“Project HOME Indy provides a nurturing residential environment that assists homeless teenage girls who are pregnant or parenting in building self-sufficiency. We create opportunities to expand life skills, access healthcare, and realize greater educational success.”
Because of its reputation as a stable, thriving neighborhood, Historic Meridian Park will soon be home to a new non-profit organization, Project HOME Indy. “HOME” stands for “Healthy Options for Me” and clients will be teen girls who are pregnant or are young mothers.
In addition to a enjoying a safe and supportive living environment for up to two years, 7-8 girls will receive training in life skills, such as parenting and nutrition, job skills, health care and general education. Referrals will come from foster care, Wishard Health Services, homeless organizations and schools. Project HOME Indy does intend to recruit girls from the juvenile justice system and there will be a comprehensive intake process before individuals are accepted into the program.
The HOME will be managed around the clock by licensed staff and participants must sign a memorandum of understanding by which they will agree to abide by house rules. The HOME will be licensed by the Department of Child Services. These measures will ensure safety and security for participants and staff.
The location of Project HOME Indy will be 32 East 32nd Street, a property owned by Trinity Episcopal Church. The structure is currently divided into four living units, but planned remodeling projects will transform it into a seven bedroom home while maintaining or reviving some of the original architectural features. A small fenced area with a playground is also planned. The remodeling project has been estimated to cost between $200,000 and $350,000. Project HOME Indy is applying for grants from the City of Indianapolis’ Housing Trust and other sources.
Four board members of the organization attended our November neighborhood meeting, including, President Kristen Schunk Moreland, Secretary Christina Koennecke, Treasurer Lakshmi Hasanadka, and member Cindy Collier. They announced with excitement that Project HOME Indy has received a grant from the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) Women’s Fund which will pay the salary of their first executive director. A search for the director is under way.
The visionary founders of Project HOME Indy have been dreaming about this facility for more than eight years. At the HMP neighborhood meeting in November they expressed a sincere interest in maintaining positive relationships with neighbors and would even welcome neighbors as mentors and role models for the girls in the program. HMP will announce the opening of Project HOME Indy in the Urban Times, hopefully sometime in 2009.
Project HOME Indy has 501(c)(3) status and welcomes private donations. Donations can be mailed to: PO Box 683, Indianapolis, 46206. Please browse their web site for more information on the project, its founders and current board members: www.projecthomeindy.com.