At Birge & Held, we value and are committed to providing a higher standard of living in all the communities we touch. As a result, we are proud to partner with RDOOR Housing Corporation through its Healthy Beginnings at Home (HBAH) initiative. The trailblazing initiative will provide secure housing for pregnant women experiencing homelessness as a way to address infant mortality in Indianapolis.
The need is vital, as Indiana experiences 6.5 infant deaths per 1,000 births. Indianapolis/Marion County has an infant mortality rate of 8 deaths for every 1,000 births, the highest in the state and well above the national rate of 5.4.
We join as the first multifamily commercial real estate partner to commit to an in-kind donation of apartment homes. We are also providing a financial contribution of $100,000 to further support their efforts to connect our most vulnerable Indianapolis residents with long-term housing options.
“We know a safe and secure space where people can live, sleep and engage in daily activities is vital. As a pioneer partner with RDOOR, we’re proudly providing just that to the community,” said Andrew Held, President and COO of Birge & Held. “Through the power of collaboration, we are taking a proactive step towards ensuring a healthier future for mothers, their babies and the community they call home.”
In RDOOR, we have found a partner with a shared core value: passion for people and community. Our partnership began with our involvement in HomeNow Indy, a collaborative, direct rental assistance initiative focused on providing housing and rental assistance to those experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis. Many program participants have found stable, long-term housing solutions through this partnership. The new HBAH initiative now provides that same opportunity to expecting mothers in a similar situation, enhancing their lives by assisting their families in the fight against infant mortality.
By participating in HBAH alongside RDOOR and their partners at IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health and CareSource, our collaboration will help to directly address infant mortality by providing secure housing options, rental assistance and additional resources to pregnant women at risk of housing instability by providing in-kind donations of apartment homes at Birge & Held properties.
Together with our partners, we are building a foundation of support, hope and stability for expecting mothers experiencing homelessness, setting the stage for healthier families and stronger communities. Join us in this transformative journey as we strive to create a brighter future for all.
