"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
Chasity Bradford
Resident Services Associate
Jackie Montgomery
Resident Services Associate
Genevieve Smith
Resident Services Associate
Brooklyn Gavin
Resident Services, Associate
Fawn Price
Thrift Store Associate
Amy Powell
Program Manager
Shirley Young
Business and Financial Operations
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.
Valerie Rudolph
Secretary
Originally hailing from Louisville, KY, Valerie has lived in Greencastle since 2002. She works at DePauw University in the Hartman Center for Civic Engagement connecting students with service opportunities in the Greencastle and Putnam County area. Valerie lives with her teenage daughter, a Golden Retriever named Pippin, and two rescued cats, Cleo & Simba. In her free time, she enjoys camping, music festivals, gardening, crocheting, reading, time with friends, and hanging out with her daughter.
Kelly Russ
Treasurer
Kelly Russ has been dedicated to EMS for 15 years and currently serves as the Chief of EMS for Putnam County. She lives in Hendricks County with her husband, two Great Danes, and two of her six kids still at home. Kelly is passionate about social justice and ensuring equal access to healthcare. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts and traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest
JD Miller
Member
JD Miller graduated from South Putnam High School in 2005 and received his BA from DePauw University in 2009. In 2010 he joined Putnam County Comprehensive Services, a local non-profit for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and currently serves as Executive Director. JD lives in Greencastle with his fiancée and their 3 children, they stay very busy with their children's extracurricular activities and enjoy spending free time with their extended families.
Tammy Hunter
Member
A Putnam County native, Tammy has spent her social work career serving children and families, Since retiring from Putnam County Hospital, she is working part time at the Putnam County Public Library. She has served on several boards including Johnson Nichols Health Clinic, Family Support Services of West Central Indiana, and Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association. She currently serves on the Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors.
Alice Greenburg
Member
Alice lives on a sheep farm in rural Putnam County with her husband, two dogs, and assorted barn cats. She enjoys playing music with community bands and is retired from a career in public libraries.
Bob Jedele
Member
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.
IMPACT
NUMBERS
Since opening
in 2014
women and children received shelter services equivalent to
39,173 bed nights or
107.3 “years” of service
1345
men received assistance
267
neighbors received assistance with rent, utilities, and food
589
Since 2014 Beyond Homeless has provided more than $136,909 in rent, mortgage, utility, food, and clothing assistance.
