Meet Lea Durbin, Executive Director of Beyond Homeless Inc. Located in Greencastle, Beyond Homeless provides emergency shelter and homeless prevention services to individuals and families that are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. In her role, Lea connects with individuals, teams, and organizations to build meaningful relationships; empowering them to make a positive impact in the communities they live and work. Get to know Lea Durbin as she shares her wisdom from the field and expands on the organization’s wholesome values.
Can you describe how Beyond Homeless operates?
Beyond Homeless is more than a “homeless shelter.” Our Homeless Prevention Program provides assistance to families at risk of losing their homes, including rent/utility assistance; as well as emergency food, gas cards for transportation, and prescription medications. We welcome new sponsors and partners that will help us continue to expand our programs and services to meet the rising needs of the communities we serve.
What drew you into the field of social services?
The opportunity to provide assistance to individuals and families struggling to overcome the challenges and barriers of homelessness and poverty.
Can you explain your overall mission as an Indiana Owned company?
Beyond Homeless empowers individuals and families experiencing, or at risk of homelessness in the Putnam County Region to become self-sufficient and works to prevent homelessness among our neighbors.
What values are at the core of your business?
We believe that safe, decent, affordable housing, adequate food, education, and quality social services are fundamental rights. We value community and believe that the problems that confront our neighbors confront us all.
Why do you feel it is important to be known as a local business?
As the only program based emergency shelter in the 6-county region of Putnam, Clay, Hendricks, Montgomery, Owen, and Parke Counties it’s important for community members to know assistance is available; and for community businesses aligned with our mission to partner with us so we can continue to expand our reach in the communities we serve.
Best advice you’ve ever received (career-related or not)?
Get up, dress up, show up… every single day.
What advice would you share with those thinking of starting their own business?
Put people before profits; build authentic relationships and always show gratitude and appreciation.
What is the greatest challenge in your industry?
Comparison to urban homeless shelters and populations.
Any upcoming news that we should keep on our radar?
We are planning an exclusive “Experience Putnam County” raffle in the spring to raise funds for our programs and services. Stay tuned!
What is one fun fact about yourself that people may not know about?
I am an avid racing fan and have had the privilege of riding 200 mph with Ed Carpenter in a 2-seater around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Can’t wait for “that May feeling!”
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Featured Images: Facebook (@beyondhomelessincorganization)