Frequently Asked Questions about Beauty for Ashes

When we speak to church and community groups, we hear many of the same questions about the shelter. Because you may be wondering about the same things, we’ve included some of those questions here.

 How do women usually come to the shelter?

Most women come to Beauty for Ashes through referral from emergency shelters, churches, family/friends, or on their own. Some find the Beauty for Ashes in the Family Resource Directory or Where to Find It resource guides.  We also work with probation officers and others in the legal system to help women re-entering the workforce.

What programs and services do you provide?

Case management, basic shelter and food needs, personal goal planning, mentoring in daily living activities, linkage to social services, access to transportation, and referrals to medical, professional, legal, and housing resources in the community.

 Must the women go to church?

We do require that the women attend a place of worship of their choice.  Most find friends and mentors through this interaction.

 What makes the shelter a safe place?

Our shelter is secure, with all necessary precautions to maintain a safe living environment. Because safety is largely dependent upon confidentiality, we can disclose only that we have an alarm system to ensure that women and children are safe here. 

 How many people can you accommodate?

We have 4 family units and 2 individual units, each with its own closet and bed(s). We can hold a maximum of 13 people, based on number of children accompanying their mother.

 How long do women stay?

While each woman’s needs and stay are different, most who are able to transition to permanent housing stay 12-16 months.

 How is the shelter funded?

We receive support from churches (40%), businesses, organizations, individuals (20%), and grantors.  Additional funding (28%) comes from fundraisers.

 How can I give?

Most donations come through our post office box (PO Box 285, Alexandria, IN 46001).   We welcome cash, checks, and pledges. Or, if you’d prefer to purchase specific items, check our Wish List on this website.

 May I drop off some clothes?

We are always amazed by the community’s generosity.  Our storage space is very limited, so we ask that you give your clothing donations to Heaven’s Wearhouse (across from the Alexandria Post Office) where it is made available to our ladies as well as to others in the community.

 Do you need volunteers?

Absolutely! We need four types of volunteers: programming (working directly with the women and children), event planning, administrative (office help), and maintenance (yard work, general repairs etc.) 

Volunteer Application