Founded in 2020, Helping Our Homies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to giving hope and restoring dignity to those who are unsheltered. Their approach is simple but intentional: meet people where they are and walk alongside them with compassion. 

To help fulfill their mission, the organization provides a hot meal at the Farmers Market lot across from Grace United Methodist Church in Kokomo.  There, they distribute food, clothing, hygiene items, blankets, and other essentials to those in need. 

But providing supplies is only part of the work. According to Catchings, establishing trust with those experiencing homelessness is the first step towards helping someone move beyond their current situation—and it isn’t always easy.

“Once we prove to them that we will do what we say, trust begins to form,” she said. 

If a homie needs help, Catchings said they do everything they can to provide assistance.

Catchings and the team are known to keep backpacks filled with supplies in their cars and have even pulled over to the side of the road to help when they see a homeless person walking down the street.

“If they want help, we do what we can,” she said. “If they do not want help, which is sometimes the case, we do not push.”

Their most recent acquisition in their effort to serve their homies is, “Bill,” the Homie Mobile. After some mechanical work is completed, the vehicle will enable them to transport supplies from place to place and expand their outreach efforts. 

For now, they distribute supplies during Wednesday meals, at pop-up outreach events and homeless encampments throughout the community.  Their volunteers are also certified peer coaches, bringing both lived experience and training to the work they do.

So, what do they need? 

Like many nonprofits, Helping Our Homies relies heavily on community support. The organization is always in need of volunteers as well as donations such as new blankets, clothing — especially socks — and hygiene items. Currently, the organization relies primarily on donations and is just beginning to apply for grants and plan for their first large scale fundraiser.

They are also seeking a few forms of professional support. One need is assistance preparing their nonprofit tax return. Also on their wish list: a mentor!  The organization is currently involved in the Community Foundation’s Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership program, but Catchings would love to have a mentor—someone who has worked in the nonprofit sector—who could help them develop a business plan.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to launch a Junior Homies Club, where kids in the community can volunteer at outreach events and learn how to help those in need.

When we asked Catchings and Covey what the hardest part of running a nonprofit was, their answer was keeping boundaries and personal space.  Simply put, you can’t take everyone home with you. 

As the conversation came to a close, ideas were shared about potential nonprofit partnerships, along with encouragement for the meaningful work they continue to do in the community.

For Helping Our Homies, the mission ultimately comes down to something simple but powerful: offering help—and sometimes a hug—to those who need it most.

‍ ‍

‍ ‍