These are the most frequent questions we get from survivors and supporters. If you don’t find your answer here, send us an email from our Connect page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know.
I need help right now!
Coburn Place is not an emergency shelter. If you are in a physically unsafe environment, please call 911. Consider whether you would be safe to stay temporarily with friends or family, or contact one of these local emergency shelters and resources:
The Julian Center – (317) 920-9320 or info@juliancenter.org
Salvation Army – (317) 637-5551
Dayspring Center – (317) 635-6780
Holy Family Shelter – (317) 635-7830
Center for Women & Children/Wheeler Mission Ministries – (317) 635-3575
Indiana211 – 211 or (866) 211-9966, online database
How do I help a friend or family member experiencing abuse?
First, believe them, listen, and don’t be judgmental. Don’t say, “Just leave.” Then, support them. This may look like finding resources and passing them on safely. Any domestic violence service agency can help them with a safety plan at no cost. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers an interactive safety plan. You can also offer to be part of their safety plan. Encourage them to gather important documents like banking information, social security card and birth certificate – and documents for their children as well – and keep them in a safe place. Advise them to always have cash and a charged phone. Create a code word or phrase they can use in conversation with you to signal that they are not safe. Above all, make sure you only do what they’re OK with you doing, and don’t expect it to be easy. On average, survivors try to leave their abusive relationship seven times before they leave for good. They need to be the one who makes the decision. The important thing is that they feel supported no matter what.
How do I get on your waiting list?
The first step is to call us at (317) 923-5750. Our mentor will ask you some questions to help us learn how we can best assist you. We may be able to provide transitional housing and referrals if you’re eligible, but that requires an assessment with one of our advocates. If our mentor determines you should talk to an advocate, you’ll get a call back. (Please understand there are many people seeking help right now, and you won’t hear back right away.)
If you’re eligible for our housing waitlist, it could be up to one year or 18 months before you have access to housing supported by Coburn Place. Once you’re on the waitlist, you and your advocate will work together to match you with the best housing and well-being resources for you. While you’re on the waitlist, you can access resources to support your well-being.
How long is your waitlist?
At any given time, we might have more than 130 families awaiting housing assistance. Our waitlist can be up to 12 to 18 months.
Did Coburn Place used to be an old school?
Yes! Coburn Place was Henry P. Coburn Public School No. 66. It opened in 1915 for students and closed in the late 1970s.
How many apartments do you have on site?
We have 35 apartments onsite. 15 studios, 15 two-bedrooms and five three-bedrooms.
How long can clients receive housing support?
On-site: Clients can live rent- and utility-free for up to two years.
Off-site: Clients can receive rent and utility assistance for up to one year.
Do you only serve clients in Indianapolis?
We serve clients in Marion County and the surrounding counties.
Where does your funding come from?
Our funding comes from a mix of federal, state and private foundations as well as individual donors, corporations, civic groups, and faith-based groups. For more information or to make a donation, visit Get Involved.