Brightpoint newsletter

Brightpoint You Our

IS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

Brightpoint helps communities, families, and individuals remove the causes and conditions of poverty.

We envision a world without poverty in which all people have access to opportunities and are treated with dignity.

mybrightpoint.org

“ I appreciate Brightpoint, and I appreciate Angie for all the hard work she has done… I’ll be forever grateful and I will always remember Brightpoint.”

Finding a place to call home “Brightpoint led me to be exactly where I wanted and needed to be!”

James Perry, 67, is an Army Veteran who has lived in Allen County his entire life - but he hasn’t always had a place to call home.

A little over a year ago, James found himself homeless and struggling with addiction. One day, he discovered The Rescue Mission where he enrolled in their yearlong recovery program.

James was determined, and stayed committed to the program through graduation.

Once in recovery, he was ready to secure permanent housing.

His caseworker at The Mission connected him with Brightpoint and Family Development Service Worker, Angie Helms. She quickly enrolled him in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.

Before James began working with Angie, he had no idea where to go or what to do to find housing. He had heard of Brightpoint before, but wasn’t aware that there was housing assistance available. Being enrolled in SSVF, James felt supported and well-guided. Within a few weeks of working with Angie, he was able to secure stable, affordable housing.

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Once housed, the assistance from Brightpoint didn’t stop there. James had some furniture in storage but needed a bed. Angie helped him get a bed to complete his apartment furnishings, and delivered an assortment of basic supplies to help him get started. “Brightpoint has given me everything I need” he exclaimed when talking about the SSVF program.

James was so proud and excited to show off his new apartment. As we toured his space, it quickly became apparent that he had found a place to call home. “Brightpoint gave me the tools I needed to get housing; all I had to do was put in the work!”

James expressed that without Brightpoint he would likely be staying out on the street in his car right now. With tears welling up in his eyes, and a big smile on his face, James said “I appreciate Brightpoint, and I appreciate Angie for all the hard work she has done… I’ll be forever grateful and I will always remember Brightpoint.”

For more information about Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), visit www.mybrightpoint.org/ssvf.

Ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates new beginning in Angola Brightpoint held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, October 1, to celebrate the completion of Enterprise Pointe– a new multi-family affordable housing development targeting artists and creative entrepreneurs.

Brightpoint President/CEO Steve Hoffman welcomed the nearly 50 guests in attendance.

He spoke about how Enterprise Pointe combines two important weapons in the fight against poverty: affordable housing and small business development.

“Small business is the backbone of our economy. It is a major employer and a significant way for people to build assets and move up the economic scale.”

Angola Mayor Richard Hickman continued the ceremony talking about the great partnership between the city of Angola, Brightpoint, and Keller Development. He also read from a letter he received from Senator Mike Braun. “…The opening of this apartment complex will ensure that artists and entrepreneurs flourish in the city of Angola... Enterprise Pointe should become the norm, not the exception in affordable housing.”

IHCDA Executive Director Jacob Sipe spoke next. He said that the Section 42 Rental Housing Tax Credit, which was used for Enterprise Pointe, is the most powerful tool in Indiana to develop affordable housing because it encourages public, private, and nonprofit partnerships.

“We are just really proud to know that the affordable housing in our state does more than just create a few units. It transforms our communities, and gives people the opportunity to be successful.”

Mr. Sipe also noted that Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch had wanted to

attend, but wasn’t able to because she was in a legislative session.

Keller Development Business Development Specialist Danelle Biberstine thanked those who made the development possible. She gave special praise to the contractors who completed the project on time and within budget, even during a global pandemic.

Angola Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Julia Hewitt then led a ribbon cutting ceremony. After remarks were made, guests were treated to lunch from Suttons Deli and self-guided tours of Enterprise Pointe.

THAN K YOU Thanks to the following organizations for helping make Enterprise Pointe possible: • The City of Angola • Angola Common Council

Brightpoint and Keller Development, Inc. have been co-developing the three-story apartment building with live-work space at 905 South Wayne Street in Angola.

Construction for the $8.6 million project began May 1, 2020, and was completed July 26, 2021.

• Angola Plan Commission

Enterprise Pointe includes fifty 2-bedroom units between 943 and 950 square feet, ten of which are ADA Type-A compliant. All apartments are reserved for households with incomes of 80% of the area median income or below for Steuben County. This equates to no more than $39,040 for a 1-person household, $44,640 for a 2-person household, and $50,240 for a 3-person household.

• Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis

Leasing for Enterprise Pointe began on July 14 and all apartments are now rented.

New Generation Management manages the community. (www.newgenmgnt.com/ enterprisepointe)

• Steuben County Economic Development Corporation • Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) • Keller Development, Inc. • New Generation Management

• Old National Bank • PNC Bank

“ Enterprise Pointe should become the norm, not the exception in affordable housing.”

227 E. Washington Blvd. | Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 | mybrightpoint.org | (260) 423-3546

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Energy Assistance Program begins again As the leaves begin to fall, so do the temperatures outside. And once again, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) season begins at Brightpoint.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – the funding that makes the majority of the support for EAP possible. According to the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition’s website (www.neuac.org), “(LIHEAP) was created in 1981 in response to rising energy prices that left many Americans without the necessary utilities to heat or cool their homes. The impact of these price increases on the poor was rippling and severely disproportionate to the ability to pay for vulnerable households, including the elderly, disabled, and families with young children; all particularly susceptible to unsafe indoor temperatures in the home.”

Last year, Brightpoint helped nearly 9,000 families with their utility bills, keeping them warm through the winter months.

Although we began accepting applications for EAP in October this year, the program officially runs from November 1, 2021 through May 15, 2022.

The amount of EAP benefits differ from family to family and is based on income, household size, dwelling type, and heating source. The average benefit that each family receives for their

utility bill is about $290, but this year eligible households will also receive an additional $350. This additional $350 will be split between the heating and electric bills, unless the dwelling is all electric. The funding for this added benefit is available due to the American Rescue Act. Also new this year, households can apply for water assistance when they apply for energy assistance. The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency water/wastewater program that will help low-income households and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be used to fund a one-time benefit for eligible households who have past due bills, are on disconnect notice, or have been disconnected from water/wastewater services. This funding is available to be used through September 2023 and the program will be finished when the funds run out. Applicants should check “water” on their EAP applications and include a copy of their water bill to be considered for water/wastewater assistance.

For all families who qualify for the Energy Assistance Program, an added benefit is that the heat cannot be shut off from December 1, 2021 through March 15, 2022 (as long as their account is in good standing as of Dec. 1.) This ensures that families are not going without heat during the coldest times of the year. Another benefit is that qualifying for EAP makes households eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program. This program offers a home energy audit, energy-efficient repairs, and education.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Energy Assistance Program (EAP) WHAT IT IS

WHO IT HELPS

WHERE TO FIND HELP

A program that helps pay a portion of a household’s heating bills during the winter months. Eligible households receive the benefit one time per heating season.

Homeowners and renters who need help paying their heating bills. Combined annual household income must be at or below 60% of the State Median income.

Brightpoint EAP is available in Allen, DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, and Whitley Counties.

Complete information can be found on our web site: mybrightpoint.org/eap. Households who are not currently up for disconnection may complete an application (available online or at office locations) and submit via email, fax, or the drop box (outside offices) without an appointment. Those who require assistance with their completed applications must schedule a 15 minute appointment to drop off their application and be screened. Please call 1-800-589-2264 to schedule an EAP screening appointment.

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Child Care Assistance is back in Allen, Elkhart, and St. Joseph Counties We are excited to announce the return of Allen, Elkhart, and St. Joseph Counties to our Child Care Assistance program. As of October 1, Brightpoint is once again the intake agency for the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) in these counties.

NEW OFFICE LOCATIONS

Brightpoint has been the intake agent for the Child Care Development Fund in Northeast Indiana for over 30 years. We look forward to assisting more parents who are working or getting an education by helping them with child care expenses in this expanded area. Families on the program and their child care providers will contact someone at a Brightpoint office to apply, schedule appointments, submit documentation, report changes, and ask questions in regards to the program.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Child Care Assistance WHAT IT IS

ELKHART COUNTY CAPS 1000 West Hively Ave. Elkhart, IN 46517

A program that helps families afford quality child care for children younger than 13 years of age.

WHO IT HELPS Parents who are working, going to school, or receiving job training. Household income must be at or below 127% of the federal poverty guideline based on the last 30 days of income.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND HELP Go online to complete an application. Once you receive an open enrollment letter from Brightpoint, schedule an appointment, either via phone at 800-589-2264 or online, to be considered for assistance. Visit mybrightpoint.org/cca or call (260) 423-3546 or 800-589-3506 for more information.

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY 220 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 150 South Bend, IN 46601

227 E. Washington Blvd. | Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 | mybrightpoint.org | (260) 423-3546

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Mission

Moment Olivia Garrison

Family Development Worker Length of time at Brightpoint – 3 years Mission Moment – Giving hope to a homeless mother Earlier this year, I worked with a single mother named Darla* who was experiencing homelessness. During this time, thankfully, her children were able to live with their father. Lacking any known alternatives, Darla was sleeping in her vehicle. Then a friend told her about Brightpoint.

After contacting Brightpoint, Darla completed a Coordinated Entry Assessment. She was matched to the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program and I was her assigned case manager. Through the use of specialized funds, Darla was temporarily given assistance with a hotel stay while she began looking for permanent housing. As her case manager, I provided her with housing counseling and rental resources. Within a month she was approved for an apartment and we began providing short-term rental assistance.

Lease signing day was an emotional and powerful day for Darla. Once in stable housing, she was reunited with her children. She and I then began working on her other goals including finding a job and building a support system.

She was very grateful for the assistance.

Darla reminded me why we do what we do here at Brightpoint. I am honored to work for an agency that does so much for the community and helps families like Darla’s in times of need. *The client’s name has been changed to protect her identity.

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NAP tax credits: a way to give and get back!

Brightpoint has once again been awarded a limited number of Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA.) For every NAP dollar you give to Brightpoint ($100 minimum), you can receive 50 percent of the contribution as a direct tax credit on your state income taxes. Your NAP donation to Brightpoint will be used to support our Family Development program.

IHCDA offers $2.5 million in NAP tax credits annually to not-for-profit organizations, like Brightpoint. NAP tax credits are used as an incentive to help leverage more contributions from individuals and businesses for certain neighborhood-based programs and projects.

Additionally, because Brightpoint is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, a NAP contribution may also be taken as a federal tax deduction. (Of course we recommend consulting your tax advisor for advice about your particular situation.)

Tax credits are limited and can only be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. In order to apply credits to your 2021 tax liability, we must receive your contribution by December 31, 2021. Contact Hayley Lichtsinn (260) 423-3546, ext. 262 to confirm credit availability and have the required NAP tax credit form sent to you. More information is available at www.mybrightpoint.org/nap.

People gathered outside the front door awaiting the ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening celebration at Enterprise Point on October 1. (See story on page 3.)

All 50 units are now occupied in this new multi-family affordable housing community targeting artists and creative entrepreneurs.

Students at the Brightpoint Head Start site in Butler are working hard during their “center time.” Head Start provides comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and other developmental social services to children and their families.

Deb Grandin, Brightpoint Family Support Worker, sits in the new office for Steuben County located at Enterprise Pointe in Angola.

In early September, U.S. Senator Todd Young met with Brightpoint’s Amanda Chappell, Covering Kids and Families Program Manager, and other local non-profit leaders to discuss effective strategies to assist pregnant women and young families in northeast Indiana. Among those present were representatives from The Lighthouse, Crosswinds, Ambassador Enterprises, Let Them Live, A Mother’s Hope, Women’s Care Center, Healthier Moms & Babies, Three Rivers Right to Life, and St. Joseph Community Health Foundation.

227 E. Washington Blvd. | Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 | mybrightpoint.org | (260) 423-3546

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Brightpoint You Our

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

P.O. Box 10570 Fort Wayne, Indiana 46853-0570

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