The Spring Valley Homeless Shelter is in the process of being sold from one non-profit organization to another.

Christian Community Action has recently accepted an offer from Housing Opportunities for the purchase of the shelter, contingent on Housing Opportunities being awarded a grant from Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.

Plans call for converting 16 of the current 28 homeless units to low income rentals. Emergency housing services will continue. HO expects to learn whether it will receive the grant later this summer.

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.

HO offers a variety of services and programs to help people get off the streets and into sustainable living situations. Its affordable housing initiative provides attainable, safe, long-term housing options.

“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.”

“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,” Barbara Young, president of the Porter County Community Foundation, said. “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.”

HO and CCA will host a breakfast on August 10 at 8 a.m., at Strongbow Inn to celebrate their work and share the impact of their missions. For more information, contact Housing Opportunities at 548-2800, ext. 210.

Posted 6/21/2010