“Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself.”
St. Louise de Marillac
A Journey of Growth
By Sebastian Isaacs, Communications intern
After many years of service on the executive board of Bethany House Services, S. Lynn Heper continues her commitment to the organization through her work on the development committee.
This week, the Sisters of Charity are observing several days of prayer, fasting, and hopeful action, an invitation to deepen our spiritual commitment while responding to the needs of others. As part of this shared witness, the Community is hosting a clothing collection for Bethany House Services, an organization rooted in the Sisters of Charity mission of care, dignity, and accompaniment.
Bethany House Services was co-founded by S. Delia Sizler, the late S. Mary Grafe, and Barb Poppe to empower homeless and at-risk families with solutions that lead to housing stability and long-term self-sufficiency. In 2024 alone, Bethany House served more than 2,600 individuals across its programs in Cincinnati.
Sister of Charity Lynn Heper devoted many years of service to the executive board of Bethany House Services, where she was instrumental in advancing the organization’s growth and long-term vision. What began as a single home for women who “needed to be refreshed, to find their way,” as S. Delia once described it, has expanded into a comprehensive network of services supporting families at every stage of their journey out of homelessness.
One of S. Lynn’s most significant contributions was her leadership on the committee overseeing the construction of a new centralized shelter. This project brought together seven separate Bethany House properties into one welcoming hub, now offering 43 bedrooms where families can find safe shelter while parents seek employment and permanent housing. The project was made possible through years of dedicated fundraising and was completed with the support of a $1.25 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund.
The new facility has transformed daily life for families. Each family now has a private room with a key, along with towels and bed linens they can use during their stay and take with them when they move into permanent housing. “We’re carrying our legacy as Sisters of Charity – of caring for people who are homeless – to the next level,” S. Lynn says. “Bethany House has consistently grown. We’ve gone from housing 33 people to a minimum of 170.”
Although S. Lynn retired from the executive board in 2024, her commitment to Bethany House continues. She now serves on the development committee, helping to raise funds and inviting others to experience the mission firsthand through tours and volunteer opportunities. She also brings baby blankets to the shelter every other month, responding to the needs of the many young families Bethany House serves.
According to Bethany House’s 2024 Impact Report, 65 percent of those served were children, and 91 percent of families were led by mothers, among the populations most vulnerable to homelessness in Cincinnati. For S. Lynn, continuing the mission begun by Sisters Delia and Mary is both urgent and deeply personal.
Bethany House’s services extend far beyond emergency shelter. The organization offers classes in financial literacy, parenting, and career readiness, helping adults build resumes, practice interviews, and gain the skills needed for long-term stability. Families are also supported with appropriate clothing for job interviews and employment.
Education remains a priority for children staying at the shelter. “We make sure that any kids coming in are in school, and we try to get them back into the school they were attending,” S. Lynn explains. Each morning, as many as eight to 10 buses arrive to transport children to their schools, easing the burden on parents as they focus on work and housing searches.
Bethany House’s commitment does not end when families leave the shelter. Social workers continue to follow up, offering support and guidance to ensure families can maintain stable housing. “We’ve had great success because of our long-term care,” S. Lynn says. “We don’t just let go of families.”
Since 1983, Bethany House Services has served more than 41,000 people. In 2024, the organization supported 731 families – clear evidence of both its impact and the growing need for homelessness prevention and affordable housing in Cincinnati.
“Bethany House is critical right now,” S. Lynn reflects. “There are so many people experiencing homelessness, and not enough places for them. We have to break the cycle somewhere and help parents get back on their feet.”
There are many ways to support Bethany House Services in their journey to bring families ‘one step closer to home.’ Volunteers are always needed, particularly in the five age-appropriate classrooms that serve children at the shelter. The cafeteria also welcomes volunteers, as do special events and seasonal projects. Volunteer registration is available through the Bethany House Services website, and questions may be directed to Volunteer Coordinator Maribel Pergola.
Financial support is equally vital. Bethany House is planning for future growth, including a proposed daycare program that would allow parents to work or attend job training while their children are cared for on-site. Such programs depend on continued generosity.
S. Lynn also encourages ongoing education and conversation about the urgent need for affordable housing. Awareness, she believes, is a necessary step toward meaningful change.
Perhaps most immediately, Bethany House is always in need of donations – clothing, hygiene items, and snacks that help families feel cared for and supported at every stage of their journey home. As part of this week of prayer, fasting, and advocacy, the clothing collection offers a simple but powerful way to act in solidarity.
Bethany House Services’ Amazon Wish Lists are available for those who wish to contribute directly. Items purchased are delivered straight to the shelter, meeting real needs with real care.
Together, we can help ensure that families seeking stability find not only shelter, but hope.
Linked below are Bethany House Services’ Amazon Wish Lists, where you can purchase requested necessities online to be delivered directly to Bethany House:
Basics: Amazon.comHygiene Items: Amazon.comSnacks: Amazon.com
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