"Poverty and homelessness has been associated with the deterioration of mental and physical heatlh, social isolation, and exposure to traumatic events... Furthermore those who have experienced homelessness have significantly elevated mortality rates and high rates of suicidal behavior." (Roos, Mota, et al 2013)
Incorporated in 2012 following community conversations regarding how to respond to homelessness and homeless prevention in Putnam County, Indiana, the Beyond Homeless Shelter opened in 2014.
Over the past few years, Beyond Homeless has worked to educate the community about the causes and repercussions of homelessness on the overall community. Research tells us that homelessness is not just a social problem that disproportionately affects young children, but an economic development issue as well. That's why, for us, it's not enough to provide stop-gap measures, but to prepare our clients for life and work outside of our shelter and support system at the same time, we know that people's lives must be stabilized before self-sufficiency can be realized.
Our Mission
Beyond Homeless, Inc. empowers individuals and families experiencing, or at risk of homelessness in the Putnam County Region to become self-sufficient and work to prevent homelessness among our neighbors.
Our Vision
Together, we transform lives Beyond Homeless
Our Purpose
Beyond Homeless, Inc. responds to the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and works to prevent homelessness in the communities we serve by providing emergency assistance and equipping people with the life and work skills needed for financial stability and self-sufficiency.
Our Values and Beliefs
We value work and believe that a deep sense of pride is derived from work. We value responsibility and believe that we, and our clients, are charged with being good stewards of the public’s trust and support. We value community and believe that the problems that confront our neighbors confront us all.
Our Team
Staff
Lea Durbin
Executive Director
Megan Robertson
Resident Services Associate
Jessica Stinson
Resident Services Associate
Jackie Montgomery
Resident Services Associate
Genevieve Smith
Resident Services Associate
Kerri Clark
Resident Services Associate
Chasity Bradford
Peer Recovery Specialist
Vee Craig
Program Manager
Jay Remus
Technical Team Lead
Fawn Price
Shelter Program Assistant
Jourdan Neureiter
Development Associate
2024 – 2025 Board of Directors
Sam Draper
President
Sam is the Discipleship Pastor at Greencastle Christian Church. He lives in Greencastle with his wife, Jessie, and son, Joey. Sam is active in the Putnam County Playhouse and Celebrate Recovery in Putnam County.
Bob Jedele
Vice President
Originally from Bay City Michigan, Bob relocated to Greencastle in 1995, owning several local McDonald’s restaurants until he retired in 2022. He and his wife have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. He enjoys being outdoors fishing, hunting, hiking and backpacking.
John Ness
Treasurer
John is a retired CPA who spent the first part of his career working as the plant controller for an automotive supplier. The second part of his career he audited large, complex companies and partnerships for the Internal Revenue Service . His passion is serving the homeless by supporting the Beyond Homeless Inc. mission.
Jeanie Murphy
Member
Jeanie is a Banking Center Manager with Old National Bank who is passionate about making a positive impact in her community through service, leadership, and volunteerism. Throughout her career, she has actively supported local nonprofit organizations, community outreach initiatives, and programs focused on improving financial well-being and creating opportunities for individuals and families. Jeanie is dedicated to advancing the organization's mission by leveraging her professional expertise, volunteer experience, and strong community relationships to help individuals achieve stability and long-term success.
Jon McClain
Member
Jon is an Executive Director of Business Development with Eli Lilly and Co., who has a passion for assisting families overcome the challenges of housing instability. He brings experience with strategic partnerships and development in a rapidly changing environment. He currently resides in Parke County and is looking forward to assisting Beyond Homeless with expanding services and programs.
IMPACT
NUMBERS
Since opening
in 2014
women and children received shelter services equivalent to
45,843 bed nights or
125.60 “years” of service
1501
men received assistance
288
neighbors received assistance with rent, utilities, and food
610
Since 2014 Beyond Homeless has provided more than $165,466.50 in rent, mortgage, utility, food, and clothing assistance.
