ZPCBlog

ZPC MISSIONS MOMENT – Learn. Be inspired. Serve!

The idea of being homeless for many is unthinkable. The reasons for this plight are varied. Some may have experienced a setback due to illness and just need time to save again for housing. Others may need to build skills and networks to increase their ability to be employed. Regardless of the reason, they’ve been put into a challenging situation where they may be couch surfing with family or friends, sleeping in a car, or even riding the IndyGo bus until the last stop and then taking to the streets or going to a campground.

Enduring this situation as a family compounds the issue. Often, for safety reasons, traditional shelters require that women and young children be separated from men and older boys. So, at a difficult, vulnerable time, families experiencing homelessness are torn apart. Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis (FPGI), formerly known as Interfaith Hospitality Network, addresses this concern. They strive to eliminate homelessness in greater Indianapolis via a partnership of congregations and community organizations.

ZPC member David Stricker first became involved with FPGI in 2000 when a friend invited him to their fundraising dinner. There, he learned about the distinct issue of family homelessness as well as the inspiring story of a family’s life who had been changed. David was later approached to become one of FPGI’s Coordinators, a role in which he’s served for approximately seven years. He finds fulfillment and inner joy by being involved, stating that his mission centers around serving God through serving the needy. “I admit, I love it. I do believe that’s where God wants me.”

Friends who attend ZPC may remember when families were hosted at the church through Interfaith Hospitality Network or IHN. Covid changed the church-hosting aspect and brought forth a new model, the Apartment Shelter Program. It was created in Indianapolis during the pandemic and has since spread to at least twenty other cities. Now, rather than families staying at different host sites each week and having to move their belongings from place to place, they stay in one location, an apartment which is theirs until they have fulfilled the steps needed to rebuild their lives to independence. (Families can also stay in the apartment and take over the lease if they choose.)  

Once self-sufficiency has been achieved, the family enters the AfterCare program. A case manager follows-up on a regular basis for up to 24 months. They ensure that immediate needs are met which may include providing furniture and other home items, and/or assisting with obtaining transportation. They also help with monthly budgeting, checking in on health concerns, and guiding parents with navigating the school system.

In addition to the AfterCare Program, FPGI also oversees Diversion, a preliminary program which helps individuals resolve homelessness without having to enter a shelter. It offers a variety of services including: case planning, goal setting, advocacy with landlords, and referral to resources, all with the goal of providing a short-term solution to finding permanent housing.

David is inspired by FPGI’s dramatic results. After the two years of the AfterCare Program, more than 80% of families are still housed. David states, “Family Promise has the greatest independence success retention rate of any organization in Indianapolis.” 

On a more personal level, David shared that, after a week of spending time with a young family under IHN, the mother “…gave me a hug and said that she was encouraged, felt loved, was glad to see that…(we) showed them what we do and why we do it, that they mattered, not only to us, but to Christ. You get something like that, you don’t care about anything else. That makes it all worthwhile.”

How to Help – Two tangible ways to help are coming up fast!

Fundraiser on September 26

Attend Home Sweet Home, FPGI’s 25^th annual celebration dinner and fundraiser! The evening includes a gourmet dinner, silent auction, and dessert auction, as well as moving and entertaining speakers. Tickets may be bought online at: www.fpgi.org/home-sweet-home.
This is a great opportunity for Home Groups so, if you have 6-8 interested people, please contact David Stricker for possible seating with other ZPCers.
+ David Stricker [317.409.2869]

Donate silent auction items by August 10

Items for the Home Sweet Home fundraiser may include handmade items, theme baskets (great for a Home Group), gift cards, or behind-the-scenes experiences at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Children’s Museum, etc. Contact Valerie with questions or to donate items.   
+ Valerie Polley [410.963.4782] 

Additional Ways to Help

• Connecting with the FPGI families - David is open to ideas for ways ZPCers may interact with FPGI families. Possibilities may include an Adopt-a-Family program, providing rides to doctor’s appointments, taking kids to school, etc.
• Amazon wishlist – Household items and/or larger items are often needed for the family
• Donate items – Items are needed to help with setting up an apartment

Please connect with David for more information.
+ David Stricker [317.409.2869]

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