The Board of Directors of Christian Community Action (CCA) has recently accepted an offer from Housing Opportunities (HO) for the purchase of the Spring Valley Shelter facility. The purchase of the building is contingent on Housing Opportunities being awarded a grant from Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (HCDA). 
“Our two organizations have been exploring new and efficient ways to improve housing services for families who are homeless or in need of transitional housing,” said Shawn Wagoner, CCA board president. “We are excited about this opportunity to come together to provide a continuum of housing care for the homeless that starts with emergency assistance and ends with securing permanent housing.”
The purchase agreement came about as a result of an ongoing dialogue between CCA and HO and conversations with the Porter County Community Foundation, Porter-Starke Services and United Way of Porter County. “It became obvious that we could better ensure the provision of these vital services by working together to break the cycle of homelessness,” said Wagoner. “The true mission of both organizations is to transition families from homelessness to permanent housing.”
Housing Opportunities’ outreach and eligibility for state and federal funding will allow housing options to expand at Spring Valley and throughout Porter County. “We want to build on what Spring Valley did through its Raise the Roof campaign,” said incoming HO Board Chair Tim Rice. “The HCDA grant will give us the resources to convert 16 of the 28 units to low income rentals and continue emergency housing services at this location.” HO will find out if they will receive the grant later this summer.
HO offers a variety of services and programs helping people get off the streets and into sustainable living situations. Its affordable housing initiative provides attainable, safe, long-term housing options.
“We are fortunate to have the commitment from CCA and HO to address this need in our community together and do what is best for Porter County,” noted Barbara Young, president of the Porter County Community Foundation. “One of the most devastating aspects of this depressed economy is the number of individuals who have lost their job, and, consequently, the income that has sustained their family. Many responsible adults are, for the first time, facing the loss of their home or apartment and literally have nowhere to go.” Young continues, “In these extraordinary times, it is essential that our service providers are using the available resources in the most effective way.”
HO and CCA are hosting a breakfast on August 10, 8 a.m., at Strongbow Inn to celebrate their work and share the impact of their missions. Guests will have an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing work of moving families from homeless to home for good. For more information, contact Housing Opportunities at 219-548-2800, ext. 210.