I think everyone would agree that it has been a long year since the economy really took a turn for the worse last fall. All of us have had to make adjustments in our business plans, our spending habits and our consciousness of the vulnerability of those around us.

Yet, today, there are glimmers of hope. From the Foundation’s standpoint, we are glad that service providers for the homeless have been able to stay afloat and serve the ever-growing population of families in need.

What can you do to help the situation when you may have your own concerns?
·         Volunteer. We guarantee it will be a gift to yourself, not only the people you are helping. Volunteering keeps things in perspective.
·         Donate money. Whether it’s a neighbor in need or an official charity, everyone has something to give, and every dollar counts.
·         Be aware.  Look for issues in the paper that affect our most vulnerable citizens, such as the legislation surrounding the documents required to get a State ID card. Spread the word to everyone!

The bottom line is this: this economic condition is not going to be cured by a single act of Congress or a single home or car buyer. It takes everyone to be engaged. To learn more about the Foundation’s efforts to solve homelessness, contact Molly Hahn today at the Foundation office: 317/956.5255. We promise you it will be a call that can change your life forever!

For some reason, homelessness and Harvard have collided in the news twice lately. These are both interesting pieces about young people finding their way through the homeless system.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/06/24/homeless.to.harvard/index.html?iref=newssearch

http://multimedia.boston.com/m/25672397/homeless-at-harvard.htm

It's been nearly a month since I've shared insight with you on this blog - sorry that I've been a bit busy! I hope some of you have caught our short updates on Facebook and Twitter during that time.

Much of July was spent gearing everyone up for our Foundation golf outing, which was a great event on July 23. Thanks to all of our volunteers, sponsors and players who helped raise just over $22,000 for the Foundation's efforts to solve homelessness!

With families still in crisis in central Indiana, the Foundation still needs your help this year. We just received nearly $300,000 in requests for grants, and we would like to do our part to fulfill those requests. Can you help by donating $50, $25, or $10? Do your part today by clicking here! http://www.realtorfoundation.org/

Did you catch one of the Foundation's Board members in the Indy Star last week? What a great story! Click here for the full version: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009907260385

One last note for today - Maria Larrison, the CEO of Sheltering Wings, has started a new blog. If you want to learn more about their programs for victims of domestic violence, click here: http://shelteringwings.org/blog/

Some of the statistics reported in this article really surprised me. This is a population that is obviously overlooked and growing rapidly.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009907030355

Our Foundation development coordinator, Molly Hahn, attended CHIP's annual meeting. If you would like the recap, check out this story on Channel 8 (WISH):

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/local/region_1/Experts_meet_about_homeless_prevention_20090701

Are you ready to help every central Indiana family find a home? Join us at CHIP's (Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention) Annual Meeting, to be held on July 1 at Barnes & Thornburg in downtown Indy (11 S. Meridian St., 5th Fl). Registration is from 8-8:30 a.m. and the program will last from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m..

No cost to attend - and your attention to this important discussion will be much appreciated!
RSVP to Corey Behmer at cbehmer@chipindy.org or call 472-7631.

www.endhomelessindy.org

Desperate times are becoming more desperate for area families, according to local estimates on family homelessness. Check out this article that posted yesterday on WTHR: http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=10547035&nav=menu188_2

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090612/NEWS02/90612047/1145/LOCAL02/Ex-wife+dies++ex-husband+to+face+new+charge This story appeared over the weekend in the Indy Star and proves that domestic violence can happen any time anywhere.

In a meeting the other day, we were wondering if there are any statistics on the "under-employed" in America. We all know unemployment statistics have been rising, but there is another story happening. While this story on Yahoo! this morning does not give any numbers, it is definitely a sign of our times.

http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/107145/From-Ordering-Steak-and-Lobster-to-Serving-It

Wow, it's been a busy month! Among all of our preparations for Foundation Awareness Week (June 8-12) and Taste of Indy (June 11) as well as the usual May activities in Indy, yesterday I attended an event to kick off the Super Bowl Legacy Project for our Super Bowl in 2012. On the Near Eastside, a home ownership incubator project is underway that will offer residents a chance to work toward home ownership. Here's the story from WTHR: www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=10407212 I think this looks like a great project!