Even before Housing Opportunities, Inc. signed the papers to become the new owners of Spring Valley on February 15, HO had filled the first 12 of 28 apartments with homeless families and individuals from Porter County. “Housing Opportunities stuck its necks out to help the homeless,” said Caroline Shook, Housing Opportunities’ CEO. “It was two weeks before Christmas when the first apartment at Spring Valley was occupied by a homeless family. We couldn’t wait until HO was approved for a mortgage on the property. The need was just too great!” added Caroline.
On February 24th, Harris Bank president Dave Mika presented Ms. Shook with a check for $15,000, sponsoring one of the Spring Valley apartments for an entire year. “What better way to show our support for the great work of Housing Opportunities and to demonstrate that Harris Bank cares about the needs of the homeless in our communities,’” Mr. Mika said. “Let this gift be a challenge to other businesses to do the same.” Dave Mika continued, saying that helping Housing Opportunities is a good investment. “HO works very hard to transition families and individuals from being homeless to becoming home owners, and Harris Bank wants to actively support HO’s efforts all the way through this process.”
With the addition of Spring Valley and forthcoming housing in Michigan City, Housing Opportunities has 122 apartments and homes for the homeless, and those at-risk of becoming homeless. If you, your church or company would like to find out more about Housing Opportunities and sponsoring an apartment at Spring Valley – for one month or one year, please contact Kevin Feldman, Resource Development Director for HO at (219) 252-5379, or visit HO’s website at www.housing-opportunities.com.