REALTOR Foundation - Linking Hope to Homeless

Super Buzz

2012-02-01T20:47:47Z

Hello again everyone!

It’s been an exciting couple of weeks in Indianapolis and for the Foundation. Not even two weeks ago, through the help of generous donors and corporate partners, we were able to announce the completion of the Building a Living Legacy: Centennial campaign. Announcing that completion with Mayor Ballard and the Super Bowl Host Committee on the day before the NFL Experience opened was truly a thrill, and we received the best media attention for our project to date. (Click here to see media on the press conference)

This week, not only has the city seen an explosion of Super Bowl activity, but REALTORS® from all around the state met at the Marriott downtown for two days – and some of us even caught a glimpse of Eli Manning and the Giants while we were there. As the Foundation Board of Directors met last week, though, we discussed what happens next week and the week after – will there be a let down from post-Super Bowl activity and the closure of our own campaign? How can we as real estate professionals continue the momentum that has been created? There will be no time like right now for good stories about our city. I challenge you with these thoughts:

1. Find a place to participate in the REALTOR® Day of Service on February 29. Click here for information about that day. (PS - We are also still seeking groups to Adopt families on the Near Eastside! Contact Molly Hahn at mollyhahn@realtorfoundation.com for more information.)

2. Use your own marketing campaign to engage your clients or friends in the Hoosier Love contest. What a great way to spread goodwill about the City! Check out www.hoosierlove.com for more details.

3. Attend the Foundation’s grant announcement and donor wall reception on February 23 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.) to learn more about the 19 organizations we are affecting this year as well as the families we have already helped with Building a Living Legacy.

Above all, have a Super Week!

Happy 2012

2012-01-16T17:13:24Z

Finally – It’s here! It seems that many of us have been waiting for 2012 for one reason or another. There are so many exciting things going on this year, and that’s why my blog is all about the ‘buzz’ that we’re creating here in Indy. As REALTORS®, we should be proud of all that our city has to offer and proud to be part of the biggest event in the world on February 5.

Already this year, I have seen indications that great events are upon us. Just last weekend, I attended the opening and dedication of the CommonWealth, which is a mixed use apartment building built out of a historic school on the Near Eastside. This project is one of at least 20 that the REALTOR® Foundation will affect this year. There were three media outlets present at the dedication – here is a sample of what they reported: http://www.wthr.com/story/16521727/super-bowl-project-turns-school-into-housing#.TxLz-wCXl7g.facebook

I was there just about a year ago when we presented our first check, and I shot this video while I was there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iFkv9BWHkY&feature=youtu.be What an amazing transformation and preservation of the building!

I look forward to being your Foundation president in this momentous year. I feel particularly lucky to be part of the Foundation’s work each time I visit a new grant recipient and learn about all of the different kinds of people who are being served. It’s truly eye-opening to understand that homelessness extends far beyond the beggars you see on the street in downtown Indy. As we highlight those organizations this year, feel free to connect with me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/BrightSideTeam

Farewell to 2011

2012-01-10T14:42:07Z

From 2011 President Joyce Scotten:

2011 is now behind us – wow what a busy year for MIBOR! I must thank each Foundation donor, our Foundation Ambassadors and Office Liaisons, our dedicated Board of Directors, and the MIBOR staff who work diligently every year to help your Foundation reach the annual fund goal so worthy organizations can continue to fight homelessness. As we all know, these past few years have been very difficult for many—hard working parents have lost their jobs not because of poor performance, but for reasons out of their control. New jobs are hard to find, and many families have become homeless—a situation they never dreamed would happen to them.

Because of people like you, we have made a difference! Thanks so much for your “helping hand”! We all need support sometime during our lifetime—there is no greater joy than helping others in their time of need. Your generosity has provided this much needed support to many!

Thanks so much to all of you and may 2012 bring you good health and much happiness!

The most wonderful time of the year

2011-12-12T19:46:17Z

As they say, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

Over the past several days, Foundation Directors and Ambassadors have made check presentations to several of our 2012 grant recipients. These visits once again remind each of us how important these organizations are to our communities. Each recipient has many success stories—individuals and families, once challenged daily to survive, are achieving more than they ever dreamed. Many are living in safe and permanent housing, working, and providing a stable environment for their children. These dreams are possible because of the wonderful organizations providing the support and education to help people less fortunate learn the skills they need to succeed.

We all know how difficult these economic times are, and our recipients are certainly experiencing the loss of income due to lack of funding. Please help your Foundation help others—the need is great. We are still short of the goal line with time running out—we need your help and every dollar is critical to get us over the goal line.

Thank you for your support! Click here to donate now and help us make more grants a reality!

December has arrived

2011-12-01T19:55:46Z

Time seems to fly so quickly—it has been too long since my last message.

December has arrived and we have a lot to accomplish before year’s end. With the game on the line, we need one final push to score and WIN! Our grant recipients are depending on us so please help us help others. The needs are basic—an industrial stove for one shelter, short term rental assistance for another, and a staff person to assist shelter graduates find permanent housing.

We have many success stories from our past grant recipients which I hope to share by year’s end. These wins could not happen with your support.

In closing, I must note the passing of Pooch Hunter, current Foundation Director. Pooch lived his life helping others, and at 80+ years old was serving on our Board. Pooch was passionate about our mission—providing safe housing for those in need. He challenged all of us to do more, and he believed our industry should take the lead in ending homelessness. We will all miss Pooch but his passion will be with us always.

I ask each of you to make a donation in memory of our friend, Pooch Hunter.

Falling short of the goal line

2011-10-12T17:20:38Z

It’s the 4^th Quarter—game on the line and we’re in the RED ZONE—it’s 4^th down and 1 to go with time expiring.

Will we cross the goal line? There is so much at stake and we must make that final yard. The pressure is mounting—everyone on the TEAM must perform at the highest level to push us to victory!

Yesterday, along with my Foundation Grants committee teammates, 29 grant requests were reviewed—our highest number of requests in Foundation history. All organizations are deserving and all are committed to improving the quality of life in our community. Providing a helping hand to those in need is an important component of improving our cities and towns.

The poor economy has “hit us hard and knocked us back a few yards”. It has hit us all but some harder than others. The largest segment of homeless or at risk of homelessness is families. Most of these families have never been faced with this type of situation and are not sure how to find help. These families are our friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

Please join our team—help us cross the goal line – help us help those who are truly doing their best to help themselves, but need a hand to help them.

It takes little to join our team—a few dollars will help us inch closer to the goal line. Your sacrifice to make the team—one less Starbucks or lunch out with friends this week. Believe me, your donation will have a direct impact on the lives of families in need. Find out more at www.realtorfoundation.org

In the news

2011-09-23T19:12:38Z

This morning, I read in the Indianapolis Star what many of us already know: that the average household income has decreased in the last couple of years and that we are still struggling as a community. I also read about 42 families who were displaced last night due to a fire in their apartment complex – a tragedy that no one could predict.

While sometimes I feel disheartened by news like this, I am comforted by the fact that we as a Foundation do all we can to help our fellow Hoosiers. Just consider: in the last month, we celebrated a successful REALTOR® Foundation Awareness Week, in which we raised $8,300. We made a true impact on the St. Clair Place neighborhood with trash pick-up and flower planting. Seventeen families have moved into the Building a Living Legacy homes with 150 on the waiting list.

Looking ahead, we still need your help.

We have received 29 applications for funding for 2012 from area organizations, the most ever. They requested more than $400,000 in grants, and sadly, we believe that we will not be able to fulfill nearly three-fourths of those. Fifteen families have yet to move in to the Building a Living Legacy homes, and the fundraising for that project continues with nearly $65,000 left to raise.

Please think about a time in your life when people/strangers came to the aid of someone you know and love. How heartwarming it is to experience the goodness of our communities when tragedy happens and people come to our rescue— we have all experienced this sometime in our lives. Your donation to the Foundation will insure families in need will experience the same compassion.
Have a great weekend!

Back to School!

2011-08-12T13:15:29Z

Hello folks! It’s Coach Scotten here, happy that the NFL season will officially start this weekend, signifying that the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis is definitely on the calendar.

I’m sure you’ve all noticed or somehow been affected by the start of school this week. Buses everywhere; school zone speed limits; school supplies in stores; parents running around to get the routine in place once again. While my own children are long past that stage, I still feel the excitement of the start of school and football season.

This year, I have been thinking more about the children who don’t have a place to sleep at night, or who get the best (or only) meal of the day at the school cafeteria. While a few hundred children sleep in shelters each night, nearly 3,000 children in Marion County schools are “unattached” to a permanent house. They might sleep with aunts or grandparents or friends or in cars or in hotels. How can we expect these children to do homework when they are without a home?

As the start of school gets us all on new schedules, let’s keep these children in mind.

July events are a hit

2011-07-27T14:40:50Z

Whew! What a month! I don’t know about you, but July has been a whirlwind for me. You may have been part of the fantastic (but hot) golf outing we held last week, raising nearly $25,000 for the homeless in central Indiana. Click here for pictures of our players and sponsors! http://www.flickr.com/photos/realtorfoundation/5974080832/

I also experienced a personal first – being a speaker in a press conference with Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and the Super Bowl Host Committee. While it was great to be with city leaders and celebrate the mid-point of construction for the Building a Living Legacy homes, it was even better to hear first-hand from resident Donald Boykins how much his house has made a difference for his family. He was truly inspirational. For press coverage of our conference, click here: http://www.mibor100.com/press.html

We appreciate all that you as volunteers and donors do for the homeless in central Indiana. Thanks!

You're A Champion

2011-06-24T20:16:10Z

Did you know you’re a champion? Yes, you. You who have donated to the REALTOR® Foundation this year, and you, the one who has volunteered at our two volunteer days, and you, the dedicated committee member. You’re a champion to the thousands of families and individuals who are housed this year because of Foundation grants. You are making a huge impact!!

Soon I will be updating everyone on the mid-year stats and thinking about what impact you will be able to help us with for next year. Until then, know that you’re our champions!

Here’s another champion I just learned about: Devin’s Destiny, which provides birthday celebrations for homeless children in Bend, Oregon. Check out this site: http://www.devinsdestiny.org/index.html

Who are the champions in your life? Comment back and tell me who those folks are and why.

If you would like to get blog updates emailed to you, subscribe today by clicking on the "Subscribe" button on the left.

Recovering from disaster

2011-06-14T20:44:09Z

Hello folks -
I'm feeling a bit contemplative today, and not quite so peppy. Three years ago this month, many of our own lost their homes due to flooding. Because of your generosity, we were able to issue emergency grants at that time and it made a huge difference.

In the past weeks we have seen several communities around the country greatly damaged by unusually violent storms. The entire town of Joplin has been totally devastated by the vast destruction of the recent tornado, and it will be many years before this town and its residents recover—if ever. How do you recover after experiencing such a huge loss? The weather does not discriminate – people from all walks of life have been left homeless.

Many of these people will live with family until other arrangements can be made—they have the resources to rebuild their lives. Think about those without the same resources—no family to help them and no resources to fall back on in a time of need.

These people are the newest faces of homelessness in this country. Keep these folks in your thoughts, and know that if disaster strikes central Indiana, your Foundation will do everything possible to help the recovery process along.

100 years of racing in Indy

2011-06-01T12:46:29Z

Hi everyone! It's Coach Scotten again with this week's pep talk!

I'm sure by now you know that it's been 100 years since the Indianapolis 500 mile race began. This year's outcome unfolded a great story in addition to its historical significance. The winner of this year’s race is a former champion—a driver who lost his ride at the end of last year, and just prior to this year’s race was given an opportunity to complete in only this one race. He certainly made the most of this opportunity—he won the Indianapolis 500 for the 2^nd time to the delight of many fans and proved he is still an outstanding driver.

The runner up this year was a young, energetic rookie who crashed in the last turn but still brought his car across the line in 2^nd place. He decided to give it his all and go for the win, but made a critical mistake that cost him the race.

Many of those we help are down on their luck—they too have lost their “ride” or made a “critical mistake” along the way—one that has delayed them from reaching the finish line. With support from organizations like ours to provide life skill lessons and a roof over their heads, they too can reach the finish line. They just need a chance to get back on track!

I've seen a few good stories in the news lately about folks who are just down on their luck - this one is particularly inspiring.
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/112801/fight-to-rejoin-middle-class-usnews

Finally, I simply can't comment on this year's race without congratulating our own 'Race' winners - those offices who completed the transactional giving challenge:

ü Carpenter, REALTORS® Smith Valley

ü Carpenter, REALTORS® Avon West

ü Carpenter, REALTORS® High School Road

ü Keller Williams Indpls Metro N

ü Keller Williams Indy Metro W
We look forward to pizza parties with all of you!

This is YOUR REALTOR® Foundation

2011-05-26T12:26:36Z

Ok, gang, listen up for this week's pep talk!

This week, I was invited to speak about the Foundation by two Carpenter offices. It’s so fun for me to tell others about my passion. Yet, in the middle of the first meeting, I realized something very important: the work that the Foundation accomplishes isn’t about my passion – it’s about YOURS. Often when I speak at meetings, people will ask questions like, “Why doesn’t the Foundation give to my area?” or “Why doesn’t the Foundation give to my favorite organization?” The reality is that the REALTOR® Foundation was formed to act as your philanthropic arm and in the interest of all REALTORS®.

So, yes, Carpenter in Franklin, this is your charity that has granted to Christian Help right in your hometown for the last five years. And yes, Rita O’Rear in Carmel, this is your Foundation that has a new relationship with Promising Futures in Noblesville. And yes, Jay Pearl, this is your Foundation that is focusing tremendous energy and dollars to help neighbors in need in St. Clair Place through the Building a Living Legacy project, a grant to Stopover and a grant to Englewood Community Development Corp.

Your REALTOR® Foundation has granted more than $625,000 in the last eight years to central Indiana organizations. Your REALTOR® Foundation has helped thousands of Hoosier families get back on their feet. Your REALTOR® Foundation has heard the voice of over 400 of you and has made decisions that will better this community.

So I ask you, if you are one of the central Indiana real estate professionals who hasn’t embraced the work of the REALTOR® Foundation as your own point of personal or professional pride, why haven’t you? Get involved today at www.realtorfoundation.org.

It's a Race!

2011-05-13T16:13:00Z

With the month of May in full swing, the Foundation challenges you to its own kind of race – the one that can help end homelessness.

Will you promise to donate $10 from your next transaction? If you and at least nine others from your office agree to do so by May 31, we will reward you with a pizza party. Who doesn't like free food?

All you need to do is to promise and send the 10 names to Molly Hahn at mollyhahn@realtorfoundation.com

With your donation, you will help a family like Brittany and her five children. Brittany is a client of Christian Help right here in Greenwood. If you have heard me speak, you have heard me say that in Greenwood, we used to think there weren’t homeless people in Johnson County. But, it turns out that there are. Brittany was left to fend for herself without notice when her husband was deported. She has recently enrolled in school and is looking for a job but has gotten support from Christian Help and several local church groups so she can survive on her own.

You can make a difference by donating $10 this time, and we hope you’ll consider donating it each time you have a transaction.

Know that $10 goes a long way in helping someone who has nothing.
To view a flyer on the contest, click here.

The face of homelessness through teenage eyes

2011-05-09T20:06:00Z

Hello, folks, your own Coach Scotten here again. Today's lesson is one that sounds more like it comes out of a dictionary, but have you thought about the meaning of "homelessness"? Not the image that comes into your mind - the actual definition. Being "homeless" means being "without a home" which is much more than being without a house.

I've been keeping a list of examples of people I have come across over the years who are without someplace to call home. Click here for one of the articles that I saw in this past weekend's Indy Star which really illustrate my point - teenagers writing about other teens who are without a place to call home.

When you read this, do you feel called to action? What can you do to help those who have no place to call home? Could you:

Repost this link?
Volunteer your time or become a mentor?
Make a donation, once or with every business transaction?

Make your choice, but make it knowing that you will help someone find much more than a house - a place to call home - and do your part in "linking hope to homeless."

Happy (post) Mother's Day

2011-05-09T19:44:00Z

I hope that all of you who are mothers had a fabulous Mother's Day yesterday. Maybe you read the well-timed article by Erika D. Smith in the Sunday Star which highlighted a mom getting a fresh start thanks to the Building a Living Legacy project in honor of the MIBOR Centennial. I met that mom last week and was impressed by the strength she has.

Some other moms who deserve recognition: What about the mothers at domestic violence shelters who spent yesterday safe with their children for the first time?

What about those moms who have fallen into addictive lifestyles and just want to beat their addiction so they can be better moms?

What about the teenage moms, or the ones with a disability, who are looking for better skills to provide for their children?

What about the moms who relocate so their children can have adequate access to health care, even if it means leaving everything they know?

These are all moms who have become my heroes. Thank you to all moms!

If you missed the article yesterday, here it is - http://www.indystar.com/article/20110508/NEWS19/105080368/Erika-D-Smith-Hope-moving-into-Near-Eastside?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|IndyStar.com

The face of homelessness - Pathway to Recovery

2011-03-30T18:27:00Z

Here is another response to my question about how to define homelessness - an excerpt from an account written by a Pathway to Recovery resident:
"My life today is full beyond compare. I have nearly four years of sobriety and I am active in a 12 step fellowship. During the last couple of years, God has truly blessed me. I got married to my beautiful wife in 2009. Also, my handsome son was born on September 11, 2009. He has changed my life forever and I love being a father. Plus, I will be graduating with a B.A. in Philosophy in May. Then I will start graduate school to earn my Masters of Arts in teaching this summer. If asked if I thought these accomplishments were possible four years ago, I would have laughed with true cynicism.

In the end, Pathway gave me more than sobriety. They gave me tools to live a healthy life. Instead of being on the streets and nearly dead, I’m of use to people. No matter how rough or stressful life gets I also have a sense of peace and direction. I know if I stay willing and stick to the basics of recovery I will never have to traverse the dark path of untreated mental illness and addiction again. None of these wonderful gifts would have ever been possible without Pathway to Recovery. At Pathway, hope is found."

Learning from the "Butler Way"

2011-03-29T12:45:00Z

Watching the Butler men's basketball team play over the weekend made me switch hats momentarily to that of "Coach Scotten, basketball coach". What Coach Brad Stevens has done for his program has been remarkable, but I find that all of us could learn a few lessons from their example.

First - Believe in yourself. It's so simple, and yet so many of us let ourselves believe that we aren't good enough or that someone else deserves what's good in life. I think this is as true for business professionals as it is for the homeless families we are helping.

Second - A small team working together can make a big impact. The Butler basketball players are not mighty, and on the court on Saturday they were outsized considerably. How can you make a big impact? It doesn't take an army - just a group of dedicated and similar-minded individuals willing to work together. As a team, Butler has beaten the odds. Together, they have found success. Every little bit counts!

Third - Never give up! How many times did anyone watching Butler this season see them down by 10 or more points or on the verge of elimination, and think, "Well, that's over." Apparently the Butler players and coaching staff did not have those same thoughts. The team pushed on, the fans stood by them, and their coaches never let them lose hope.

No matter what happens in this weekend's FInal Four, the Butler players and its coach, Brad Stevens, have shown us all what the "Butler Way" means! Best of luck this weekend, Butler!

Legacy families find new homes

2011-03-21T12:59:00Z

From guest blogger Molly Hahn:

I met a woman the other day who could have been my neighbor, living in a suburban house as recently as last year. It is obvious that she loves her children and wants the best for them. She was emotional at our meeting because in the last year, she lost everything – the house, her job, her children, her lifestyle. Each downfall led to another bad choice and another downfall. Last summer she found herself in a homeless shelter with nowhere to turn. Last week, she signed a lease to live in a Building a Living Legacy home and found a new beginning.

This is the face of homelessness to me: a working mom who needs a second chance. She and 31 other families are the reason why our Building a Living Legacy homes are not just houses – they are a symbol of hope for families, and it is one that will have true lasting impact on our community.

As our families continue to move into the Building a Living Legacy homes, we would like to welcome them with basic household items and groceries. Within the next 10 days there will be a total of 7 new families living in the homes and even more in the coming months. We are looking for offices to adopt Legacy homes in an effort to make each new family feel welcome and ready to start their new lives. Please contact me or visit www.mibor100.com to learn more about this opportunity.

If you have not contributed to Building a Living Legacy, do so today by clicking here. Every gift will help homeless families in central Indiana find a place to call home, and we hope you will consider a gift of $100 in honor of our 100 years at MIBOR!

The Face of Homelessness: Holy Family Shelter

2011-03-16T14:26:00Z

I recently asked some of our grant recipients to help me define the face of homelessness after my previous post about our struggle with this concept. Here is a description from Bill Bickel, Director of Holy Family Services in Indianapolis:

"A common question we hear at Holy Family Shelter is the following: “Who is typically homeless?” We are quick to point out that no longer is the “typical homeless” those we usually saw just a few years ago – families who have generationally been at the lowest end of the poverty scale. Today, due to the nation’s economic, employment and housing crisis, homeless families who were previously part of the middle and lower-middle class are arriving here at Holy Family Shelter at an alarming rate. And while this demographic is changing, one sad statistic remains: The average age of an individual living at Holy Family Shelter is nine years old. Therefore, of the more than 1,000 homeless individuals we serve each year, the face of homelessness we see most often has names like Susie, Antonio, Jimmy, and Kayla."

What about you? How do you define 'the face of homelessness'? Would love to get your feedback - please share.

Who we serve: http://t.co/bULPozO
How YOU can help: http://realtorfoundation.org/index.php/how-you-can-help/