TERRE HAUTE, Ind – The Duke Energy Foundation has donated $12,500 to support a developing project from a local not-for-profit in Terre Haute, Mental Health America of West Central Indiana, Inc. (MHAWCI).

The group is working to construct a Tiny Homes Village in Ryves Neighborhood; a movement that is trending across the nation to house persons experiencing homelessness.

It appears that this type of initiative is more effective and reduces costs of emergency shelter, criminal justice, healthcare, emergency services, and behavioral healthcare.

As each tiny home is built, the program will allow someone in the agency’s existing housing program to ‘move on’ to the next phase of independency.

It will then open up a unit for someone currently experiencing homelessness.

With Duke Energy Foundation’s support and funding, the agency can officially purchase construction materials for the first tiny home.

Indiana State University students majoring in engineering and design management are still eager and committed to building, so the first tiny home should be under construction in the fall of 2021.

“Duke Energy understands their role in the community, and they are always willing to give back to it. Duke Energy supports so many needs and initiatives in several communities. Thank you, Duke Energy, for starting our year off strong by saving some more lives together. I truly believe we are stronger together,” Jessica Brown, Director of Development at MHAWCI.