Transitional Housing

Transitional Housing

Houses are purchased, renovated and maintained to provide transitional housing for people who need homes. These houses are called H.I.M. (Homeless Initiative Mission) Houses. There are two H.I.M. Houses and they currently provide housing for 12 residents. One of these houses is a partnership with the N.O.L.O. (No One Left Out) prison ministry and is dedicated to men who are re-entering society after being released from prison. Many of the H.I.M. House residents give back to the community by volunteering at the monthly hot meals or participating in other CAC activities.

Additional background: The first H.I.M. home was purchased solely by Glenda and her husband, Andy, and titled to the corporation. The October 2007 edition of Indianapolis Woman Magazine featured a story about a homeless man named Tim whom Glenda took to get a free eye exam and a pair of glasses. What began as an act of kindness blossomed and grew into a friendship. Glenda collected and donated clothes to build a small wardrobe so Tim could apply for jobs. Tim quit drinking and eventually, Tim applied for a job at the new five-star Conrad Hilton Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. Out of 10,000 applicants, Tim was one of 170 people hired. Tim was the first resident of the first H.I.M. House.

We have other houses located in the Indianapolis area that are either being occupied by residents or are in need of renovations. One is close to being completed with renovations so that others will have a roof over their head. We have another house that needs a complete renovation prior to occupying.

CAC, Inc. program is innovative because residents of the H.I.M. Houses also participate in our various programs as a way of giving back to the community. As more houses are purchased, the occupants will provide some of the necessary labor as their schedule permits to renovate each additional new house.

Finding affordable housing for the homeless is extremely difficult. H.I.M. Houses will provide this affordable housing while residents transition from being homeless back into mainstream society. In Indiana, there are fewer homeless programs statewide than five years ago. There are fewer case managers at all agencies to assist the homeless than five years ago. Although there are approximately 2,500 homeless in Indianapolis, there are fewer emergency shelters and there is an increase in the number of individuals being released from incarceration. There is a critical shortage of clean, safe, low-income housing. Approximately half of the homeless have a job working an average of 30 hours per week, but need assistance during the initial transition period.