Indy Homeless Connect 2010
                                               

Tomorrow, March 23, 2010 is the 5th annual 'Indy Homeless Connect'. This all day event is focused on care and outreach for people who do not have permanent housing. The event successfully consolidates a number of available services offered by numerous providers and connects homeless residents to benefits, medical care, mental health counseling and a variety of social services. Getting connected to these services will help lead individuals and families to improved health, self-sufficiency and increased opportunities to find housing.

I will be working as a volunteer tomorrow. My job will consist of helping people connect to various services. . . .such as getting a copy of their birth certificate, medical care and even a hair cut. I am proud to say other REALTOR® Foundation directors will also be volunteering. My good friend, Kimberly Demaree, owner of WIP Downtown will be there in the morning providing free hair cuts. It is such a good feeling to be able to help those in need. Last year there were more than 600 volunteers and the Indy Homeless Connect 2009 was able to serve more than 900 homeless people, including more than 50 homeless children under the age of five.

Please pass this information along to your local church or any organization in central Indiana that help the homeless. For more information go to CHIPIndy.org

The Indy Homeless Connect
March 23, 2010
9:00am-4:00pm
The Indiana Convention Center
100 South Capitol Ave.
Indianapolis IN


Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless.  ~Sherry Anderson

No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others.  The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.  ~Author Unknown


Regina Jones ♥

Noodles & Co. restaurants will be supporting The REALTOR Foundation on St. Patrick's Day! 

On this St. Patrick's Day, Noodles & Co. (all the Indy area locations) will donate 25% of sales to the REALTOR Foundation! We are so excited that Noodles & Co. have been so generous to us and are having all 9 Indy area locations to participate in this month's Feed the Fight! Find Noodles & Co Near You

                                                         
Every 3rd Wednesday of each month an Indianapolis area restaurant will host the REALTOR® Foundation's Feed the Fight. Come out and support the Foundation & raise money for the homeless just by going out to eat!

The 5 Steps to a Successful Feed the Fight!
Step 1: Simply print the coupon/flyer associated with the feed Click Here 4 Coupon
Step 2: Enjoy your Meal (Dine In or To Go) 
Step 3: Present the coupon when you pay your bill.
Step 4: A percentage of your bill will then come back to the Foundation
Step 5: Pass on the coupon via Email, Facebook & Twitter to your friends, family & co-workers...so they can also go out to eat & help raise money for the homeless.
Remember:  You must present coupon at the restaurant!

I hope on this St. Patrick's Day you will be able to make it out to a Noodles & Co. near you!
Everyone needs to eat....and everyone deserves a home! Go out to eat & make a difference!

Happy St. Patrick's Day,
Regina O'Jones


Irish Blessing
May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.

Foster children are another group that is increasingly becoming homeless as they reach adulthood.
Each year, nearly 100 young adults in Marion County are emancipated from foster care. They face the challenges of new adulthood and they search for post-secondary education, employment, housing, and economic self-sufficiency without a family to offer love and support. Studies prove that the transition is difficult: More than 40% of all foster youth end up homeless. Many more struggle with unemployment, poverty and substance abuse problems.

So let's take a look at Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center (MRNC) and their Foster Independence Program 
With Fostering Independence, MRNC helps ensure that emancipated young adults have the support they need to succeed in adulthood.

I am proud to say that, Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center is a 2010 REALTOR® Foundation Grant Recipient ! For more information on MRNC print a copy of the Fostering Independence Brochure .

School on Wheels

It is always interesting what you can discover on the internet. Last week as I searched statistics on the increasing number of homeless families & homeless children, I came across another organization that is helping homeless children. "School on Wheels" is an organization in Indianapolis that hopes to: Inspire Learning, Empower Kids & End Homelessness. The mission of School on Wheels is to enhance and enrich educational opportunities for school-aged homeless children. Their vision is to break the cycle of homelessness through education. How great is that....check out School on Wheels !

Make sure you take a moment to visit both websites. I know that Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center and School on Wheels have volunteer opportunities.

~RJ

Education is the movement from darkness to light.  ~Allan Bloom

 

When you read that 1 in 3 homeless people in the US are under the age of 18, it really breaks your heart. And it is sad to think that the average age of a homeless person in central Indiana is 9 years old. In 2009 Indianapolis Public Schools reported having 1,529 homeless students --> IPS Troubling Tallies 
We forget that homelessness knows no boundaries. Homelessness does not discriminate..it affects the old and the young....and all of us in between. 

11 Facts about Homeless Youth*

1. The National Coalition for the Homeless defines homeless youth as individuals under the age of eighteen who lack parental, foster, or institutional care.

2. 1 out of every 3 homeless people are under the age of 18.

3. 1.6 to 1.7 million people under 18 will experience homelessness each year.

4. The majority of homeless and runaway youth are between the ages of 15 and 17, however three out of 100 runaways are under the age of 10, and 11 out of 100 are between the ages of 11 and 13.

5. Approximately half of all runaways were physically abused before fleeing home.

6. Up to a third of runaways have been forced to perform a sexual act against his/her will.

7. Half of all runaways left home because of a disagreement with a parent or guardian.

8. A third of all runaways will attempt suicide.

9. Homeless youth are up to ten times more likely to have or contract HIV than non-homeless adolescents.

10. A tenth of homeless and runaway females are reportedly pregnant.

11. This year, one in 260 runaways and homeless youths will die from assault, illness and suicide.

*Sources: National Coalition for the Homeless, National Runaway Switchboard

Now for the Good News: There is a website that encourages teens to "Do Something". DoSomething.org believes teenagers have the power to make a difference. They leverage communications technologies to enable teens to convert their ideas and energy into positive action. They inspire, empower and celebrate a generation of doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.

This website has great information on the homeless youth: Click Here  And it has great ideas for teens on how they can....Act Now!

Take a look how DoSomething.org, Aeropostale & teenagers were able to make a difference earlier this month:--> Teens for Jeans 

We all have the ability to "Do Something" whether it is to donate money or volunteer....we all need to be inspired & empowered to take Action!

I will finish this entry with words from Robert Shaffer: 
"We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled but as candles to be lit."

Always Inspired & Empowered,
RJ ♥

 Happy President's Day!

I just wanted to take a moment to give a "shout out" to the Past-Presidents of the REALTOR® Foundation.

And of course a shout to MIBOR President, Sue Applegate and the Past Presidents of MIBOR.

To let you know on this President's Day, that you ALL inspire me to do my best!

 

Here we are the 3rd week of February and it is time for "Feed the Fight".

This Wednesday 2/17 our featured restaurant is Applebee's in Greenwood.

Take this coupon---> http://www.mibor.com/realtorfoundation/pdfs/feed_applebees.pdf

to Applebee's on Wednesday for Dine In or Carry Out and they will donate 15% of your purchase to the REALTOR® Foundation!

 

Thanks to Gerry Dick and Inside Indiana Business for taking time Super Bowl weekend to talk with me & John H. Boner Community Center Chief Executive Officer, James Taylor. I must admit I was a little camera shy (btw, I have never been camera shy...lol) but Mr. Taylor was there to help me thru the interview. It was a great opportunity to discuss the Building a Living Legacy project ---> http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/video-player.asp?HideVideoAd=1&ID=11060&CategoryID=40

While Super Bowl XLIV may be over with a disappointing end, the city of Indianapolis and the REALTOR® Foundation are looking ahead to Super Bowl XLVI, which will take place in Indianapolis in 2012. Also taking place in 2012 is MIBOR's 100th Anniversary! In observance of 100 years of service, MIBOR members will work through your industry’s philanthropic organization, the REALTOR® Foundation, to help reverse homelessness in central Indiana as part of the Super Bowl Housing Legacy project. Take a look at this month's 'Steps to Shelter' to get the inside scoop ---> http://www.news.mibor.com/outbound/MessageDisplay.jsp?subscriber_id=2911&track_id=452&message_id=221&cid=781

 

As the snow falls down on central Indiana remember there are many people who are homeless and in need of our help. Indiana winters can be brutal. Here is an article in today's Indy Star about those living under bridges and struggling with being chronically homeless. http://www.indystar.com/article/20100215/LOCAL18/2150340/Homeless-take-up-residence-under-Downtown-bridge

 

I am off to start my President's Day by spending the day in my home with my children. I am so thankful that I have a home. As you spend your day at home or at work please remember that "Homeless" covers a range of people. It covers those out of work or underemployed "doubling up" temporarily with relatives. It covers families, battered women, veterans, and the "chronically" homeless, mostly alcoholic, drug-addicted, mentally ill or all three -- the ones who sleep outdoors night after night. Remember we are a community. We are all in this together....help your homeless neighbor. Make a Donation...Click here to help the homeless ---> http://tinyurl.com/rfdonation

 

Of course on this President's Day, I will quote William Jefferson Clinton:

"We need a spirit of community, a sense that we are all in this together. If we have no sense of community, the American dream will wither." -President Bill Clinton

 

RJ

Yesterday we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Unfortunately I had a crazy schedule and was unable to serve my community. However, I was able to gather summer clothes together to donate to the people in Haiti. I applaud Chapel Rock Christian Church on Indy's Westside for organizing a donation drop off for Haiti Relief. If you are in the Indy area check out how you can donate clothes & supplies. http://tinyurl.com/ygltudw

 

Since the earthquake disaster in Haiti, it is wonderful to see how people have really stepped up to help those in need. The Red Cross alone has raised over $21 million dollars thru their $10 donation campaign. People don't realize what a difference $10 can make to those who are suffering & homeless. The REALTOR® Foundation also has a great $10 campaign! We call it "$10 for 10"...and actually with the new year we could refer to it as "$10 for 10 in 10"! Check out our "$10 for 10"  http://vimeo.com/3438754  and contact Molly Hahn @ 317.956.1912 to start your $10 donations.

 

For all of you here in the Indianapolis area, join us downtown at Noodles & Co for lunch or dinner tomorrow, January 20 (dine in or carry out). http://tinyurl.com/ffjan  This is a great way to help the homeless...just by having a meal. You have to eat sometime..Right?! So come out & dine with us and help your homeless neighbor.

 

This week I will continue to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. And I encourage everyone to take time to do what you can to help those in need as he taught. Whether it is $10 a month or $8 at lunch, it all adds up & it really makes a difference.

 

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

-Martin Luther King Jr.

J

RJ

Hello everyone! It is Regina and I am excited about this year "Twenty Ten" and all it has to offer. The countdown has begun for me only 51 weeks left in this new year.....so much to do, so little time. All of the Foundation Board of Directors & Committee Members have been working very hard to make this year a huge success.

 

I just wanted to let you know about a few important dates and events that are happening within the month of January.  

*First of all if you or someone you know loves the show "Dancing with the Stars" and would love to take dance lessons then check out our item of the month: http://www.mibor.com/realtorfoundation/auctionitem.asp . We have Arthur Murray dance lessons that are a $625 value and the current bid for this item is a low $65!! Place your bid today. . .the bidding for this item closes on January 28th!

 

*Next event that we are featuring is our monthly "Feed the Fight". On Wednesday January 20th, Noodles & Company will be hosting The Realtor Foundation's "Feed the Fight" event. The way you can help the homeless is by having lunch or dinner at  Noodles & Company (Indy downtown location) on January 20th. http://www.mibor.com/realtorfoundation/feed.asp Click on the Noodles & Company words for the flyer you would need to present at time of purchase: (Please pass along this flyer link to your family, friends & co-workers via email, facebook, twitter etc....)

 

*Last and certainly NOT least is this year's MIBOR Ball. For all of you in the Real Estate industry that are members of MIBOR, please make sure you register today for the 2010 Ball. If you register by this Thursday, you will be entered to win two tickets to this weekend's Colts playoff game!

Check out the Top 10 Reasons why you should attend the Ball: http://www.news.mibor.com/outbound/MessageDisplay.jsp?subscriber_id=2911&track_id=407&message_id=203&cid=781

 

I will give you reason #11: I am the Ball Chairperson and it is an awesome event that should NOT be missed!! (Yes, I used the word "Awesome"!!)

Click here to make your reservation today: http://www.mibor.com/theball/TheBall_Registration.pdf

 

I hope to see you all out and about this month participating in these great events.

Let's have the courage to help our homeless neighbors!!

 

I will close my entry today by quoting Dr. Cornel West, "Empathy is not simply a matter of trying to imagine what others are going through, but having the will to muster enough courage to do something about it. In a way, empathy is predicated upon hope."

 

RJ

It was a whirlwind 2009, and even though today is January 5, I am still recovering! Thanks to everyone for your support of our efforts to solve homelessness this year! As my term ends, I think about the lives that have been touched this year, from the young adults living in the Fostering Independence program to the single mom who has finally broken the cycle of drug addiction in her family to the veteran in Partners in Housing who says each day is his best. Thank you for changing those lives!

 

I’m handing over the reins to Regina Jones, the 2010 President. I look forward to reading her thoughts this year!

Yesterday was the annual homeless persons' memorial service, noting all those who died in Marion County in 2009 who had been homeless. It is a reminder to us as the cold sets in that hundreds, if not thousands, of people live without a place to call home. This article from today's Indianapolis Star highlights the event:

http://www.indystar.com/article/20091222/LOCAL18/912220349/Homeless-who-died-in-past-year-are-honored

At the event, several formerly homeless individuals were highlighted, including a woman who is currently living at Holy Family transitional housing (supported by the Foundation). Her story is one of hope--that after a lifetime of bad choices, she is finally getting her life on track, and that her children have a chance to break the cycle of homelessness. And that, after all, is the goal of this Foundation's work--that providing the housing and services needed for folks will prevent future generations from following that path.

Happy holidays to everyone as we keep these less fortunate folks in our thoughts.

We've now visited 10 of our 12 grant recipients to hand deliver grant checks for the 2010 awards. It is so rewarding to see the impact in person that our grants make. As I think about it, several images stand out from the last few weeks.

--the roof that is about to cave in on the electrical system at Hancock Hope House
--the enormous dorm room with Christmas lights and a Coca Cola billboard on the ceiling at Dove Recovery House
--the flowers painted on the wall at Desert Rose Foundation
--a mobile home being outfitted for a family of eight at Christian Help
--the new Web site and brochure at Pathway to Recovery

These sights and many more make all of us at the Foundation realize how privileged we are to be giving back to fine organizations around the area. Many of the organizations have wish lists that they have shared with us, and they are basic items that we may take for granted. This holiday season, maybe you could help enhance our gifts just a little more with small items for the shelters such as:

toilet paper
winter boots, jackets, mittens, scarves (all ages)
shampoo, conditioner, soap, razors
alarm clocks
combination locks
gas cards
bus passes
stamps
hand sanitizer

There are many more items on their lists....if you are interested in contributing, you can drop the items off at the Foundation office and Molly Hahn will get them to the shelter that needs them the most. Happy Holidays to everyone and thanks for your support!