhouse.org