Each month Fatima Johnson, Brightlane’s Community Engagement & Education Strategist, will be sharing some educational information and resources as we continue to learn together. This month she is helping us learn more about how you can support need this season.
Did you know that a family of four with income of $32,150 is living at the Federal Poverty Line (FPL)? An estimated 23.9% of children in Marion County face food insecurity, and 40% of Marion County households are unable to cover the costs of living. Each of these factors contribute to the disproportionate number of students experiencing homelessness in Marion County. Marion County has nearly one-quarter of Indiana’s homeless student enrollment, while representing only about 15% of total enrollment.
The holidays can be especially challenging for those experiencing homelessness, food and housing insecurity, and poverty, making a season that is meant to be joyful feel overwhelming and isolating. When basic needs go unmet, the holidays can become a painful reminder of what they lack rather than a celebration.
Every Brightlane volunteer, board, committee, and staff member is dedicated to helping students experiencing housing instability and homelessness achieve more stable futures through direct support, raising funds, and raising awareness for Brightlane’s programs. This season, I ask you to invite your family, your coworkers, and your networks to take action alongside you by using the events in this email. Each of these opportunities are designed to support students and families facing instability by providing tools that educate, build awareness and funds to move our important work forward.
Giveback and Fundraising Events
View our full events calendar here to explore all our upcoming events and ways to give!
To give back this holiday season:
- Visit the Light the World Giving Machine – There are two locations, including at Clay Terrace (available now – January 4th) and near Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt (available now – December 24th). Starting at just $10, shoppers can donate tutoring hours, school supplies, or other essentials directly to Brightlane students.
- Purchase a Brightlane Holiday Cookie Kit – Vanilla Bean Bakery is generously donating 20% of all Brightlane Holiday Cookie Kit orders to Brightlane through December. This kit comes with 8 delicious sugar cookies and everything you need to decorate them with festive cheer and fun! Learn more about how to order here.
To help us raise funds and awareness:
- Do the Bright Thing Kickoff – Join us on Thursday, January 29 at 5:30PM at Union 50 to connect with volunteers and staff, hear about our collective impact, and build momentum as we kick off our big February push for Do the Bright Thing. RSVP here.
- Inspire Brighter – Save the date to join us for our annual Inspire Brighter Celebration on Thursday, April 23, 2026. This event raises over $250,000 to provide tutoring and academic services to children impacted by homelessness. Whether planning to attend as an individual ($150), host a table ($1,500), or support as a sponsor (starting at $2,500), this night is a perfect way to introduce new people to Brightlane’s mission and impact!
Educational Opportunities
- Let’s Learn Together: McKinney-Vento Act & Title 1 – Join us virtually on Friday, January 23 at 12:00PM as Charie Jones, Homeless Education Specialist with the Indiana Department of Education, helps us better understand the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and Title 1 and how they impact our students, families, schools, and community partners. RSVP here.
- Attend Sparking Conversations – Join us for our next Sparking Conversations discussion on Wednesday, February 11 from 9-10:30AM as our panel of experts discuss and explore trends in family homelessness in the state and our city, as well as examine the obstacles that families encounter on their path to stability. RSVP for this session or our next on Wednesday, May 13th here.