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, 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).
Chaz Halsell, President
Fifth Third Bank
Chadd Huffman, Vice President
Homes by Huffman
Tanya Schmitt, Treasurer
Heritage Federal Credit Union
Elliott Kavanaugh, Secretary
First Bank
Members of the Board
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- Andrew Cope, Northwestern Mutual
- Elissa Hewins, Social Security Admin
- Brandi Wall, Woodforest Bank
- Lateesa Johnson, Southwestern Behavioral Health
- Henry Steckler, Hafer
- Danniece Henderson, eRep
- Hollie Butler, ECHO Community Healthcare
- Maverick Carnahan, Liberty FCU
- Kelsey Blackgrave, Deaconess Health Systems
- Shawn Mundy, CenterPoint Energy
- Adam Grant, Ascension St. Vincent
- Kim Hief, German American Bank
- John Bates, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 136
Aurora Staff
Paul Newell
Front Office Administrator
812-428-3246
Equal Opportunity 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 orientation, 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 wherever 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.