GUEST HOUSE

Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald

GUEST HOUSE. Opening on October 1, 2020, Guest House was a seasonal (winter), homeless shelter for men with children operated by the nonprofit Almost Home at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH. Almost Home also operated Open Closet, a clothing store, at the church.

Typically the Guest House operated from October until March of April and served between 85 to 95 men annually.

In 2020 Guest House planned to keep its usual twelve beds open for the season. Consideration was given to having the men sleep head to toe or using barriers between beds to keep people safe during the PANDEMIC.

Guest House closed for most of 2023 due to the pandemic. When it reopened, the nonprofit broadened its mission and provided housing for two homeless families with both parents and two families with single fathers. Officials of the home stated the intention of stabilizing these families for three months while connecting them with other service providers. They were offered financial literacy courses from DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION.

Each family who stays in the Guest House is offered support, case management, and local resources while they are staying at the shelter. Staff members help the parents find jobs, secure permanent housing, and enroll the families in public assistance programs. The Guest House provides a stable and safe environment with clothes from the Open Closet and safe passage to and from school.

In 2025 the Guest House had room for five families at once. On the second floor, three bedrooms spaces, with two sets of bunk beds each were near a communal kitchen and bathrooms. There were two bedrooms on the third floor with their own shared kitchen and restrooms. Laundry facilities were also available.

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Source:

1. Reese, Kayli, "Nowhere Else to Go," Telegraph Herald, October 4, 2020, p. 1A

2. Bond, Maia, "Homeless Shelter Broadens Mission," Telegraph Herald, February 2, 2025, p. 2A