About

St. Joseph Missions
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Our Vision

A world where no woman is left homeless or abandoned.

Who We Are

Welcome to St. Joseph Missions Women’s Shelter, where we are committed to empowering homeless women and honoring their dignity. Our shelter is Fort Wayne’s first 24/7/365 emergency shelter for single homeless women, providing a safe and supportive environment for those who need it most. We understand that homelessness is a complex issue and often requires more than just a bed for the night. That’s why we strive to provide a structured environment that helps women become self-sufficient and build a better future.

Women Served Since Opening Our Doors

Bed Nights Since opening Our Doors

Answered Calls / Mo.

What Drives Us

Our Mission

​To provide emergency shelter and resources for single homeless women, regardless of their faith, in an environment that respects their dignity as human persons, affords them the opportunity to live individually and collectively with others in a safe environment of self-government, and empowers them to network with local businesses and social services for employment and self-sufficiency.

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How We Got Started

Our story began with a group of Catholics on a Mission who were feeding the homeless and noticed the same faces over and over again. They felt a calling to help, but realized that there was no emergency shelter specifically for single women. With passion and determination, they formed a board, obtained non-profit status, and set out to create a safe haven for these women. Through perseverance and hard work, the shelter was finally opened on Lake Ave. on June 8, 2021.

Today, our shelter serves up to 18 guests every night and we receive phone calls daily from women who are sleeping on the streets, in their cars, or even abandoned buildings and storage units. We understand that the journey to self-sufficiency can be challenging, which is why we provide more than just a bed for the night. With the help of our on-site case manager, we work alongside our guests to create a Path to Hope, developing a case plan to help navigate their next steps and ensure they do not exit back to places not meant for human habitation.

At St. Joseph Missions Women’s Shelter, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for women in need, and we strive to empower them to build a better future.

Team

Meet Our Staff & Board

St. Joseph Missions is dedicated to empowering and supporting women in need through the power of community, with a team of passionate individuals bringing diverse skills and experiences to the table.

Staff

Erin Ness

Executive Director

Jennifer Hartely

House Manager

Dianne Jenkins

Case Manager

Cynthia Chandler

Resident Advisor

Treasure Cone

Resident Advisor

Gail Curry

Resident Advisor

Dottie Haas

Resident Advisor

Ora Pace

Resident Advisor

William Rowles

Resident Advisor

Board Members

Dr. Monique Levesque-Hartle

President
Allen Co. Chiropractic Wellness Center

Linda Williams

Vice President                                      Chair of Governance Committee
Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group

Jennifer Bearman

Treasurer
Baden Gage & Schroeder

Geanie Edgington

BF Goodrich of Michelin

Kristin Redmond

Parkview Behavioral Health Institute Program Manager

Angela Dukes

Ft Wayne Housing Authority Housing Program Manager

Andrew Thomas

Indiana Legal Services Housing Resource Attorney

Cyndi Wolf

Bishop Dwenger          Theology Teacher

St. Joseph Missions, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. FEDERAL TAX ID: 81-1868232