Our Programs

Hygiene Empowerment Resource (H.E.R) Program

 

According to the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, there were a total of 454 women in Marion County who were experiencing homelessness in 2020. Of that population, there were reportedly over 300 who were in emergency shelters, almost 100 who were in transitional housing, and nearly 60 were unsheltered.  Homelessness often presents obstacles to obtaining necessary items such as feminine hygiene supplies. The term “feminine hygiene products” refers to items or goods that a woman may use during her menstrual cycle. These include but are not limited to: sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups or any other items designed to manage a woman’s menstruation. Nearly 70% of women who have menstruations use tampons in the U.S. according to Women’s Voice for the Earth. “About 20 to 50 percent of women use douches, sprays, and other hygiene products in addition to tampons and pads. Usage rates for these products are “considerably higher among African-American, Latina, and low-income women,” according to Women’s Voices for Earth.

 

Women have an average of 456 periods in their life, which translates to 9,120 tampons used. At an average price of seven dollars for a box of 36 tampons, the total amount women spend on tampons is approximately $1,773.33. Many women living in poverty and low-income households may have to choose between purchasing hygiene products and putting food on their tables. For women who are homeless and/or unsheltered, the chances of purchasing these products are much slimmer. The Hygiene Empowerment Resource (H.E.R) Program is designed to provide feminine hygiene products to the unsheltered female population in Marion County. These products include sanitary pads, tampons, feminine cleansing wipes/ baby wipes, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, soap, lotion, Chapstick, and non-perishable items. The women will also be provided with donated or purchased book bags and/or tote bags to safely store their items. 

​

 

IWEN Leadership Empowerment and Development (ILEAD)

​

ILEAD is an 8 week community based program that aims to assist women in developing the leadership skills that are essential to their personal and professional success. The program aims to serve women who have overcome domestic violence, are currently living in poverty, have a lack of formal education, or are working to overcome other challenges that affect their ability to reach their fullest potential. IWEN aims to serve women who otherwise would not have access to high level leadership development training. ILEAD consists of three parts; life coaching, professional mentoring, and intentional networking.

 

Participants will attend weekly classes that focus on building leadership skills. During this class time participants discuss systemic barriers that they face and begin to create a personal plan to overcome those challenges while empowering not only themselves but other women within their communities. Each class will be taught by volunteer content experts that have a desire to assist women in achieving their goals. After completion of the program, participants will have connections to long term mentors, potential employers, and a support system of women who are dedicated to their success. 

​

The Spring 2021 program was a success. This program will return in 2022. 

 

 

Domestic Abuse Safe Housing

​

IWEN is committed to providing the women who are fleeing from domestic abuse and their children with a safe environment to heal and thrive. It is hard for a woman to decide on the next moves for her career or what sports her child will participate in when the only thing she can think about is their safety. Women need a safe place where they can recover from their trauma and have an opportunity to start their life again. IWEN will secure housing in a discreet location for women and their children within the Indianapolis community. Women at the safe house can be provided with emergency and extended shelter according to the number of available beds within the shelter.

 

IWEN will seek to provide women who are fleeing from domestic abuse with a safe place for them and their children who are under the age of 18 years old. During this time, the women will be provided with meal assistance and activities for their children. The women will have access to community resources and educational tools for personal and professional development. This program will be made available in 2023. 

​

​

Homeless Support and Shelter

​

IWEN will provide women and their minor children with safe shelter for up to 7 calendar days. IWEN can provide women and their minor children with an emergency shelter which would include a secure room, meal assistance, referrals to community resources, and housing assistance. IWEN will also provide transitional housing for those women who experience temporary and chronic homelessness. Women in transitional housing may require additional assistance with addressing their needs and finding permanent housing. IWEN can provide temporary housing for up to 24 months as needed.

 

During this time, women will be assigned to a volunteer case manager who will assist them with employment assistance, financial assistance, permanent housing assistance, meal assistance, and activities for the children. IWEN desires to decrease the likelihood of future homelessness. Support will be provided in the form of life coaching, professional skill building, and peer to peer support groups. This program will be made available in 2025. 

​

​

Substance Abuse and Alcohol Support Services

​

IWEN will seek to provide shelter for women that are dealing with homelessness due to substance abuse. Women who participate in this housing service must be actively pursuing sobriety or be currently in recovery from addiction. While staying in the shelter women will be provided with food and items essential to meet their basic needs. Although IWEN will refer out all substance abuse services to other agencies, they will provide supportive services to the women living in the shelter. Support will be provided in the form of life coaching, professional skill building, and peer to peer support groups. This program will be made available in 2027.