Hilltop Neighborhood House Expands Services with New Property Acquisition

Hilltop Neighborhood House in Valparaiso, Indiana, is set to expand its services after acquiring a dilapidated property across the street, previously marred by drug activity and neglect. This acquisition marks a significant step in the nonprofit’s mission to support the community’s increasing needs, with plans to transform the site into a green space and additional service area.

Jennifer Wright, the president and CEO of Hilltop Neighborhood House, and Amy Osburn, the nonprofit’s vice president, have witnessed disturbing scenes at the property located at 465 College Ave.. They recalled the unpleasant odors of drugs and the presence of drug paraphernalia, which posed safety concerns for the children attending the nearby childcare center. The situation required constant intervention from law enforcement, prompting the center to implement lockout procedures to protect its participants.

Osburn reflected on the environment surrounding the childcare center, stating, “It just made it an unsafe and sadly unwelcome environment.” A vision for a positive change emerged following a visit from local philanthropist Jacki Stutzman. After touring Hilltop with author Stephanie Jones and members of the Valparaiso Police Department, Stutzman felt inspired to contribute to the nonprofit’s efforts. She learned that the troubled house across the street was for sale and decided to take action.

“It’s kind of in a sense tying back to my sister, and it just seemed so right,” Stutzman remarked, referring to her late sister, Nancy Meyer, a previous supporter of Hilltop. Stutzman’s commitment to community causes includes support for the Porter County Animal Shelter and local police departments.

Wright described her astonishment when Stutzman reached out to discuss purchasing the property in August. “My jaw hit the ground,” she said, noting that such calls are rare for Hilltop. With the help of the city, the property is now undergoing tree removal and preparations for demolition, which is expected to be completed by January.

The acquisition will allow Hilltop to double the size of its children’s community garden and establish a designated area for summer camps, which have been conducted at a nearby city park. Wright envisions the property will feature a pavilion for providing free lunches during the summer months, a service currently offered at ValPlayso.

This newly acquired property is the third blighted site Hilltop has transformed to better serve the community. The organization also operates a food pantry and a mission kitchen, which have seen a surge in demand. Wright noted a 25% increase in service requests this year, with the number of clients rising to approximately 1,800 per month. The agency experienced a dramatic 40% increase in new clients during the recent government shutdown, which halted benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

As Hilltop prepares for its future, it is also expanding its workforce. A social worker will be brought on in January to address substance abuse and suicide prevention, funded through a grant from the city of Valparaiso. Additionally, Hilltop plans to implement a hunger hub, providing around-the-clock access to ready-to-eat meals through a cooler at the mission kitchen.

Wright emphasized the evolving challenges faced by the community, citing factors such as generational poverty and the closure of Valparaiso University’s law school, which has impacted housing availability. She described the agency’s growth since her tenure began in 2011, during which Hilltop has broadened its services to include a mobile food pantry and a bookmobile.

As Hilltop Neighborhood House celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 25, both Wright and Osburn recognized the ongoing need for their services. Osburn pointed out that state funding cuts for childcare and potential changes to health insurance subsidies could exacerbate the situation, stating, “It’s just a snowball effect.”

Despite these challenges, Wright remains optimistic about Hilltop’s ability to adapt and meet community needs. “We’re ready when it happens,” she said, signaling her commitment to continue providing essential services to those in need.