Bethany House Timeline
1978
1978
Founding of Bethany House: Bethany House, founded in 1978 by the Dominican Sisters, was created to address the growing number of homeless women and children on Long Island. Built on the dream of providing a warm, welcoming environment, it continues to offer shelter and support, empowering women and families to rebuild their lives with hope and dignity.
Founding of Bethany House: Bethany House, founded in 1978 by the Dominican Sisters, was created to address the growing number of homeless women and children on Long Island. Built on the dream of providing a warm, welcoming environment, it continues to offer shelter and support, empowering women and families to rebuild their lives with hope and dignity.
1981
1981
Purchase of Bethany One
Purchase of Bethany One
1987
1987
Bethany House Incorporated - Opening of Bethany Too, our second shelter.
Bethany House Incorporated - Opening of Bethany Too, our second shelter.
1990
1990
Formation of Board of Directors
Formation of Board of Directors
1992
1992
Purchase of Bethany Too
Purchase of Bethany Too
1994
1994
Purchase of Bethany South
Purchase of Bethany South
1995-1996
1995-1996
Expansion of Bethany Too
Expansion of Bethany Too
2000
2000
Apartment Purchased Bellmore. Bethany able to provide permanent housing for those in need.
Apartment Purchased Bellmore. Bethany able to provide permanent housing for those in need.
2001
2001
9/11 Causes surge in Homelessness Bethany Too used for emergency Housing
9/11 Causes surge in Homelessness Bethany Too used for emergency Housing
2004
2004
Five-Year Strategic Plan Initiated - Expansion of Bethany South Completed
Five-Year Strategic Plan Initiated - Expansion of Bethany South Completed
2006
2006
Expansion of Bethany One Completed
Expansion of Bethany One Completed
2008
2008
Bethany House Celebrates 30 Years of service to homeless families
Bethany House Celebrates 30 Years of service to homeless families
2010
2010
Bethany House Infrastructure upgrade begun. Purchase of Bethany West
Bethany House Infrastructure upgrade begun. Purchase of Bethany West
2021
2021
Doug O'Dell joins as Executive Director.
Doug O'Dell joins as Executive Director.
2022
2022: Homes became licensed under new OTDA regulations, with two houses designated for families and one for single adult women. Launched the Safe Ground for Families Transitional Services and Housing initiative.
2022
2022: Homes became licensed under new OTDA regulations, with two houses designated for families and one for single adult women. Launched the Safe Ground for Families Transitional Services and Housing initiative.
2023
Safe Grounds for Families opens. Bethany House names Katie Swanson as Executive Director.
2023
Safe Grounds for Families opens. Bethany House names Katie Swanson as Executive Director.
2024
2024
Partnered with IKEA, Target, PODS, and Lowe’s, Bethany House embarked on our Beautification and Renewal Project—a heartfelt mission to reimagine and revitalize our spaces.
