July 21, 2009 Meeting Minutes

Porter County Coalition on Affordable Housing
July 21, 2009
United Way of Porter County

Present: Caroline Shook, Housing Opportunities; Madge Whickar, United Way of Porter County; Erin Miller, Christian Community Action; Darrell Franklin, Christian Community Action; Bruce Lindner, Porter County Aging and Community Services; Mary Hodson, Mental Health America of Porter County; Bill Oeding, City of Valparaiso; Bob Franko, Porter-Starke Services; Tom Isakson, New Creation; Carol Nordstrom, Nordstrom Non-Profits; RG Skadberg, Christian Community Action; Melissa Gard, Porter-Starke Services

A discussion the status of the Campus View Apartments was held. The apartments, located at the corner of Roosevelt and LaPorte Avenue are slated for demolition this fall. Approximately 49 residents were notified and given eviction notices. The City of Valparaiso is working with a group of non-profits to help the residents find alternative housing and other services. Mary Hodson briefed the group on a recent meeting held with local providers, as well as outreach efforts to work with the residents. Bruce Lindner said the Porter County Council on Aging and Community Services may be able to lend some assistance to certain residents meeting specific criteria on the construction of ramps if need be; and also that the agency may be able to help with transportation of residents to look at potential apartments. Bill Oeding said the city is pleased with the cooperation of the non-profit community, and that the city would like to continue to enhance this relationship in order to help others in the future in similar situations. He also talked about the city’s new initiative to inspect apartments in light of the conditions found at Campus View. Mr. Oeding also discussed the city’s desire to have a housing hotline where people can call if they have questions about housing and need assistance. Bob Franko filled Mr. Oeding in on this group’s intent to have a website as a resource for individuals that would serve a similar purpose, and that perhaps the city and the Coalition could collaborate on such a venture.

Caroline Shook updated the group on a new resource in the state (1-877-GET-HOPE) that can help people in danger of foreclosure, or foreclosed upon, find resources and assistance. She said there is information on a mediation process that for people in that situation. Ms. Shook also updated the group on some current statistics that indicate a doubling of the foreclosure rates in the state from a year ago (14 percent).

Each attendee gave a brief update on news from their organizations:

Melissa Gard – said that Porter-Starke is looking to fill its Starke County Shelter-Plus-Care beds, has struggled with this in the past. The group offered the name of Joan Hall at the Starke County Council on Aging as a potential resource to contact.

Bruce Lindner – reported that the Porter County Council on Aging and Community Services has a New Freedom’s Grant to expand transportation services to non-traditional hours (from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays) to help the working poor get to and from work. He also reported that the agency is “aging out” two buses soon that may be available for other organizations to use if costs to run/maintain can be covered.

Erin Miller – reported that Christian Community Action’s Front Door project is going well.

Mary Hodson – reported the Porter County Mental Health America’s new Consumer Resource Center is operational; continues to administer the Health Financial Aid program.

Madge Whickar – Said the United Way has eight more Americorp workers available this summer, will start interviewing in September for 10 full-timers. Also announced the UWPC’s first fundraiser at the Porter County Fair next week, a silent auction with nearly 200 items.

Caroline Shook – announced that Housing Opportunities is completing the purchase of an apartment building on McCord Street, and working on a project in LaPorte to assist about 30 people.

Tom Isakson – said that New Creations is having a yard sale this weekend to support operations, and that it has pick-up/delivery services for large items that people want to purchase and/or donate. It also has day labor assistance available for groups needing temporary help.

Carol Nordstrom – reported that she continues to monitor daily dispatches out of Washington, D.C. on the availability of federal dollars that might benefit Porter County.

RG Skadberg – said Christian Community Action is hosting Prayz Dayz on August 15, a fundraiser with Christian music/entertainment at Sunset Hill County Park. He is offering booth space for non-profits to support their efforts.

There is a state housing conference in Indianapolis on September 1 and 2; interested people should contact Caroline Shook for more information.


Respectfully submitted,


Bob Franko
Chairman