Lydia’s House

Lydia’s House is a house of hospitality in the tradition of the catholic worker.  It was founded in 2012 by Mary Ellen Mitchell and Meridith Owensby in partnership with the Diocese of Southern Ohio, Praxis Communities, and a variety of other ecumenical partners.  The mission of Lydia’s House is to provide a supportive environment for homeless women and their children for 6-18 month stays. Each guest will be helped to move into long term housing at the end of her stay. It will be a place of hope and healing as well as a springboard from which guests can seek training, new skills, and work that will provide for their needs. Women will live in community, share life and meals with one another, and be encouraged in their personal spiritual journeys.  Our vision is to be a demonstration of God’s Beloved Community.

Lydia’s House has changed and grown over the years. They have added permanent supportive housing and have expanded the shelter house as well as after care programs to provide an ongoing network of support for the women and families that have been part of the Lydia’s House community. You can read more about Lydia’s House on their website.

They recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary and created this timeline of their life together.