Vincent Village has a new space for children experiencing homelessness

By Kara Hackett – The children's room at Vincent Village has more space, a new look, and new equipment.

By Kara Hackett – Vincent Village provides students with access to technology.

Homelessness can have serious effects on the health and education of children, but thanks to a new development at Vincent Village, children experiencing homelessness in Fort Wayne have access to better resources.

In mid-November, Vincent Village unveiled a new, state-of-the-art space for children attached to its Vincent House Transitional Shelter for Homeless Families at 2901 Holton Ave.

Sarah Neace, Director of Agency Advancement for Vincent Village, says the new space is significant for two big reasons. First, it provides children with a larger area to gather for learning and meeting with their tutors. Second, it’s accessible within walking distance of Vincent Village’s transitional housing in the surrounding Oxford neighborhood.

“Whether children live in the Village, or in the house itself, they are welcome here,” Neace says.

Tutors meet with students one-on-one or two-on-one to ensure quality time.

More than 150 students use the nonprofit housing organization’s programs and services throughout the year. It offers daily activities for children, including tutoring, art, literacy, social skill building, and access to technology.

The new children’s space was designed by the local firm One Eleven Design. Neace says Vincent Village raised funds from community members for equipment, and One Eleven Design donated their services.

The overall goal is to give students more ways to feel valued and grow.

“When they walk into a space like this, they’re like, ‘Wow. This is for us?’” Neace says. “It gives them a sense of dignity.”