Nestled along the beautiful, historic Fort Harrison military loop on the northeast side of Indianapolis in the Lawrence neighborhood, Village of Merici is working to provide more affordable housing options for adults with disabilities.
The Brunette Condominiums, which once housed two companies of infantrymen, are now 34 new, ADA-compliant condos. This development is Village of Merici’s third affordable-housing collaboration, including North End Apartments in Carmel and Merici Village in Lawrence.
Through financial and building partnerships, Village of Merici provides supportive housing options, encouraging independent, self-directed lives. Instead of affordable apartments with monthly rent and annual reporting documentation required by the state per occupant, The Brunette Condominiums offers a unique opportunity for affordable, permanent homeownership (with no annual paperwork). A person with a disability can now own their own home.
“Loneliness is the worst disability of all,” says Colleen Renie, executive director of Village of Merici. “Belonging and community is a human need. That’s why our apartments and condos are in neighborhoods that are walkable. Being within walking distance to restaurants, banks and entertainment not only provides a way to be part of the community, but great job opportunities for our residents.”
The Village of Merici housing model supports the sense of belonging that drives humans to connect with one another, and enjoy the friendships and relationships that are meaningful. Their model promotes the rights of individuals to live near their peers, and to experience joy and love to live their best lives. The model also allows for full freedom and choice in residential options – and not just the options made available by state or federal agencies.
“Lawrence is a wonderful location,” Renie says. “There’s the new public library, the YMCA nearby, and many banks and restaurants for employment. While we don’t facilitate employment, we do provide services like homemaking, money management, and transportation into the community through Merici city rides, a volunteer-based transportation program for residents.”
Resident obligations include employment, rent/mortgage, monthly utilities, and phone and grocery expenses. There is a live-in manager at each complex with regular office hours and availability for after-hours emergencies. Although the specifics of duties vary slightly by location, the support managers serve in important resource roles for questions and needs, as many residents have never lived on their own before. Each of the three locations of affordable housing has a live-in tenant support manager.
Village of Merici is now utilizing more technology than ever before, and perpetually seeks new, innovative ways to offer a support model and community integration that maximizes independence for the individuals they serve. They have intentionally incorporated individualized assistive technology, by supplying an Amazon Echo Show 10 in each affordable housing unit at both North End Apartments and The Brunette Condominiums. This is made possible by grants from Healthcare Initiatives, Inc. and the Etchepare Family Foundation.
Residents at each location now have a wealth of assistive options at their fingertips. Additionally, Village of Merici provides staff to help with individual assessment, personalization of each device, and training for utilization.
Once again, Village of Merici pushes the boundaries on traditional expectations of those with disabilities by creating an environment of true independence. Community integration is more than just a place; it is the ability to truly connect with others.
Merici apartments are in high demand with very low turnover. If you wish to have your name placed on the waiting list, please apply with the Indianapolis Housing Agency at indyhousing.org, or contact Village of Merici at colleenrenie@villageofmerici.org. Or, call 317-292-9408. Village of Merici is located at 5707 Lawton Loop East Drive in Indianapolis.
