Who We Are
Providing shelter and emergency housing for homeless Fort Wayne, IN families since 1999.
Our History
Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network was created in 1999 as a grassroots response to the need for emergency shelter for homeless families in our community. Modeled on national programs promoting family stability and self-sufficiency, Just Neighbors opened its doors to local families in November 2000.
Originally, Just Neighbors used available space in local churches to provide night-time shelter for families. Each morning, the families were transported to Just Neighbors’ Day Center in a small house in downtown Fort Wayne. The maximum daily capacity of the program was 14 individuals. In February of 2009, Just Neighbors moved to a new family center on State Street so that it could increase capacity to 40 clients and provide on-site services. Since 2007, Just Neighbors has more than doubled the number of families served annually. Today, Just Neighbors is the only local shelter in Fort Wayne providing emergency housing for homeless families.
When Just Neighbors was founded by concerned citizens and congregations as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, other homeless shelters did exist in Fort Wayne, but none had the capacity to provide emergency shelter that would keep the entire family together. Homeless families had been forced to separate with the women and children in one location and men at a separate shelter. Just Neighbors' goal is to work with families to return them to self-sufficiency, keeping the family unit together throughout the process. The dignity and worth of each family are cherished hallmarks of the hospitality of Just Neighbors program.
Families have private rooms and share common space in the family center for the duration of their stay at Just Neighbors. While the previous model worked and served families very well, being able to remain in one location has made it easier on the families being served, especially the children. Host congregations still come to the family center to provide evening meals, fellowship, and programming for the families we know as our guests.
Please contact us to find out how your congregation or group can become a part of Just Neighbors Network of service!
Our Mission
Just Neighbors’ mission is to serve homeless families by uniting religious congregations, community volunteers and local agencies in a cooperative effort to provide shelter, meals, and compassionate, comprehensive professional support.
Our Videos
View our videos, A New Beginning, to meet three families who found help and hope at Just Neighbors, and A Future for Families, a short documentary featuring staff describing services and families sharing their stories.
Just Neighbors will work with all agencies that serve homeless and "working poor" families. By partnering with existing agencies and trained volunteers, Just Neighbors reduces the overall cost to the community-at-large.
Shirley Rork, Interim Executive Director
Shirley has been a dedicated leader at Just Neighbors for over 10 years, bringing more than 15 years of experience working with homeless families. Her passion for advocacy and service has shaped the organizations programs and strengthened its impact on the community.
After serving as Family Case Manager for seven years, Shirley created the nationally recognized Eviction intervention program, transitioning her roll to Director of Evition Intervention. Her leadership and vision led to her appointment as Director of Programming in 2023, where she continued to expand and enhance Just Neighbors services.
Now serving as Interim Executive Director, Shirley continuously assesses the ever-evolving needs of our community and explores ways for Just Neighbors to play a role in creating solutions. As the organization celebrates 25 years of sheltering our neighbors, she remains focused on the future, ensuring Just Neighbors continues to adapt and grow to meet the needs of the families it serves while staying true to its mission.
Outside of work, Shirley finds joy relaxing in her hammock with a good book or creating memories with her children and grandchildren.
Sheila Brown, Director of Finance and Development
Sheila has been an integral part of Just Neighbors since 2005, transitioning from a board member to a key staff member dedicated to the financial stability and growth of the organization.
Sheila is widely respected in the community for her thoroughness and accuracy in financial reporting, earning a reputation as a legend in non-profit finance. With exceptional skills in finance and grant management, she plays a vital role in ensuring Just Neighbors has the resources needed to support families in crisis.
Beyond her professional expertise, Sheila is committed to giving back to the community through volunteering with Homebound Meals. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially cherishing moments with her grandson.
her Dedication, precision, and compassion make her an invaluable asset to Just neighbors and the families we serve.
Abby Wiegand, Family Case Manager
Abby has been a dedicated part of Just Neighbors for over 10 years, beginning her journey as a volunteer before transitioning to a Resident Advisor in 2015. Her passion for supporting families is crisis led her to Case Management in 2019, where she continues to make profound impact on those she serves.
Abby’s kindness and empathy ensure that every individual she works with feels heard, valued, and supported. She has a unique ability to connect with people, offering not just resources, but genuine compassion and encouragement.
Outside of work, Abby is deeply active in her church, finding joy and purpose in her faith and community. She is truly a blessing to anyone fortunate enough to know her, and Just Neighbors is grateful to have her as part of our team.
Alisha Gil, Eviction Intervention Program Manager
Alisha serves as the Eviction Intervention Program (EIP) Manager at Just Neighbors. Alisha joined Just Neighbors in 2022, just 8 months after the EIP launched, bringing passion and dedication to a critical initiative that helps families stay housed.
Alisha’s hard work and compassion quickly made her an invaluable asset, and her leadership has been instrumental in the programs growth and success. She is committed to providing stability, advocacy, and resources to those facing a housing crisis, ensuring they receive the support they need.
Beyond her professional role. Alisha and her husband Andre, are proud parents of five beautiful children. Her commitment to both her family and the community reflects the values that drive her work every day.
Program Staff
Gwen Johnson, Residential Advisor
Sharon Hogue, Residential Advisor
Sharon Smith, Residential Advisor
Treasure Cone, Residential Advisor
Pelagie Kayitesi, Residential Advisor
Valerie Abron, Residential Advisor
Carol Davis, Residential Advisor
Bronce Thomas, Residential Advisor
Pattie Barney, Guest Services Volunteer
Janis Morgan, Guest Services Volunteer
Meredith Battles, Custodial Aide Volunteer
Just Neighbors Board
Officers:
Heather Mink, President, Barnes & Thornburg
Susan Boyd, Vice President, Rea Magnet Wire
Tracey Selig, Treasurer, The Amherst Group
Members:
Osvaldo Carrasco, Rea Magnet Wire
Brianna Johnson, Indiana Department of Child Services
Cameron Shackelford, YMCA Youth Services Bureau
Veronica Sierra, Rea Magnet Wire
Amy Thompson, Rothbereg Law Firm
Sandra Villajos-Vidal, Rea Magnet Wire
Kaitlin Wiekart, Bowen health Clinic
FAQs
How many people have you served?
Since 2000, we have served more than 3,000 people in our family shelter and thousands more in outreach programs. The majority of guests are children ranging in age from infants through high school. Adults range from age 18 to 60, although most are in their 20s or 30s. We are the only local emergency shelter providing housing for homeless families. Professional staff assist guests 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What do school-age children do while at the shelter?
All minor children attend their school while residing at the shelter. Fort Wayne Community Schools will assist with transportation for the students, if needed.
Do you offer tours of the shelter or speakers for programs?
We are pleased to provide a speaker for programs about homelessness and how the community can get involved. We can offer a tour of our shelter to small groups. Contact us for information.
What is the average length of stay in the shelter?
Our goal is to transition guests to stable housing and employment through participation in our program. Our average length of stay is 30 days, down from 40 days just last year, meaning we are connecting our residents to their next steps in life even faster than before.
Do your guests receive training?
Just Neighbors offers budgeting, job search, household management and other supportive services to help guests return to self-sufficiency.
How do volunteers help?
Annually, more than 800 volunteers from 30 local congregations provide volunteers as well as donations of food and other items that families need. Daily, volunteers prepare home-made meals, and share friendly conversation and after-dinner activities with our children and families.