As the largest provider of residential services for homeless families in the State, Bill Bickel and his staff at Holy Family can tell anyone quickly what the fastest growing segment of the homeless population is - entire families. Local housing estimates indicate that for a family to afford a two-bedroom apartment, the wage earners must make at least $11.31 per hour – far above the federal minimum wage of $5.15. For families who find themselves out of options and face immediate homelessness, Holy Family provides a wide range of services. The emergency facility served 306 homeless families in 2006, which included 490 children. Following 30-45 days of shelter, after-school child care, and supportive services, most families are ready to move into some type of transitional housing or permanent housing. The Holy Family transitional units, partially funded by the REALTOR® Foundation, house families for up to two years before they find permanent homes.

While the shelter has found success in addressing family needs, the demand for housing for families and Holy Family’s limited space are calling for the shelter to expand in the next few years. While construction has not begun, a site for an entirely new building has been chosen on Indy’s Westside.

Until then, Bill and his staff will continue to serve the families of Indianapolis in need, hoping to one day break the cycle of homelessness.

For more information about Holy Family Shelters, click here.

The Indiana Coalition for Housing and Homeless Issues recently released a report about working families and what the State of Indiana can do to improve working conditions. Read the full report by clicking here.

[PHOTO: Bickel with local Indianapolis family]

Anonymous (3) 
Michael Alexander
Kathy Andry
Sue Applegate
Cutler Armstrong
Ruth Beaver
Matthew Borushko
Brian Brent
Jeana Bruzas
Steve Burkhardt
Chris Camperelli
Cynthia Cherf
Circle Block Partners (G)
Douglas Dilling
Connie Dixon
Jimmy Dulin (Cr)
Jonathan Eriksen
Phyllis Fife
David Frazier (A)
Edward Gallagher
Jayne Gauci
Greater Downtown Div. of MIBOR (G) 
Derek Gutting
Bill Hacker
Keith Hall
Sherry Hanebutt
Howard Hollenbaugh
Tom Johnson
John LaVine
Linda Leveridge
Jeremy Long
Roger Lundy
John Lyons
Michael Lyons
Noel Pottinger
Mark Rattermann (G)
Ryan Rigel
RE/MAX Real Estate Groups 
Indalecio & Janice Ruiz
Joyce Scotten
Beverly Fast Sinclair
Southside Division of MIBOR 
Kathy Stacy
Lydia Stauder
Jackson Stewart
Patty Thornberry
Nick Tillema
Cathy Toombs
Ethna Verkamp
Wall & Associates 
Pat Williams (A)
Robbie Williams (A)
Zickler Associates, LLC

Ball 2007 A Huge Success
For the first time in MIBOR’s nearly 100-year history, the annual President’s Ball combined forces with the REALTOR® Foundation Live & Silent Auction. The result was a wonderful combination of two traditions that showcased all that MIBOR’s REALTORS® and affiliates do to better their communities.

By bringing MIBOR’s philanthropic arm to the forefront at the Ball, not only were members made more aware of the Foundation’s good work, but the event served as a fundraiser that generated more than $46,000. All of the proceeds – 100 percent – will be used to help area organizations provide safe, decent living conditions for those affected by homelessness.

Thank you again to all of the sponsors  and attendees for helping combine these two great traditions! Click here for additional pictures.

Homeward Bound Walk - April 22, 2007
Homeward Bound Central Indiana is a five kilometer fundraising walk conducted each year by local homeless and affordable housing groups. Funds raised by this annual event help homeless citizens with shelter, food and other emergency assistance needs. Two agencies currently funded by the REALTOR® Foundation could benefit from walk funds raised: Christian Help, Inc. and Partners in Housing. Many other organizations could also benefit. Check out the Homeward Bound Web site for a complete list.