Beyond Homeless Incorporated celebrating 10 years with Open House, Chili Cookoff

It has been a decade full of providing assistance, help and hope to Putnam County residents at Beyond Homeless Incorporated, according to executive director Lea Durbin. 

Durbin said in 2012, a group of leaders and individuals met to come up with a solution for individuals experiencing homelessness after Away Home Shelter closed. From those discussions, it was discovered that single women and women with children experiencing homelessness were the most vulnerable population in need of assistance. Two years later, the Beyond Homeless Shelter and Resource Center opened its doors. 

"It's hard to believe it is our 10th birthday. Over the last 10 years, more than 1,220 women and children and 265 men have received shelter services equivalent to 35,893 bed nights. In addition, we have helped over 500 families receive more than $124 thousand in rent, mortgage, utilities, clothing and food assistance," Durbin told The Putnam County Post. 

For Durbin, who started with Beyond Homeless Inc. in 2019 just before the pandemic, there has been quite a bit of growth for the organization. 

"We stayed open during the pandemic and were Covid free until March 2021. We didn't have 24 hour staff until 2022, but we do now. I have seen the needs change since 2019 and the people we are serving change as well, as we are now getting older women," Durbin said. 

In addition, there was the addition of the Beyond Homeless Boutique and Thrift Store, which offers new and gently used merchandise to the public and allows families in need to shop at no charge. There has also been the addition of a day shelter, which opened in 2023 and allows people an opportunity to have a sleeping space, and access to a shower, laundry, food and clothing. Beyond Homeless Inc. has also has the Grace Mobile Clinic come the last Tuesday of every month, as well as IU Health PostiveLink holding office hours the third Wednesday to conduct STD tests and other assessments. 

"We are trying to provide services to anyone, including free health screening and help with mental health," Durbin said. 

And, through two events this week, Durbin hopes the community becomes more aware of what all Beyond Homeless Inc. has to offer Putnam County. 

On Friday, there will be an open house held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the facility, 309 E. Franklin St., Greencastle. During the event, the public can take a tour of the day and residential shelters and learn more about the services offered. A day later, the Second Annual Beyond Homeless Chili Cookoff will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Greencastle Christian Church, 620 Primrose Court, Greencastle. It is $10 per entry and tasting tickets are available for $1.50 for one, $5 for three tickets, $7 for 5 tickets, $10 for 15 tickets and unlimited tastes are $20. Durbin said there will be medals for category winners and the overall winner will receive an iron kettle. More information can be found at bit.ly//2ndIronKettleChallenge. 

"You don't have to stay all day. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m., and we are also doing a birthday party with cupcakes," Durbin said. 

Durbin said the open house is special because it will allow the public to see the renovations that have taken place since Beyond Homeless suffered a fire on March 28, 2023, which resulted in the loss of a sleeping room. 

"It wasn't super inviting beforehand. Now, it is warm and welcoming and helps open doors for residents to heal. I am excited for the public to see what we are doing and showing them how we are using Trauma Informed Design elements to help our residents," Durbin said.