Hope Center Indy (HCI) has recently broadened its Take Heart Residential (THR) program to provide crucial short-term emergency housing services for trafficking survivors across the United States. The highly awaited program was revealed at an open house and ribbon-cutting event on September 14 during the Fall Gather Hope Market fundraiser.
The new short-term housing initiative is an extension of THR's existing long-term program but is designed particularly to provide immediate assistance to survivors on the day they seek help. “We've been thinking and praying about this program for years. It was interesting to see how the Lord moved and kept working on each of our hearts in different ways, showing us what He wanted here," stated Jenn Starr, HCI's director of residential ministries, during the launch. "Every week, the leaders of our Take Heart program pray, 'Lord, this is not our program. This is your program. Let your Holy Spirit show and guide us in what you want us to do.' And I feel like He's done that," said Jenn.
During the open house, attendees toured the new facilities, met the staff, and learned about these new services.
In addition, the center has introduced a new helpline, 87-SURVIVOR (877-878-4867), to ensure survivors have immediate access to these services. While not operating as a 24/7 hotline, survivors can utilize it in urgent situations: pressing one will connect them to affiliate Rescue America's rescue services, and pressing two will connect them directly with Hope Center Indy's intake team. The program will be accepting intakes from 9 AM to 8 PM every day of the year. However, law enforcement and first responders can make referrals at any time, provided there is an available bed.
As the Take Heart Residential program gears up for its complete operational phase, the team is optimistic that the services will begin very soon. "I'm just so grateful for a team that has worked hard at trying to cover all the bases, getting us ready so that we can take survivors off the streets. We're looking forward to providing some safe nights. Hopefully, as they go through the short-term program, they might stay and go on to the long-term program to work on their healing process and walk that journey. This has always been our heart," HCI's co-founding executive director, Pastor Hubert Nolen, added.
"Isaiah 43: 18-19 talks about making a new way. From talking to all our partners with whom He's connected us, we've learned that this is what our country needs: more short-term/emergency housing. It's been a missing piece here. That we can provide emergency housing, long-term restorative care, and transitional housing is amazing." (Jenn Starr, HCI Director of Residential Ministries)
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