Help for the Homeless at Gabriel’s Horn

Women in Porter County can find help and restore stability in their lives at Gabriel’s Horn. Started in July 2003 by a group of people who recognized a growing homeless problem in the county, Gabriel’s Horn provides a place to “help women get their life back in order or stabilized,” stated Executive Director Mignon Kennedy.

“We provide really intense case management, take a holistic approach at rehabilitating,” Mignon explained, “We think that there is a good balance here. The supports here are making an impact on the women’s lives.” Gabriel’s Horn has five rooms and can accommodate 5 women and up to 8 children.

On top of providing a place to stay, the shelter also provides case management for struggling women, helping them secure employment, enrolling them in continuing education, arranging for childcare, and providing therapy. Porter County Family Counseling, neighboring the shelter, provides counseling for the residents. Gabriel’s Horn also offers yoga and art classes to their residents, a chance to socialize and focus their energies on something positive.

Women who are homeless or in jeopardy of becoming homeless need a referral from their Porter County Township Trustee before applying for help from the shelter. After going through an interview process and receiving admission to the shelter, women generally stay 3 to 4 months.

Once women leave, the shelter continues to aid them in their journey to getting back on their feet through an after care program. House visits or phone calls to touch base with the clients are made to make sure they are maintaining housing and employment “so they don’t revert back to homelessness,” Mignon said. The women are also allowed to come back and participate in counseling and other programs, such as the yoga and art classes, to continue emotional support and encouragement.

“The board would like to expand, more space to serve more women, but first need to finish putting in place the things we are working on now,” stated Mignon. Currently the playground is getting revamped, with a new fence installed and a donated play-set put in place. The shelter is also working on continuing classes for their residents, including working on a computer class.

The shelter has 5 volunteers outside of the board that help continue the mission to help Porter County women back on their feet. Gabriel’s Horn relies on help from the community to keep going, by raising money through fundraisers and receiving donations throughout the year. One of the major needs for the shelter is car repairs. “Transportation is such an obstacle in [the women’s] lives,” Mignon explained, as women need a vehicle to get them to their jobs, to daycare, to school, and more. If community members would like to help, contact the office at 219.364.0818.