You Are Not Alone: We’re Here to Help

If you and your family are facing homelessness, you’re not alone. Greater Lafayette Family Shelter is here to help you find safety, support, and a path toward stability

Who We Serve

Our shelter provides a safe, supportive environment for families with children experiencing homelessness from the following counties:

Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, and White. We are only able to serve those outside of our service area if we have space, with priority going to families in our service area.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, the following guidelines apply:

• Background Checks: All adults must pass a background check. Most violent or sexual offenses are disqualifying. If you have concerns about your record, please contact our office to learn more about our policies and the possibility of a waiver. Our primary goal is the safety of children and families.

• Homelessness Definition: Families must meet the federal government’s definition of literal homelessness (living in a place not meant for human habitation, emergency shelter, or fleeing domestic violence).

• Sobriety: Clients must remain sober while staying in the shelter. We do not routinely screen for substances, but we will partner with local agencies to support your recovery if you are living with addiction.

How to Get Help

If your family needs shelter, here’s the process to begin:

1. Call Lafayette Transitional Housing Center (LTHC)

• Phone: 765.423.4880

• Address: 815 N 12th Street, Lafayette, Indiana

• Assessment Hours: Typically Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Hours may vary based on available staff.

2. Attend Your Assessment at LTHC
LTHC will meet with you in person to understand your family’s unique needs and make the appropriate referrals, including to Greater Lafayette Family Shelter.

3. We’ll Contact You
After the assessment, our team will reach out to explain our program, answer your questions, and schedule a move-in date if space is available.

4. Timing
The process from your first call to moving in can take a few days to a few weeks depending on our current census and waitlist.

5. If Your Children Need Immediate Care

• Children staying with a trusted relative or friend temporarily still qualify your family for services once space opens.

• If no safe caregiver is available, we encourage you to contact Safe Families for Children for voluntary, temporary care or call Indiana Department of Child Services at 1-800-800-5556 as a last resort.

• Our priority is to keep families safely together and children out of foster care whenever possible.
  

What to Expect

We provide a safe and supportive environment for families experiencing homelessness. Here’s what you can expect when you stay with us:

• Private Family Rooms – Each family has their own room for sleeping and privacy, with minimal in-room storage.

• Shared Spaces – The kitchen, dining room, living areas, and restrooms are shared by all families, creating a community environment.

• Case Management Support – Every family works with our case manager as well as LTHC case managers to find housing and access the resources they need.

• Referrals for Additional Needs – We can connect you to mental health, medical, or legal services as needed.

• Life Skills Programming – We offer classes and support to help families build skills for independence and long-term stability.

• Length of Stay – All stays begin in 30-day increments, with opportunities to renew up to 90 days. Families who are actively working on their goals and face significant barriers may be approved for longer stays.

• Visitor Policy – To maintain safety and privacy, visitors are not allowed in the shelter.

What We Expect

We believe families play an active role in their journey toward stability. While we provide shelter, safety, and support, we also ask each family to take responsibility for their own progress.

Here’s what we expect from our guests:

• Be your own best advocate – We’ll walk alongside you, but we need you to communicate openly and honestly with staff and actively participate in case management meetings.

• Engage fully in the program – Regular check-ins, goal setting, and follow-through help ensure success for your family.

• Contribute to daily life – Light chores are expected from each family as part of building independent living skills and keeping our shared spaces welcoming for everyone.

• Show respect – Treat staff and fellow residents with courtesy and maintain confidentiality about other families’ situations.

• Follow shelter guidelines – Our curfew is 10:00 PM, and all rules are in place to ensure safety, privacy, and a healthy community environment.

• Take ownership of your future – We’ll provide tools and resources, but your commitment is key to moving forward.