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Sojourner Truth House Inc

EIN 27-0296707 · Hobart, IN

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood82 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Sojourner Truth House Inc operates a ministry of hope for homeless and at-risk women and their children in Gary, Indiana

Income
$3.3 million
Spending
$3.5 million
Spent on programs
89%
Reserves
7.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 70%
Employees
25
Volunteers
625
Highest pay
$159,525, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 5% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 7% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 25% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    89% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    16 of 16 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)
  1. $3.1 million spent. Sojourner Truth House is a day center for homeless and at-risk women and their children in Gary, Indiana, which provides the basic necessities for daily survival, life skills training, resource referrals and ongoing support to prevent repeating the cycles of addiction and homelessness. The center is sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC) and receives management services from Ancilla Domini Sisters (ADS). A demographic composite of the disenfranchised women served indicates that an estimated 65% of the homeless women seeking help at Sojourner Truth House and 35% of the walk-in women from the community who participate in support services, suffer from mental illness, substance abuse and/or addiction. All the women seeking assistance have extreme needs and have reached the very bottom of life. Ethnically and racially diverse, the women come from all faiths and educational backgrounds. Over 90% of the women served represent African American and Hispanic populations. The women are of all ages. They have frequently been victims of domestic violence and bear the marks of physical and/or emotional abuse. These high risk factors coupled with homelessness, result in unemploy- ment and limited or no sources of income. The need for assistance is critical. Sojourner Truth House currently serves on average more than 2,000 clients per month. Women come to Sojourner Truth House straight off the street or they are picked up by van from nearby homeless shelters. Sojourner Truth House provides various support groups, counseling, individualized goal setting budgeting, health screenings, assistance in obtaining birth certificates and IDs, transportation, legal assistance, meals, laundry facilities, clothing, furniture, household items, food pantry services, computer training, referrals and assistance with job searches, access to medical care, housing and utilities. Sojourner Truth House is also a community resource for women who have made a commitment to independent living, but still need assistance with food, clothing, health care and counseling support. Collaborations with area employment, housing and social service agencies are essential elements in the strategic implementation of the mission. The staff includes an executive director with twenty years of shelter experience, four MSW social workers, and other support service personnel. In 2024, volunteers donated 5,694 hours of service to Sojourner Truth House. Sojourner Truth House receives community support from grants, special events, individual donations, and food and clothing to sustain its operations. A significant portion of the operating budget is subsidized by Ancilla Domini Sisters.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since August 2009.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.