Helping the Homeless Maintain Dignity

After growing up in Indiana, Lisa Goff built a life in Oklahoma. When her mother died in 2020, she made big changes that led her back to her hometown. In 2021, she found herself homeless.

“I got tired of couch surfing and sleeping in my car,” she said.

She knew about a homeless shelter in Indiana but felt it was unsafe. After searching and calling, she found MVCAP’s emergency shelter in Greenville. She stabilized and worked at the Whirlpool factory in assembly. A brief return to Indiana left her in need of shelter again and she returned to Greenville.

“They helped me out a lot,” Goff said. “It’s very tough to be homeless. You don’t know where you’re going to sleep one night to the next.”

Shelter stays are limited to 90 days and as Goff’s time was ending, she got an unexpected opportunity. In March 2024, she became the resident manager at the shelter.

“I was overwhelmed that they gave me the opportunity,” she said. “I enjoy what I’m doing. I’m helping other people out.”

Goff’s duties include lawn care at the single-family home that serves as the shelter, as well as doing the residents’ laundry and picking up donated food from area partners. In exchange, she lives in the lower level of the home in a private apartment.

“She relates to the people,” said Darke County Deputy Director Tonya Estell. “She knows where they’re coming from.”

The shelter can accommodate two men, two women and one family at its full capacity. Most people stay the full 90 days while they find stable housing and a job. Sleeping quarters are private but there is a shared kitchen and living space.

Goff plans to continue her work as manager and was recently approved for Social Security Disability. After knee replacement surgery, she plans to look for a part-time job.

“I tell the people upstairs ‘you’ll get on your feet again,’” she said. “I tell them not to give up and to walk with their heads held high.”