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THE
TRINITY HAVEN
TRIBUNE
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We are excited to bring you the most up-to-date information about Trinity Haven:
who we are, what we're up to and how YOU can get involved!
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Trinity Haven will open BOTH housing programs on May 1st!
Dreams are coming true, friends. Magic is about to happen
right here in Indianapolis, and YOU helped us make that happen.
We are here because of you. Your donations, your support, the love you’ve poured into Trinity Haven. LGBTQ youth are going to feel the power of your love, welcoming and affirming them exactly as they are.
It's really happening, and YOU are the first to know this exciting news!
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Introducing the Staff of the
Transitional Living Program
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First up: Meet our House Director!
Lakecia Walton (they/them) wants to live in a world constructed of Legos, books that come bundled with Twizzlers, and where equality is given to everyone no matter their race, gender, or sexuality. They are a former Education Coordinator with the John Boner Neighborhood Centers and certified at the professional level within Child & Youth Care from the Indiana Youth Services Association. They are an avid plant and cat parent, enjoy baking, and being a substitute Herbology Professor in their spare time. They are excited to be at Trinity Haven because of the long-lasting impact that it will have with its residents, their healing, and the
many family dinners that will bring happiness into the home.
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Next up: Meet our Resident Assistant!
Carmen McGhee (they/them) started volunteering at Trinity Haven in January trying to get as much checked off the to-do list as possible so the house could be ready for the residents. They are originally from Lawrence, IN, but moved away right out of high school and lived in Chicago and Seattle. Growing up, they never felt like they belonged here (in Indy), but returned three years ago to study Biology and will be applying to medical school this summer. They are excited to be back in Indy and to carve out a space for themself and others who want to call this place home. "I’m so honored and happy
to be a part of the team!"
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Friends! WE ARE OPENING!
In some ways, I can hardly believe it. I write this now with tears in my eyes. I cannot tell you how incredible it feels to share this good news with you. When I joined Trinity Haven on April 1, 2019, I had no idea the twists and turns that lie ahead: navigating all the moving pieces of starting a new organization; renovating a home; replacing 100-year-old wiring; working with community partners including the Department of Child Services (DCS) to understand how best we can serve LGBTQ youth and young adults together; deciding to launch a second housing program after receiving a grant from the City of Indianapolis and the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project (YHDP); hiring our Host Homes Program Coordinator, Kelsey Kennedy; recruiting hosts; and now...announcing that we are weeks away from opening our doors...it is overwhelming to say the least.
Our DREAM TEAM is coming together: in addition to these amazing folks joining our Transitional Living Program staff, we will soon announce our Youth Engagement Specialist, who will work directly with youth and young adults to achieve their goals.
If you know me at all, you know I am not a person of few words, but I will just say this: it has been a honor and a privilege to go on this journey up to this moment. I am even more excited for what's next: walking alongside LGBTQ youth and young adults on their journeys toward self-sufficiency. That is why we are here, and that is the biggest privilege of all. Thank you for supporting us along the way, friends. I know it's taken longer than any of us anticipated - but here we are. It's happening, and I cannot wait for what's to come.
- Jenni
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Trinity Haven's Host Homes Program |
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We also have a video of Kelsey
explaining the program, which
might be helpful to you.
You can watch by clicking here.
Thank you to PhotoGary.net for videography!
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Our Host Homes Program is in need of volunteers to serve as hosts. Could that be you?
If you...
- Live in Marion County
- Are at least 25 years of age
- Have a private and clean space for a youth/young adult to reside in
- Have a deep commitment to be affirming to all LGBTQ individuals and to anti-racism
You could be a host!
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Our Host Homes Program is a short-term intervention for LGBTQ youth and young adults who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The goal of host homes is for community volunteers to provide a safe, temporary, welcoming space for approximately
6 months where the young person has time to repair their relationships with family (when possible) or make decisions about permanent housing options with the support of a caring case manager.
If you are interested in becoming a host, please contact our Host Homes Program Coordinator, Kelsey Kennedy, by emailing them here.
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Online donations are really easy. Click here to get started right now! Recurring donations are an easy way to continue supporting Trinity Haven, too.
If you are already making a monthly recurring donation (thank you!), please consider increasing your giving by $5 or $10 a month. That small increase on your part could make a big difference for us. You can make that change by emailing Jenni to update your current monthly donation amount.
Wish Lists!
Trinity Haven provides a safe, affirming home, including nourishing meals,
and it takes your support to buy groceries, toilet paper, keep the lights
on--all the things! The food pantry wish list is here. There is also
a list for cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items here.
Charitable Organization Designations!
If you shop at Kroger or Amazon, you can support Trinity Haven by taking a couple steps online. While individual contributions made through Kroger and Amazon may seem modest, they do add up! As of March 2021, Trinity Haven has received $323.51 through AmazonSmile to help create Indiana's first home for LGBTQ youth. Please click the logos at the end of the newsletter for directions on how to make us your designated charitable organization through Kroger Rewards and AmazonSmile.
Every little bit helps, and we thank you all for your continued support!
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All homelessness is tragic, but homeless LGBTQ youth are in deep and immediate peril. 40 percent of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ. Of these youth, 68% say that family rejection of their sexual orientation or gender identify is a major cause of their homelessness. Many fear seeking help from programs that are not affirming and tailored to their needs.
That’s where Trinity Haven steps in.
We will offer safe, welcoming, affirming housing for LGBTQ youth/young adults. Trinity Haven will provide each resident housing and services to prepare them for independent living, and they will work alongside an engagement specialist to build an individualized plan that leads to their independence. Support services will focus on education, employment, well-being and self-sufficiency and are designed to create an atmosphere of acceptance, community and belonging.
Our mission is to provide safe, affirming housing for
LGBTQ youth experiencing housing instability.
To learn more, and to see answers to our most frequently asked questions, click here.
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Trinity Haven was founded to ensure that no LGBTQ youth
has to face the threat of homelessness ever again.
To support Trinity Haven, please click here.
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