Connecting hearts, minds, and hands to meet needs in our community
I n 2011, Maurice Young checked himself into a homeless shelter  looking for a break from his life. What he didn’t expect to find was his life’s work. Maurice's Creative Change Project is UNITE INDY ’s Partner of the Month, and though he was never truly homeless, he has lived on the streets by choice since 2011. He believes that transforming the public perception of homelessness will directly impact government legislation and policies to improve the conditions of local communities for those who call the streets home. Check out Maurice’s "Ted Talk"
UNITE INDY ’s Jim & Nancy Cotterill were honored to receive the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Award from Indiana Minority Business Magazine at their “Champions of Diversity Awards Dinner” last month at the Hyatt Regency for their efforts around promoting diversity. UNITE INDY builds bridges of understanding, fairness, and friendship between diverse communities as it promotes responsiveness to the issues faced by those living in our urban neighborhoods. UNITE INDY connects ministries, charities, businesses, churches and others at no charge via a web-based volunteer/gift platform to support those who work on the front lines serving people in need.
Jim joined with Salvation Army’s Major Bob Webster, Indiana's regional commander, and other top brass to find ways to work together to make Indianapolis a more unified and loving community. While both organizations spring from Christian roots, they serve and work with people of good will from all religions, and believe the message of Christ is one of acceptance. Nationally, the Salvation Army serves more than 25 million Americans—or one person every second—regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. There is power in alliances like these. We're hopeful that we can join forces. What a privilege it would be to work along side this army of caring individuals.
The skies are gray and so is my mood. February is the low point of winter. Someone once told me, “If you choose not to find joy in snow, you will have less joy in your life, but still the same amount of snow.” I’m not complaining. But oh, the temptation is there. Consider David, whose time in the caves gave him a February low... ”Why are you depressed, O my soul?” He asks. And then he answers himself…”Wait for God! For I will again give thanks to Him who saves me.” Sometimes, I find the wait is longer than I would like. Check out Nancy’s blog!
What a long winding road it has taken to get us to a point where we are soon to move to our UNITE INDY headquarters at 241 W. 38th Street. Back in May. 2018, we embarked on the purchase of this small 974 sq. ft., 100+-year-old structure. Between negotiating a purchase with owners in Africa to buy the property, then dealing with city permit people, (the Africa/U.S. negotiation was easier), and finally working with our contractors who train ex-offenders to do construction work, what we thought would be a three month effort, turned into nine long months of challenges and difficulties.
God has been generous with his lessons in patience and problem solving. We have learned a lot and are cautiously optimistic that we’ll be in our new ministry home soon!
The floor’s a little bumpy, the parking area is still just gravel and dirt, but we do not plan to wander in the desert much longer and intend to take our 'promised land' very soon, having laid most the giants to rest!
We'll be meeting with urban pastors there, with those fighting poverty, hunger, gun violence, and so much more. We are excited to use this facility as a landing place as we meet with all those who care about our city and our neighbors in need... Very soon!
Donate for free, Easy as 1.2.3. through Smile.Amazon.com
Here's how:
  1. Either be ready with your Amazon account user name and password...or register to get one if you don't already have an account.
  2. Then go to Smile.Amazon.com and follow the prompts to select a portion of your purchase dollars to go to Unite Indy, Inc. It won't cost you a dime, but you can really help us with even small amounts.
  3. Always shop through Smile.Amazon.com and your donation will be automatically made. (It won't work if you start out at Amazon.com.) Thanks and happy shopping!

Here's why:
Almost 1 out of every 3 children in Indianapolis lives below the poverty level, yet our economy is roaring, and unemployment is at a historic low. But all this good news stops at the lines surrounding many of our inner city neighborhoods. In some neighborhoods of Marion County unemployment exceeds 20%, and poverty remains the overwhelming divider of people.

UNITE INDY is connecting people every day to make a difference for those in our city who live in in perpetual want. It builds bridges of understanding between those who need help and those who can help.
• Connecting — UNITE INDY introduces urban pastors and ministry leaders to suburban pastors and business leaders. We also make available—At No Charge—a web-based system that connects churches, businesses, ministries, to charities enabling them to raise volunteers and publicize needed items.
• Raising Awareness — Through print, television, and radio UNITE INDY is sharing the needs of our community and celebrating victories.  
• Serving the Servants — UNITE INDY comes behind urban pastors and ministry leaders by addressing personal and professional needs for these men who work tirelessly in their neighborhoods to care for the needy and bereft.

Please send a check today to UNITE INDY, 241 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Or donate via credit card by clicking here . It is secure and safe. By sending your fully tax deductible gift* now we can have a greater impact meeting needs in our community in 2019.

Many, many thanks!
* UNITE INDY, Inc. is approved under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3) as a Public Charity, donors can deduct contributions they make under IRC Section 170.
Did someone share this email with you? Sign up to subscribe to our newsletter!