Information (Documents & Applications at end of page) 

The South Bend Dismas House provides transitional housing and post release services to men and women recently released from incarceration. Dismas House serves offenders from the state of Indiana, with the major focus on those returning to Parole District 8. Dismas may accept individuals from other states if they have been accepted by the local parole or probation office. Dismas House is located in South Bend, IN. Its downtown location is easily accessible to public transportation, the parole or probation office and other vital services. In a family atmosphere, former offenders and college students live and learn together, while being supported by the staff and 100’s of volunteers. The house can accommodate up to 14 residents.

Dismas House is not a substance abuse treatment center. It is not a boarding house. It is not a government agency. Dismas House is a faith based, non-profit organization. It is funded through residents’ program fees, government & private grants, donations and fund raising activities. All residents pay program fees, which partially cover the cost of room and board. Current program fees are $80 per week or $320 a month if paid by the 5th day of the month. Individuals who cannot work or have no other means of financial support (e.g. SSI and for college students-financial aid, scholarships or family support) will not be accepted.

Dismas of South Bend does not accept persons with any past sexual or child abuse offenses; with an active alcohol or substance abuse problem; or with repeated patterns of violence or arson. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Candidates must be completely honest, otherwise they will not be accepted. Persons on medication for mental illness will only be accepted when there is clear evidence that they can self–administer their medication responsibly and their behavior will not disruptive to community living. Dismas does not have a medical staff. Dismas House is over 100 years old with fourth levels and it is not handicapped accessible.

Carefully read the fact sheet and rules. It is a structure program. You must be able to accepted guidance and supervision from staff and volunteers. Apply only if you are willing to follow the program and rules. Complete and return the following forms: Assessment, Questions & Answers and Release of Information. A face-to-face interview with all potential residents is mandatory. No one is accepted into the program without it. In addition Dismas will request a copy of your Pre-sentence Investigation Report, a DOC Conduct Report and other helpful information, such as, participation in educational courses, self-help groups, etc. from the Department of Correction. It is all part of the application process. Information from the interview and DOC is presented to the Dismas Review Committee, which meets once a month to approve or deny applications.

Due to a limited budget travel to all the prisons in Indiana is cost prohibited. Also, staff may not be able to interview individuals before their release dates. In these circumstances individuals are encouraged to participate in the interview process after they are released. Many residents have successfully transitioned into Dismas House from missions, shelters, and treatment centers or temporary stays with family or friends.

If you are seeking a modification, sentence reduction, an alternate/community corrections placement we recommend that your attorney work with the Dismas staff. We cannot do any legal work for you. In applications involving a modification, sentence reduction or alternate placement, Dismas requires a $200 retainer (paid in advance), which initially covers the cost of staff time involved in the interview process, plus reimbursement for travel expenses. Also, there may be an additional $70 a week supervision fee to residents approved to participate in the program through a modification, sentence reduction or an alternate/community placement. In some cases the sentencing county may agree to absorb the supervision fee.

To apply for residency upon release from prison, the first four documents below must be read, completed, and returned. These dcouments include: Application information and Selection Criteria (does not need to be returned), Dismas House Assessment Form, Release of Information Form, and Questionnaire. Please contact the Dismas office at (574) 233-8522 with any questions. 

Documents & Applications:

Fact Sheet and House Rules - Click Here

Application Information and Selection Criteria - Click Here

Dismas House Assessment Form - Click Here

Release of Information Form  - Click Here

Questionnaire - Click here

Dismas House Student Residency Application - Click Here

Dismas House Volunteer Applicaiton - Click Here