Our History:

The O’Connor House began as a simple vision to help young women in crisis pregnancies….

2001

On a trip to celebrate the “March for Life”, Colleen DuLac of Carmel, IN, hears a homily at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception which impacts her profoundly. Through the homily she receives a message directly from God that she is to open a home for single, homeless, pregnant women and their children.
Colleen travels back to Carmel and alongside friend Kris Bussick, researches the needs of Hamilton County and the surrounding area. They discover the urgent need for housing for women in crisis pregnancies, especially for women who are over 18-years and have additional children.

2004

The first Board of Directors is established and a temporary home is located to begin the ministry. The home is named after John Cardinal O’Connor, a great defender of Life in New York City. We receive a great deal of help from “Good Counsel Homes” in NYC who advise us on many issues surrounding the housing and care of the women.

2005

The first fundraiser takes place at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, IN, raising over $60,000. This allows us to officially open our doors in June and hire our first House Director. The first home is located on Rohrer Road in Carmel – a 45-year-old tri-level fixer-upper that could house up to 5 women at a time. The first year is rent-free thanks to the generosity of three businessmen who believe in our cause.

Our first resident moves in on June 5th and gives birth on July 3rd – the first O’Connor House baby!

Timeline 2005

2010

We receive a $500,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis for the construction of a new home. We purchase the land at 45 N. Village Drive, in Carmel, have a groundbreaking ceremony, and begin the construction of the new home.
Timeline 2010

2011

We move-in to the new home on Village Drive which allows us to now serve up to 8 women at a time, plus their babies and toddlers.
Timeline 2011

2014

We expand our services to include professional counseling to help the women heal from past abuse and traumatic experiences. We also create a comprehensive Life Skills Program including classes covering topics such as nutrition, interviewing skills, parenting, and budgeting.

A generous donation of design, materials, manpower, furniture, books and toys lead to a transformation of our unfinished basement into a dreamy and well-equipped playroom for the babies and toddlers.

Our 100th resident moves-in!

Timeline 2014

2015

We celebrate our 10-Year Anniversary!
Timeline 2015

2017

We expand our Life Skills Program to include a mentor component, helping to empower the women to make transformative changes, with long-term progress towards a path out of poverty.
Timeline 2017

2019

Our 100th baby is born!
Timeline 2019

2021

We currently have served over 453 women and children experiencing homelessness.
Timeline 2021