Approximately 40% of women and 27% of men in Indiana will experience intimate partner violence sometime in their lives. That’s a total of 2.2 million individuals whose lives are altered by intimate partner violence.
The harmful effects of intimate partner violence or domestic violence continue long after an incident occurs. In addition to physical and psychological injuries, survivors may find themselves lacking the basic resources they need to rebuild their lives after an abusive relationship. In the worst cases, this can lead to sporadic or chronic homelessness.
In order to provide housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, RealAmerica LLC has built Haven Homes, an affordable housing apartment complex in Plainfield, IN. Haven Homes is catered specifically toward individuals and families who are escaping domestic violence, offering amenities such as built-in kitchen appliances, in-unit clothes washers and dryers, and free in-unit internet service.
Cummins Behavioral Health and domestic abuse shelter Sheltering Wings have partnered with RealAmerica to provide support services to Haven Homes’ residents, as well. At the on-site clubhouse and community resource center, residents can speak with social workers and mental health professionals, receive counseling, and attend life skills classes either in-person or via teleconferencing. These services can further help residents recover from domestic violence and return to independent living after escaping abuse.
Haven Homes held its Grand Opening last Friday, December 17th, and we were thrilled to be in attendance! Below are some photos showing off the complex and the people who made Haven Homes possible.
The Haven Homes Grounds
The two-story apartment building
The three-story apartment building
The clubhouse and community resource center
Children’s playground behind the community resource center (lawn under construction!)
The Clubhouse / Community Resource Center
Clubhouse room
Clubhouse room—second angle
Gym/fitness room
Children’s playroom/activity room
Classroom/meeting room
Computer room
Telehealth room (equipment not set up yet)
Entrances to children’s activity room and private consultation offices
Grand Opening Ceremony
Melanie Reusze, COO of RealAmerica LLC, opened the ceremony and introduced the speakers.
Jacob Sipe, Executive Director of the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA), which provided Rental Housing Tax Credits for the Haven Homes project
“When we have a project like this, we’re really, really excited, because it truly does help fill our housing needs in Plainfield.” — Bill Kirchoff, Vice President of Plainfield Town Council
“I couldn’t be happier to see this project completed, and I’m optimistic that it will help with the housing vacuum that’s been created.” — Brad DuBois, President/CEO of Plainfield Chamber of Commerce
Brian Shelbourne, Vice President of Originations at Merchants Capital, which provided financing for Haven Homes
“We’ve been talking for years about how we need to have better and more affordable safe housing in our communities, and Haven Homes is an answer to that need.” — Cassie Mecklenburg, Executive Director of Sheltering Wings
“We look forward to serving the residents of Haven Homes in building safe and independent lives.” — Amy Mace, CEO of Cummins Behavioral Health Systems
Ronda Shrewsbury, President and Owner of RealAmerica LLC, expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped make Haven Homes a reality.
The ceremony closed with a ribbon cutting led by Melanie Reusze (click to view video)