Irvington residents get answers about the Indy East Motel's proposed use as a Family Support Center

Oct. 29, 2010 - PRLog -- The Historic Irvington Community Council (HICC) has granted Good News Ministries a special community forum on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 to make their case for Irvington resident support of their proposal to convert the vacant Indy East Motel into a Family Support Center for homeless families.  The meeting will be held at the Irvington Community School located at 6705 Julian Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219 and will begin at 7 PM.  Good News Ministries will review the proposal and address the questions and concerns any Irvington residents may have.  Both HICC and Good News Ministries solicit the input of all Irvington residents.  

Good News Ministries has been serving the needs of the homeless for more than 60 years and have operated shelters near the 2800 block of east Washington Street since 1983.  In November 1998, Good News opend the doors of one of Indianapolis' first long-term, transitional housing programs for homeless families designed to meet the needs of the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, homeless families.  Since inception, the shelter's 10 fully furnished 1 and 2 bedroom apartments are seldom vacant for long because the need is so great, especially in economic downturns like the present.  Several years ago, Good News Ministries recognized there was a growing need for emergency shelter for homeless families in crisis and has been considering the establishment of such a program.  

Approximately, one year ago the owner of the vacant and dilapidated former Indy East Motel approached Good News Ministries with an offer to donate the property if Good News would use it to benefit families and children.  Since the offer was made, representatives of Good News Ministries began extensive consultations with engineers, contractors, nonprofit experts and city officials to determine the feasibility of converting the closed motel into a Family Support Center serving Indianapolis' growing homeless family population.  It was determined that the structure indeed could be renovated in a cost effective manner to provide 10 more long-term apartments and 31 emegency units for homeless families.

Good News Ministries has scheduled Open House opportunities prior to the November 9th Irvington community forum so concerned Irvington residents so can see firsthand how Good News Ministries operates their homeless family shelter and their impact on their near eastside neighborhood.  Irvington residents may also talk with current homeless families as available.  The Good News OPEN HOUSE opportunities are set for November 2, 1-3 PM; November 4th, 6-8 PM; and November 6th, Noon-2 PM.  Interested parties should park in Good News Ministries thrift store parking lot on the northwest corner of Rural and Washington Streets.  Call Dan Evans at (317) 638-2862 for or go to www.goodnewsministries.com for more details.  Concerned citizens may also contact Good News Ministries at irvingtonconcerns@goodnewsministries.com.

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Good News Ministries provides homeless men, homeless families and disadvantaged children assistance with food, shelter, clothing, medical care, after/out of school programs, educational/vocational opportunities, counseling and spiritual guidance.