Sojourner Truth House introduces new transitional housing locations in Gary and East Chicago

For almost 30 years, Sojourner Truth House (STH) has been a valuable resource in the Region for young women and children in need of housing, education, and support through life’s most difficult challenges. Sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, STH continues its mission with two transitional housing locations now open in Gary and East Chicago.

Angela Paul, executive director of STH, believes that this new transitional housing program will help guide more young women into a successful start to their adult lives.

“This program is helping women who are coming out of foster care and group homes,” Paul said. “The whole idea is to get them stable so that they don’t become homeless. Oftentimes, once they’re discharged from Department of Child Services or public care, they may not have anywhere to go. We provide them with the tools to move into the next stage of their lives.”

The Gary location is currently housing seven women, while the East Chicago location, conveniently located across from St. Catherine’s Hospital, houses 12. Currently, STH is still working out just how many women it can help and what roles may need to be filled by staff, but Paul is proud to say that almost everything the residents do in their day-to-day life is completely independent.

“We can help them look for employment, help them enroll in school, assist them with homework that they have questions about, and provide them with support on assignments that they need help with,” Paul said. “We assist with all of that, but these women wake up each day, take care of their duties, wash their laundry, and care for themselves. We want the transitional houses to feel like home so that they can get used to their independence.”

Women who come into the transitional housing program may stay up to 36 months while they finish their education, find jobs, apply for assistance, and learn how to support themselves. For those still looking for work and not currently enrolled in school, there is support staff on-site to provide them with anything they might need, including supplies, applications, and spiritual support.

While STH is sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, it is also reliant on public donations and the generosity of independent donors. The need for on-site volunteers is still being determined at this time, but those looking to support STH can donate monetary gifts or purchase must-have items from STH’s Amazon wishlist. 

“We really want people to know about our Coffee & Conversation meetings,” Paul said. “We have these meetings monthly at various times so that people can find ways to work them into their schedules. They can come see what we’re working on, how we’re making our budgets work, hear testimonies, and even tour the facilities and see firsthand how they work. We want people to get involved and to know about the work we’re doing here.”

STH has a mission of helping women live with dignity and independence after surviving a difficult start in life. Every woman, no matter her background, deserves the opportunity to have shelter, food, clothing, and her basic needs met while searching for work or finishing her education. This transitional housing program has only begun, but it is already uplifting the community by showing God’s love through service.

For more information on STH, visit sojournertruthhouse.org.