FAQS
How did Rebuilding The Wall, Inc. (RTW) begin? RTW began out of the need to stabilize the housing in the impoverished Reagan Park Neighborhood. Chris and Mary Provence had been doing Bible studies in the neighborhood for a number of years and saw a great turnover in kids who would come through Bible study. As God laid it on their heart to disciple the young people, they were finding it almost impossible because the children kept moving due to poor living conditions, unfair rent, or absentee landlords. As they prayed and sought the Lords vision for meeting this need, God was faithful and shared with them the vision for RTW.
What are RTW's key objectives? Objective 1: To stabilize housing within the Reagan Park Community of Indianapolis Objective 2: To bring suburban Christians together in relationship with urban low income families across racial and socioeconomic lines Objective 3: To provide community residents with living wage jobs through skill set training and career development Objective 4: To stabilize families long term economic future and self sufficiency through asset building and management
How does a family qualify as a candidate to purchase a home? -The family must have one or more barriers to homeownership as evidenced by the following: -Being very low income: at or below 100% of the federal poverty line; -Being low income: Between 101-150% of the federal poverty line; -Being moderate income (between 151%-225% of the federal poverty line) and have a troubled credit report (rating of C or below) and/or a previous foreclosure. No more than --25% of our total future homeowners may be in this category; -In addition, the following related financial and historical information will be additional factors in considering need: -Unstable housing history as evidenced by multiple moves (3 or more in the past 5 years) and/or periods of homelessness; -Periods of having one or more utilities turned off due to non-payment
What are the requirements for me to partner with a family? There are three levels of partnership with the family: Level 1: To pray for the family on a consistent basis and/or give a monthly monetary contribution to RTW for the rehab of the home. Level 2:To commit to paying for and helping to rehab a specific job within the family’s property. (I.E. purchasing and installing plumbing, HVAC, windows, drywall...) Level 3: To covenant with the family monetarily and/or relationally over the whole period of the home sale process. (Covenant agreement required) You may join an existing group or start a new group.
Is RTW a Christian organization? Organizations cannot be Christian, only individuals. RtW's Board of directors is made up of Christians as are many of our volunteers. We seek to uphold the truths set forth in the Word, yet we place no religious stipulations on those we seek to serve.
Is RTW associated with a particular church or denomination? No, we are not associated with a specific church or denomination and believe that the church is made up of individuals who claim Jesus as the Christ and their Savior.
How is RTW Governed? RTW is governed by a board of Directors. Please see our Staff Info/Board page to meet the governing body
What is unique about RTW? RTW is unique in that we wish to attack oppression and social injustice through relationships. We do not believe anyone can make it through life without support. First from the Lord, and after this, from the community of believers called the church. In addition we focus on one community at a time with an emphasis on building the neighborhood as a whole. We believe in working with the strengths that people already possess and building on those through sound faith and relational teaching.
How does RTW find Properties? RTW finds properties in a lot of ways. We watch for "For Sale" signs in the neighborhood, ask local realtors to alert us if any in our area come up for sale. We also send letters to absentee home owners and continue to ask if they are willing to sell or donate their properties to us.
Interested in Home Ownership?
Rebuilding the Wall is currently recruiting families interested in being first time homeowners in Citizen's King-Park & Martindale Brightwood Communities. Rebuilding the Wall partners with low income families to help them pursue their dream of first time homeownership. To qualify, families must be currently employed or have a steady source of income and must be able to devote six volunteer hours(per adult)per month toward the construction of their family home.
For more information contact Shelley at (317) 925-9789
