About Us
Hearts & Hands of Indiana was established in 2009, when Father John McCaslin, then pastor of the Holy Trinity and St. Anthony parishes, shared his vision for rebuilding the neighborhood with a group of parishioners and old friends. This small group met and became incorporated as Hearts & Hands of Indiana Corporation within just 60 days!
To date, we have rehabilitated 13 properties with an additional 3 properties to be completed in 2019. By focusing on a small service area within the Haughville and Hawthorne neighborhoods, we believe we can create a center of positive change that will then expand to the rest of the community. |
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About Near West Indianapolis
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Near West Indianapolis dates to the 1830s, when the National Road (Washington Street) spanned the White River, bringing the first farmers and merchants to the area. The first railroad tracks were laid in the 1850s, prompting the industrial growth that brought European immigrants to settle in the area. Over the years the neighborhood experienced explosive growth fed by the expansion of its industrial base. Prosperity began to wane as the neighborhood suffered through wartime and depression and eventually led to the loss of most of its industry.
Today, 60% of families rent their homes, and 63% of them live below the poverty line making $25,000 a year. Due to the lack of affordable, quality homes in the area, these families are forced to rent over-priced and poorly maintained houses from neglectful landlords. In these neighborhoods, 27% of properties are vacant or otherwise abandoned. Nearly 33% of renters move within a five-year period, as opposed to 8% of homeowners. The constant mobility has a negative impact on families, especially on children. Children without stable homes tend to demonstrate lower academic performance, graduation rates, and expected lifetime income.
According to Abandoned Properties: Our Action Plan, a document created by the City of Indianapolis, "abandoned homes contribute to neighborhood instability, diminished public safety, and the devaluation of neighborhood property and quality of life. Studies have found that vacant homes contribute to high rates of crime and lower properties values, are frequently fire hazards, and create health hazards.
Today, 60% of families rent their homes, and 63% of them live below the poverty line making $25,000 a year. Due to the lack of affordable, quality homes in the area, these families are forced to rent over-priced and poorly maintained houses from neglectful landlords. In these neighborhoods, 27% of properties are vacant or otherwise abandoned. Nearly 33% of renters move within a five-year period, as opposed to 8% of homeowners. The constant mobility has a negative impact on families, especially on children. Children without stable homes tend to demonstrate lower academic performance, graduation rates, and expected lifetime income.
According to Abandoned Properties: Our Action Plan, a document created by the City of Indianapolis, "abandoned homes contribute to neighborhood instability, diminished public safety, and the devaluation of neighborhood property and quality of life. Studies have found that vacant homes contribute to high rates of crime and lower properties values, are frequently fire hazards, and create health hazards.
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This is where Hearts & Hands lends their service to the neighborhood to provide quality, stable homes to those families in need.
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