Who We Are
Aurora is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the homeless and near homeless in the Greater Evansville, IN area. Each year, we serve over 500 individuals: men, women, children, those with disabilities, and the re-entry population.
In 2016 Aurora was named “Non-Profit of the Year” by the Chamber and in 2017 “Organization of the Year” by Leadership Evansville. Aurora was also named a United Way Partner Agency in 2011.
Mission & Vision
Core Beliefs
We believe that everyone has value. We believe in a “Housing First” and hands-on, strength-based approach to service delivery.
Our Pledge
Aurora pledges to be actively involved in:
- Direct Services: Providing services to the homeless and near homeless in our community
- Prevention: Promoting services that prevent homelessness
- Community Awareness: Educating the community on homelessness
- Collaboration: Facilitating collaboration among agencies, churches, schools, business, etc.
- Advocacy: Advocating for the social and economic changes necessary to make ending homelessness a reality.
Our Core Values
- Collaboration: Working together, united in action
- Vision: The ability to dream and serve as a catalyst
- Integrity: Interactions are based on Social Work Code of Ethics, honoring HMIS Privacy Practices
- Competence: Emphasis on training, use of evidence-based practices
- Passion: Enthusiasm, strong desire, extravagant fondness
- Determination: Strongly motivated to succeed
- Compassion: Understanding that the experience of homelessness can result in emotional distress, including trauma
Founded in 1988, Aurora leads the way in our community with three decades of experience of ending homelessness. Beginning as a coalition of individuals and organizations working for the homeless, Aurora has grown into an independent organization that takes on many projects, programs and endeavors to ensure that those without a place to call home are not forgotten.
As a homeless service provider, our mission is creating solutions to prevent and striving to end chronic homelessness in our community. Aurora impacts 1,600+ men, women and children annually and collaborates with over 75 agencies. We serve anyone who is homeless, chronically homeless (without a home for longer than 12 months), or at risk of becoming homeless. This includes adults, children, refugees, those with disabilities, veterans and the re-entry population. In 2016 Aurora was named “Non-Profit of the Year” by the Chamber and in 2017 “Organization of the Year” by Leadership Evansville (now Leadership Everyone).
Chadd Huffman, President
Homes by Huffman
Stephanie Stone, Vice President
Old National Bank
Paul Green, Treasurer
Retired Business Manager/ Financial Secretary at IBEW Local 16
Chaz Halsell, Secretary
Fifth Third Bank
Members of the Board
- Rob Bernardin, Boren Bernardin Schiff Group
- Elissa Hewins, Social Security Admin
- Tanya Schmitt, Heritage Federal Credit Union
- Jim Thomas, German American Bank
- Amber Heath, ECHO Community Health Care
- Clay Ellerbrook, Hafer
- Stephen Ralph, Evansville Christian Life Center
- Kelsey Blackgrave, Deaconess Health Systems
- Andrew Cope, Liberty Federal Credit Union
- Zach Martin, Woodward Realty
- Joshua Trockman, Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP
- Randy Goodwin, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 136
- Elliott Kavanaugh, First Bank
- Shelbie Gray, Child Therapy Lab
- Murphy Hall, Southwestern Behavioral
Aurora Staff
Zachary Heronemus
Executive Director
Zachary Heronemus, MPA, was appointed Executive Director by the Board of Directors and joined Aurora, Inc. in January 2020. He leads the agency’s strategic direction, serves as the chief development officer, and supports its team of professionals who work to prevent and end homelessness in Evansville and the surrounding community. These efforts include Aurora’s valued Rapid-Rehousing, Re-Entry, Permanent Supportive Housing, Housing First, Diversion, and Homeless Street Outreach Programs.
812-901-1042
Email
Rose Duran
Re-Entry Team Lead
812-901-1058
Email
Racial Justice Statement
Aurora, Inc. is committed to the principle that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, services, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by Aurora’s policy and/or applicable laws. Aurora prohibits discrimination, harassment and bullying against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religion, gender, sexual or affectional orientation, gender identity, appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Aurora expects that its employees, volunteers, and Board of Directors, when and where ever those individuals are conducting business or participating in events or activities, shall maintain an environment free of discrimination, including harassment, bullying, or retaliation. In carrying out this mission and in carrying out fiduciary responsibilities, Aurora recognizes the dignity of individuals and the strengths and resources they possess to contribute to the homeless and other economically disadvantaged persons in seeking solutions for homelessness without regard to race, creed, color, gender, familial status, or national origin.