St. Jude House launches $75,000 transitional housing campaign

St. Jude House in Crown Point, Indiana, has launched a campaign to raise $75,000 for transitional housing support for 10 survivor families, with matching grants potentially doubling the total to $150,000. Thieneman Construction has become the first founding partner as the shelter seeks more donors, landlords and housing partners through December 2027.

Why it matters: - Domestic violence survivors often face a housing gap after leaving emergency shelter. - St. Jude House is using the Hope Lives Here campaign to help families secure safe transitional housing for one year. - The campaign is designed to reduce financial barriers that can delay stability, independence and future homeownership. - Eligible gifts made directly to Legacy Foundation for St. Jude House can be matched dollar-for-dollar through the Foundation’s Community Projects + Programs Matching Grant. - The matching structure creates the opportunity for up to $150,000 in total campaign support.

What happened: - St. Jude House launched Hope Lives Here: Building New Beginnings Through Transitional Housing in Crown Point, Indiana. - The campaign seeks to raise $75,000 to support 10 survivor families. - The fundraising and implementation window runs from June 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. - Community members can make tax-deductible gifts to the campaign through Legacy Foundation. - Thieneman Construction of Westfield, Indiana, became the campaign’s first Founding Partner with a $2,500 gift. - The first 10 donors who give at least $2,500 will be recognized as Hope Lives Here Founding Partners.

The details: - St. Jude House’s Transitional Housing Program bridges emergency shelter and independence with safe housing and support services. - The program also provides financial assistance with rent-related costs and financial literacy education. - The program is meant to help participants build financial stability and prepare for future homeownership opportunities. - St. Jude House is inviting businesses, foundations, civic organizations, healthcare systems, financial institutions and individual donors to participate. - The shelter is also seeking landlords, property managers and real estate professionals who can help identify affordable housing options for survivors moving out of emergency shelter. - Hope Lives Here Founding Partners will receive social media recognition, mention in campaign press materials, recognition in St. Jude House’s annual report and internal communications, and an invitation to a St. Jude House tour and discussion with program leadership. - St. Jude House said questions about the campaign, gift eligibility, Founding Partner opportunities or housing partnerships can go to Zanetta Miller, Director of Donor Development, at zmiller@stjudehouse.org or 219-662-7066 Ext. 325. - St. Jude House serves survivors and their children throughout Northwest Indiana. - Since 1995, St. Jude House says it has helped more than 30,000 survivors find safety, healing and resources to rebuild their lives. - The organization provides emergency shelter, advocacy, comprehensive support services, prevention education and pathways to long-term stability and independence.

Between the lines: - The campaign is trying to turn one-time generosity into a longer support structure for families leaving crisis. - The donor recognition package and matching grant are designed to encourage early commitments and broaden participation. - Thieneman Construction’s first-gift role signals early corporate backing that could help the campaign build momentum. - The outreach to landlords and real estate professionals suggests housing supply is as important to the program as fundraising. - Executive Director Anna Schoon said the campaign centers on housing because stability after safety is restored is critical for survivors and their families.

What's next: - St. Jude House will continue raising funds and recruiting Founding Partners through the end of 2027. - The organization will look for additional housing partners to expand placement options for families leaving shelter. - The campaign’s matching opportunity will remain available for eligible gifts made through Legacy Foundation during the program period. - Community members, businesses and institutions can still join the campaign and support transitional housing for survivors.

The bottom line: - St. Jude House is betting that housing support, matched donations and community partnerships can help more survivor families move from crisis to lasting stability.