Beyond Homeless group slates Feb. 13 open house at shelter

The public is invited to join Beyond Homeless Inc. (BHI) for an open house on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 5-7 p.m. at its 309 E. Franklin St. facility in Greencastle.

For more than 15 years the Greencastle and Putnam County communities had a homeless shelter, which served more than 2,400 individuals and averaged 15 residents per night. Unfortunately, 2-1/2 years ago the shelter closed due to lack of funding.

"We're excited to celebrate BHI's reopening in the coming weeks, the culmination of the work and support of numerous members of the community, including many of you," the board of directors said in a statement announcing the open house.

Over recent months BHI has secured a location, received 501c3 status, hired Tanis Monday as its executive director, and had several days of service to prepare the building to be inhabited.

"Our aim is to begin offering services in the coming four to six weeks to families, women and children in need," board member Matt Mascioli said.

Beyond Homeless has and will continue to work with other local programs assisting those in or near poverty in order to create a broad group of much-needed services. The organization has also been in close contact with and has the support of other local entities.

However, it will be the only organization in Putnam County providing shelter to women, children and families or directly offering programs to arrange for the housing of single men.

With Monday as director, BHI is run by a Board of Directors that includes Rev. Bill Wie-land, president; Ruth Ralph, vice president; Bob Sedlack, secretary; Bob Jedele, treasurer; and John Dittmer, Ed Kirkpatrick, Kathy Kirkpatrick, Jerry Lewis, Matt Mascioli, Ann Newton, Cara Setchell and Steve Setchell, board members.