How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Indiana
If you or your family are struggling to make ends meet, you’re not alone. Many Hoosiers face tough times, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as “food stamps,” is designed to help. SNAP provides monthly benefits to help you buy food so you and your loved ones don’t have to worry about going hungry. In this article, we’ll explain how SNAP works in Indiana, how to apply, and also share information about our free food drive events in Indianapolis. What is SNAP? SNAP is a federal program that provides funds to eligible households for purchasing groceries. In Indiana, SNAP is managed by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Benefits are distributed monthly on an EBT card, which works like a debit card and can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers. Who Qualifies for SNAP in Indiana? Eligibility depends on factors like household income, family size, and expenses. Generally, SNAP is available to: To see if you qualify, you can check the income limits on the Indiana FSSA SNAP website. How to Apply for SNAP in Indiana You can apply for SNAP benefits in three ways: Once you apply, you may be asked for documents like proof of income, ID, and rent or utility bills. Need Help Right Now? Join Our Free Food Drive At Harmonie Hearts, we know the SNAP process can take time, and sometimes the need is immediate. That’s why we host free food distribution events twice a month for Indianapolis residents. 📍 Location: 5350 Allied Blvd, Indianapolis, IN🕛 Time: 12 PM – 2 PM📅 When: Every first and third Saturday of the month If you’d like to join, please register here: https://harmoniehearts.org/your-needs/ Final Thoughts Programs like SNAP are an important safety net, but community support matters too. Whether you’re applying for benefits or need help right away, remember you’re not alone. Harmonie Hearts is here to stand with you. 🙏 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
The Power of Showing Up: How Faith Fuels Our Mission
In a world where need is everywhere, and resources often feel scarce, it’s tempting to believe that only big organizations with big budgets can make a difference. But here’s the truth we’ve come to live by at Harmonie Hearts Community Services: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” — James 2:17 (NIV) We are a small, grassroots nonprofit. We don’t have buildings or billboards. We don’t yet operate in multiple cities or countries. But we do have something far greater — the power of showing up. That is our ministry. That is our mission. When Faith Shows Up in Flesh and Blood On May 17th, 2025, a small team of Harmonie Hearts volunteers gathered at the Regan Inn in Indianapolis, a temporary shelter housing families who are barely scraping by. There were no journalists or TV cameras. No celebrities or hashtags. Just tables, hot food, and people who showed up — with love in their hearts and faith in their hands. By the end of the afternoon, 178 families had received warm meals. But it wasn’t just about food. It was about seeing people. Listening. Praying. Smiling. Hugging. Loving. One woman, holding her child, whispered, “I haven’t eaten since yesterday morning.” We didn’t need a sermon. We handed her a plate, offered a prayer, and stood beside her. That’s the ministry of presence. Faith Isn’t Loud — But It’s Powerful In the Book of 1 Kings, Elijah is waiting to hear from God. There’s a powerful wind, an earthquake, a fire — but God isn’t in any of those. Then comes a gentle whisper. That’s what Harmonie Hearts is. We are the gentle whisper. We’re not here to make noise. We’re here to respond to the quiet cries that often go unheard. We believe that faith without compassion is hollow, and that love without action is incomplete. We believe in a Savior who didn’t just preach on hillsides — He walked through broken streets, sat with the outcasts, and touched the untouchables. And so, we show up — motel to motel, plate to plate, prayer to prayer — to reflect that same love. Where Two or Three Are Gathered Jesus said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) At every outreach, whether it’s five volunteers or fifty, we carry this truth with us. The size of the team doesn’t limit the size of the impact. Every volunteer is a vessel. Every donated meal is a sermon. Every kind word is a seed planted in broken ground. We’ve seen hardened faces soften. We’ve seen tears fall silently during prayer. We’ve seen people who felt invisible realize — “Someone came for me.” That is the gospel in action. A Mission Fueled by Grace, Not Wealth We are not funded by corporations or millionaires. We don’t yet have grant money flowing in (though we’re believing for it). What we do have is grace. We have local believers who give what they can. We have people who pray over us. We have volunteers who show up with nothing but a servant’s heart and a willingness to love strangers like family. And that grace? It multiplies. Just like the fish and loaves, we’ve watched God turn “not enough” into “more than enough.” Why Showing Up Matters Now More Than Ever Hunger in Indianapolis is rising. Families are choosing between food and shelter. Many live in motels without access to healthy meals, working jobs that barely cover their rent. And while big institutions debate solutions, Harmonie Hearts is out here quietly showing up.Because we can’t wait. Because people are hungry now.Because faith moves first, and figures it out along the way. How You Can Be Part of This Mission If you’ve ever wondered “What can I do?”, here’s the answer:Show up. In whatever way you can. You don’t need a title or a pulpit to make an impact. You just need a heart willing to act — and the faith to believe it matters. We are Harmonie Hearts. We don’t have everything, but we have enough to show up. And with God, that’s always enough. “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18 If this mission speaks to your heart, we invite you to walk with us. There’s room at the table. 💛 Donate. Pray. Share. Show up.Visit: harmoniehearts.org/donate
✝️ Faith in Action: A Christian Call to Feed the Hungry in Indianapolis
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”—Matthew 25:35, 40 Right now, we are living in one of the most challenging times for vulnerable families across the United States—and the crisis is especially real in Indiana. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 10,500 people experienced homelessness in Indiana in 2023, a number that continues to rise sharply due to inflation, housing insecurity, and job instability. What’s even more heartbreaking is that families with children make up nearly 30% of this total. In Indianapolis, shelters are at capacity. Food pantries are reporting overwhelming demand. Children are going to bed hungry—not in faraway countries, but in our neighborhoods, our city, and our streets. As followers of Christ, we are called not to turn away from suffering, but to enter into it with compassion and action. 🙏 What We’re Doing — And Why We Need You At Harmonie Hearts, we believe love looks like something. It looks like a meal delivered with dignity. It looks like a bag of groceries for a mother trying to stretch her last dollar. It looks like showing up when no one else does. On May 17th, 2025, we served 178 families at the Regan Inn Shelter in Indianapolis. We provided food, care, prayer, and support to those who needed it most. But that wasn’t the end of the story. It was just the beginning. We’ve now launched a $3,500 fundraising campaign to continue this mission and feed even more families this summer. Every donation goes directly to purchasing and delivering food to families in shelters, transitional housing, or facing food insecurity in our community. This is 100% local impact—with 0% platform fees, thanks to Zeffy. 💵 What Your Donation Can Do 📖 Why This Matters to Christians Scripture is crystal clear: feeding the hungry is not optional—it is an expression of faith in action. “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”—James 2:15–16 It’s easy to pray for others. But the Gospel calls us to be the answer to someone’s prayer. We cannot change the whole world in one day, but we can change someone’s world in one moment—with a meal, with a gift, with love. ✨ Will You Join Us? 🛒 $3,500 is all it takes to help us serve over 150 families this summer.📅 Our fundraiser runs through July 25th—but the need is now. 👉 DONATE HERE: Our Fundraiser Even if you can’t give, you can share, pray, and stand with us in faith that God will multiply every dollar, every meal, and every act of love. Let’s show Indianapolis what it looks like when the Church shows up. #HarmonieHearts #FaithInAction #FeedTheHungry #Matthew25Challenge #IndianapolisMission #LoveLooksLikeSomething
🍽️ When Crisis Hits Home: Why More Families in Indiana Are Going Hungry—and How You Can Help
In times of social crisis, the most vulnerable among us suffer the most. Across the United States, and right here in Indiana, we’re witnessing an alarming rise in family homelessness, food insecurity, and financial hardship. Shelters are stretched thin. Parents are skipping meals so their kids can eat. And everyday Hoosiers—our neighbors—are quietly battling hunger in the shadows. 🏠 The Reality in Indiana According to local reports, homelessness in Indiana has risen significantly, with families making up a growing share of those affected. The recent economic strains—housing shortages, inflation, job loss—have pushed many over the edge. In Indianapolis alone, hundreds of families are currently living in shelters, cars, or unsafe conditions. And while public resources help, they’re simply not enough to meet the current need. 🍲 Where Harmonie Hearts Comes In At Harmonie Hearts, we believe no family should go hungry. On May 17th, 2025, we served 178 families at the Regan Inn Shelter with warm meals and grocery packs. But that was just the beginning. We’ve launched a new community food drive to raise $3,500—a humble but powerful goal. Every dollar will help us provide groceries, care packages, and warm meals to families living in shelters and transitional housing across Indianapolis. 💔 Why This Is Urgent For some families, this summer won’t bring vacations and cookouts—it’ll bring another day wondering where the next meal is coming from. The social crisis isn’t abstract. It’s real. It’s right here. And it’s personal. If you’re reading this, you’re in a position to help someone else make it through this storm. 🙏 How You Can Help Right Now You can be the reason a child eats tonight.You can be the comfort a single parent feels when they know their fridge isn’t empty.You can help us reach our goal—and reach more people. 🎯 Donate here: Our Fundraiser📅 Goal: $3,500 by July 25th💛 100% goes to food. No platform fees. Every dollar matters. Let’s rise together.
Serving With Heart: 178 Families Fed at Regan Inn
On Saturday, May 17th, 2025, Harmonie Hearts brought its mission of compassion and nourishment to life once again—this time at Regan Inn Shelter in Indianapolis. Between 1pm and 3pm, the space was filled not just with food, but with love, laughter, and the warm spirit of community. The goal was simple: make sure no one at Regan Inn went to bed hungry. And thanks to the tireless support of volunteers, partners, and generous donors, we were able to serve 178 families—each one receiving a food pack filled with essential items meant to bring comfort, nutrition, and dignity. A Shelter, a Safe Space—and a Stop for Healing Regan Inn is more than just a shelter. It’s a place where people gather while rebuilding their lives. It’s a stopover between survival and stability. And on this day, it became a station of grace. Harmonie Hearts has always believed in meeting people where they are, and this event was a beautiful reminder of the power of simply showing up. As families lined up, there was no rush, no noise—just quiet gratitude. Some shared their stories. Others simply smiled. A few cried, overwhelmed that strangers would come out on a Saturday to care for them. “You don’t know what this means to us,” one mother whispered, cradling her toddler.“I was worried I wouldn’t have anything for the weekend.” What We Gave Each family received a well-packed parcel that included: But what we gave went far beyond food. We gave reassurance. We gave kindness. We gave families a reason to smile that day. The Power of Showing Up Our volunteers, some traveling across the city, came with sleeves rolled up and hearts wide open. They didn’t just hand out food—they listened, they encouraged, and they reminded every person at Regan Inn that they are not forgotten. One volunteer reflected: “It’s not just what we gave—it’s what we received. The stories, the strength of these families—it moved us deeply.” What’s Next? We know that this one day won’t solve everything. But it mattered. And for those 178 families, it was a reminder that people care. That help is out there. That hope is still alive. At Harmonie Hearts, we don’t lead with noise—we lead with presence. And wherever there is hunger—of the stomach or of the spirit—we will continue to show up. Want to be part of the next one?📩 Reach out to volunteer or support our next food drive.Because feeding a family starts with feeding a heart. If you are in need of food, reach us through this page #HarmonieHearts #ReganInnOutreach #FeedHope #ServeWithLove #CommunityInAction #IndianapolisOutreach
Empowered to Plan: Women Who Now Budget With Confidence
Testimonies from women who are changing the financial culture in their homes. In the communities we serve, budgeting hasn’t always been part of the conversation. For many families, income is unpredictable, and expenses come hard and fast. For a long time, planning ahead seemed like a luxury only a few could afford. But that’s changing—beautifully. At Harmonie Hearts, we’re watching women step into new roles—not just as caregivers, but as planners, providers, and powerful financial stewards of their homes. Armed with simple tools and shared wisdom, they’re shifting the culture one household at a time. “I used to wait for help. Now, I plan ahead.” — Janet, 34 “I didn’t know where to begin. Every month was survival mode. After joining the budgeting group, I learned how to track my income and make priorities. Now, I set aside money every week—even if it’s just $2. That savings helped me buy medicine when my baby had a fever. I felt proud, not helpless.” “My children know why we budget.” — Mercy, 29 “I used to feel bad saying ‘no’ when we didn’t have money. Now, we budget together. We talk about what we need and what we can wait for. My kids are learning to make wise choices, and we celebrate small wins. It’s bringing us closer.” “I don’t fear money anymore.” — Aisha, 41 “Money used to stress me out. I’d avoid looking at what I didn’t have. Now, I write everything down, even the small things. I feel in control. And I’ve already helped two other women in my village start their own budgets. We’re changing together.” Why It Matters When women gain financial confidence, their families become more stable. We’ve seen: -Fewer missed meals-Less borrowing from predatory lenders-Better school attendance-Reduced household conflict-Increased savings—even in low-income homes These women aren’t just surviving anymore—they’re planning. And that’s powerful. What Harmonie Hearts Is Doing Through our Financial Empowerment Workshops, we provide: Most of these women live on less than $3 a day—but with the right tools, even that can be managed with wisdom. You Can Be Part of This Budgeting is more than numbers—it’s about vision, dignity, and a better future. Empowered women are changing homes, communities, and generations—one smart plan at a time.
🌽 One Bag of Maize, a Month of Peace
In a world spinning fast with news, needs, and noise, it’s easy to overlook how something as simple as a bag of maize can shift the balance in a home from chaos to calm. At Harmonie Hearts, we’ve seen it firsthand. We’ve seen the quiet relief wash over a mother’s face when she realizes her children won’t go to bed hungry—for at least the next few weeks. We’ve seen school attendance go back up because children aren’t too weak to walk. We’ve seen fathers, often burdened by shame, step back into their families’ lives—not with everything solved, but with something to bring to the table. And it often starts with just one bag. The Power of Small We’re not here to glamorize poverty, but to humanize the hope that small gestures can create. A single bag of maize—about 90 kilograms—can stretch over an entire month when rationed carefully. For a family navigating job loss, illness, or the unpredictable rhythm of informal work, it becomes more than food. It becomes a chance to breathe. In areas where access to income is inconsistent, food stability acts like a safety net. When there’s something to eat, a family can focus on other essentials: school, health, even healing from emotional trauma. Real People. Real Peace. Last month, a donor contributed just three bags of maize. We split them among three families in urgent need. One of the mothers, Anne*, told us: “This bag gave me time. Time to look for work without worrying what my children would eat that day. I got a cleaning job last week. It’s not much, but I didn’t feel desperate while I waited.” That’s the hidden story behind giving. You don’t just fill a plate—you buy people time, choices, and peace of mind. What Does One Bag Cost? Depending on the season, one 90kg bag of maize costs between roughly USD $30–$40. That’s less than a night out. Less than a new pair of shoes. But the return on that investment? Immeasurable. It buys peace.It feeds dignity.It sustains hope. Here’s How You Can Help 📦 Donate a Bag – You can contribute the full amount for one bag or partner with others to share the cost. 🍴 Sponsor a Family’s Food Basket – Beyond maize, we often include beans, cooking oil, and flour. Every contribution counts. 🧡 Share This Story – If you can’t give today, amplify the message. Let others know that small can be mighty. When hope is fragile, food is a foundation.And sometimes, that foundation begins with just one bag of maize.
🎵 Summer Music Program 2025 – Learn, Play & Grow at Rod of God Parish
Get ready to turn up the volume on your summer plans! Harmonie Hearts is proud to announce our Summer Music Program 2025, a creative and skill-building experience for aspiring musicians of all ages. This enriching six-week journey begins on Friday, June 14th at 10:30 AM, and takes place at the Rod of God Parish – 5350 Alld Blvd, Indianapolis. If you’ve ever dreamed of playing the piano, strumming the guitar, blowing the saxophone, or learning the heartbeat of African rhythm on the talking drum (Gangan)—this is your chance. What to Expect Over the course of six weeks, participants will dive into hands-on lessons taught by experienced instructors who are not only skilled musicians, but passionate educators. The program includes beginner-friendly instruction in: 🎹 Piano🎸 Guitar🎷 Saxophone🥁 Talking Drum (Gangan) Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or sharpening your skills, our program is designed to foster creativity, discipline, and a deep love for music. It’s also a chance to connect with other music lovers in the community, build confidence, and have a whole lot of fun while learning. Registration Info The entire program is free after a one-time registration fee of $50. This fee helps us cover basic logistics and ensures your spot is reserved. Once you’re in—you’re all in. All lessons, materials, and support are included for the full six-week duration. Spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration. Program Schedule Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult—if music is calling you, this program is your invitation to answer. Come make this summer a symphony of growth, joy, and rhythm.
🎁 Free Blood Pressure Monitors & Glucometers for Registered Participants – June 15th in Indianapolis
Harmonie Hearts is thrilled to announce a special health-centered event happening this Saturday, June 15th, at 1:30 PM at 5350 Alld Blvd, Indianapolis. As part of our mission to empower healthier communities, we’ll be distributing free blood pressure monitors and glucometers to individuals who previously registered with our wellness program. Why This MattersAt Harmonie Hearts, we believe that health is wealth—and the first step to living a longer, fuller life is being able to track your vital health indicators at home. By making these devices accessible, we hope to help more people stay ahead of chronic conditions, take control of their health, and spark conversations around regular checkups. EligibilityThis giveaway is specifically for individuals who signed up during our earlier registration drive. If you’re one of them, your name is already on the list. Just come ready to pick up your device, ask questions, and connect with others in the community. 📍 Event Details🗓 Date: Saturday, June 15, 2025⏰ Time: 1:30 PM📌 Location: 5350 Alld Blvd, Indianapolis Come early, bring your ID, and let’s keep building a healthier future—together.
One Bag of Maize, a Month of Peace
In many of the homes we visit, peace doesn’t come with silence or security—it comes with a full stomach. At Harmonie Hearts, we’ve learned that sometimes, the most powerful impact doesn’t come from massive donations or big projects. Sometimes, it comes in the form of one bag of maize. The Hidden Crisis in the Kitchen In struggling households, hunger is a silent crisis. It creates tension, fear, and in many cases, shame. Parents go to bed worrying how to stretch the little they have. Children go to school without breakfast, and come home to an empty pot. It’s not just about food—it’s about the emotional toll of not knowing. And that’s where even a small donation steps in and does more than fill a stomach. It changes the atmosphere in the home. One Bag. One Breakthrough. We’ve seen it time and again: when a family receives a basic food package—maize, rice, flour, oil—the immediate reaction isn’t just gratitude. It’s relief. Mothers breathe easier. Fathers have space to focus on finding work. Children stop skipping meals and start concentrating in school. The constant noise of anxiety lowers. People start making plans instead of just surviving. And all of that, from one humble food package. Stability Builds Futures This isn’t just about survival—it’s about stability. One bag of maize can keep a family afloat long enough to take the next step: attending a financial seminar, joining a parenting support group, seeking counseling, or simply making it through a hard month with dignity. Peace doesn’t always look like calm sunsets and quiet mornings. Sometimes, it’s a child eating three meals a day. Sometimes, it’s a parent not having to choose between food and bus fare. How You Can Be the Difference When you donate to Harmonie Hearts—whether it’s Ksh 500 or Ksh 5,000—you’re not just buying food. You’re buying time, space, and emotional safety for someone who’s been running on empty. You’re giving someone a moment to breathe. A moment to reset. A moment of peace. And in that peace, hope grows. The Ripple Effect of a Simple Gift We don’t always get to see what happens after that bag of maize is delivered. But we know what it can unlock: All of it starts with food. It starts with your kindness. So yes, one bag may seem small. But in the right hands, at the right time, it can be the first domino in a chain of restored lives.