Mignon Kennedy, director of Gabriel's Horn Homeless Shelter, addressed the Portage Exchange Club at the June 18 breakfast meeting at Miller's Senior Living Community. She explained what Gabriel's Horn does and who it serves. The 501c3 not-for-profit organization is a transitional shelter that provides housing for women and their children for a maximum of six months.
Besides providing safe housing, the goal is to enable the women to become independent. Services include case management, individual and group counseling, child care, resumé preparation, applications for affordable housing and other needs. Residents can take classes in parenting, yoga, nutrition and art.
"We try to meet them where they are and help them move forward from there," Kennedy said.
The Mission Statement reads: "The Mission of Gabriel's Horn is to provide a protective refuge for homeless women and their children by establishing and maintaining a facility which will provide a safe and temporary shelter and outreach services. We will empower women by giving them the tools to become self-sufficient through collaboration with our community, education and counseling."
Many of the residents opt to participate in the After-Care program when they leave Gabriel's Horn. "We ask them, 'Would you like us to keep in touch with you?' About 90% stay on After-Care. They can benefit from having a support network and access to resources," Kennedy explained.
As with any not-for-profit organization, funding is always an issue. They depend on donations from individuals and organizations, grants, income from their three rental properties, annual fundraisers and stipends from the Porter County trustees.
"Two years ago we received $18,000 and last year $27,000 from an Emergency Solutions Grant. This is a federal grant that comes through the individual states. It helped keep our doors open."
They also receive help of all kinds from their community Partners.
"I can't thank our partners enough," Kennedy said. "The Portage Resale Shop is wonderful about providing necessary clothing for the women and children free of charge. They also help them set up their places with furniture, pots and pans, etc., when they are ready to move out. Housing Opportunities, Porter County Family Counseling Services, Catholic Charities and so many others: we couldn't do it without them."
Kennedy said that cash donations are always welcome, but they are always in need of laundry detergent, disposable diapers sizes 2, 3 and 4, feminine hygiene products, tissues and other items not covered by food stamps.
Gabriel's Horn is always looking for staff members as well as donations. If you have a heart to help the homeless, this would be a place to start. For more information about Gabriel's Horn, go to www.gabrielshelter.org or call Mignon Kennedy at 219-364-8018.
