DONATION RESOURCE // 91 Place

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Karynn Adamowicz, Development & Communications for 91 Place, after being introduced by a mutual friend/client/supporter. After bonding over our commonly mispronounced names (“Maria pronounced Mariah” and “Karynn not Karen”), the conversation flowed right into the incredible work that 91 Place is doing inside of the Indianapolis community.

If you aren’t familiar with 91 Place (or even if you are), I encourage you to read the following post because this organization is doing so. much. good. It is amazing to see what can happen when a passionate individual has an incredible idea and gets to work making great things happen.

What need did you see in the community that led you to get involved with 91 Place?

While 91 Place was only an idea, a sample of homeless youth approaching adulthood were asked, “What is the one thing that would change everything?” Almost every time they answered, “A family!” In order to serve our youth and establish a sense of family, we must connect as a community. Our programs are focused on establishing authentic relationships with each person we serve by meeting them where they are and providing the support needed to successfully transition to adulthood. 

Can you share a bit about the services you provide?

91 Place establishes consistent and healthy relationships with youth experiencing homelessness through stable housing, mental health support, and workforce development opportunities. Our vision is that through redemptive relationships youth who have experienced homelessness embody a better future for themselves and their future families. 

We currently operate two transitional houses in Indianapolis where youths ages 16-24 live with us for up to two years. 91 Place operates with three foundational values at our core: dignifying the marginalized, creating opportunities, and loving unconditionally.  

We operate a therapy center, The Haven, located on the near-east side of Indianapolis where our residents and other community members receive mental health supports. 

91 Place recently acquired Neidhammer Coffee Co. as part of our workforce development program. Our residents complete a workforce development curriculum and are employed at the coffee shop for nine to twelve months to prepare for the traditional workforce. 

What can we anticipate seeing from 91 Place in the next 3 years?

In the next three years, our three houses will be fully staffed and filled to capacity. Our residents and alumni will be employed at Neidhammer Coffee Co. or in the traditional workforce and continuing their education, whether in high school, trade school, community college, or in the university setting. 

We have big dreams of providing affordable, safe aftercare housing for our alumni. Finding safe, affordable housing in Indianapolis is extremely difficult right now. 

You'll be seeing success stories of former homeless youth securing independent housing, disrupting the cycle of chronic homelessness and generational poverty. 

What types of items can be donated to 91 Place?

We have an ongoing and frequently updated Greatest Needs Amazon Wish List which includes commonly used household items. We also graciously accept meal donations through our Meal Trains for our 18-20 year old house and our 21-24 year old house. We collect very gently used furniture for our graduating youth to select from when they move onto their own housing. 

Is there a specific example you can share of how 91 Place has impacted someone’s life?

How many  people in our community have had the chance to benefit from 91 Place? Both by calling one of your homes “home” and from services that you provide.

To date, 19 residents have called 91 Place home & we've served over 100 youths through community dinners, mentorship, groceries, clothing items, and "barrier-buster" funds.  Our third transitional house will open this summer. 

How can we follow along on the great work that 91 Place is doing in the community? 

How can readers get involved?

Our biggest and most immediate need is building our base of consistent, monthly donors so we can continue to serve our residents well and expand our outreach to more Indianapolis youth facing homelessness. We refer to our committed, monthly supporters as Hope Heroes, because it is through their continuous contributions that we are able to restore dignity, hope, and belonging. From 91 Place graduate, Eba’Nesha: “91 Place had a transformational impact on my life. They helped me grow as an individual and build relationships with others. They encouraged me to accomplish things I thought were impossible and showed me there is always hope." 

  • $25/month provides a “meet-up meal” for a resident and their community mentor

  • $50/month provides a “Wednesday-night house dinner” for one of our homes

  • $100/month provides two weeks of groceries for one resident 

Anything else you’d like readers to know about 91 Place?

I've heard people refer to the work we're doing as "innovative" and "radical" which always surprises me. We offer our residents wraparound support and unconditional love. We allow them room for error, but we call them to more. It's really pretty simple. We are created for community - to give and receive support. At 91 Place we invite our residents into our community.

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Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerThe Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation Resources, DonateComment