FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – On Wednesday, Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker announced philanthropic pledges totaling $2.26 million to support the new nonprofit Anchor Resource Center, which will provide 24/7 access to services for families and individuals facing homelessness.
“Since taking office, I have had hundreds of conversations with business and nonprofit leaders, property owners, law enforcement and residents about the need to address the challenge of homelessness in our community, particularly in downtown Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tucker. “Our team has researched best practices, visited other cities, and had extensive conversations with service providers. Today, I’m grateful to announce that philanthropic leaders are expressing confidence in our plans for a low-barrier resource center and investing $2.26 million into making it a reality.”
The City released the following:
Philanthropic pledges to date include support from the Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation, Doermer Family Foundation, Dyer Family Foundation, Foellinger Foundation, Journal Gazette Foundation, Mirro Family Foundation, Parkview Health Foundation, Patricia Mae Adsit Foundation, Surack Family Foundation, The James Foundation, and WindSwell. Pledges from other private sources are pending.
A proposal to approve funds to acquire and renovate the building at 333. E. Washington Blvd. to serve as the center will be introduced at Fort Wayne City Council on Tuesday, May 26. Council discussion and possible votes are expected in June.
During planning for the center, community leaders recognized that the growing and complex needs surrounding homelessness required a dedicated nonprofit organization to lead and coordinate this effort. An internal team then researched various names and settled on Anchor Resource Center to indicate stability and hope for those in need of housing and services as well as giving a nod to the community’s three rivers.
The newly formed nonprofit Anchor Resource Center will lease the building from the City of Fort Wayne and provide coordinated services to connect people experiencing homelessness with housing, job training and employment, and mental and physical healthcare. Current board members of the Anchor Resource Center include retired St. Joseph Community Health Foundation Executive Director Meg Distler (Board President), Wayne Township Trustee Austin Knox (Board Vice President), St. Joseph Missions Executive Director Erin Ness, Rescue Mission Executive Director Thomas McArthur, and City Homeless Services Manager Amanda Fall.
Several organizations have already committed to providing services at the center, including Parkview Health, Parkview Behavioral Health Institute, Lutheran Health Network, the Hope and Recovery Team (HART), Blue Jacket, and Avenues Recovery. Catholic Charities has conditionally committed to offer case management services.
A summary of estimated costs follows:
$6 million estimated for acquisition and renovation of building at 333 E. Washington Blvd. Sources of funding include Surack Family Foundation, supplemental LIT, ARPA interest revenue, Redevelopment Commission capital fund.
$1.2 million estimated for operations annually. Approximately two and a half years of operating revenue has already been identified and pledged. Sources of funds include Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund, Opioid Settlement funds and the philanthropic sources named above (excluding Surack Family Foundation).
More information about Anchor Resource Center can be found at www.AnchorResourceCenter.org.
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