Our Inspiration
Our Philosophy
Those who are in need
deserve the same grace and care
we would extend to any other individual;
it is up to us to respect their human dignity,
which is neither less nor different from
the dignity of any other human being.
Our mission as a 501c3 nonprofit organization is to provide free and equal access to clothing, personal care/hygiene products, and cleaning supplies to members of the Hamilton County, Indiana, and nearby communities in of assistance with these quality of life necessities.
Our vision is creating a place and system that can promote and uphold the dignity, self-esteem, and well-being of our clients while fulfilling our mission.
Our unique model combines a modified retail setting and freedom of choice voucher point system designed to accomplish both. And it all started with a jacket...
Brief Overview
The Mission in Motion
Food and water are survival necessities. Fortunately, Hamilton County has a well-founded network of food pantries to assist residents meet those needs. Weather/work/school appropriate clothing, personal hygiene products, and cleaning supplies are quality of life necessities. So are dignity and self-esteem. That's why we designed Marilyn's Place Non-Food Pantry to provide the commodities clients need in a way that's as close to a normal shopping experience as possible, including a budget and freedom of choice over what to buy as well as the brand, size, flavor, form, etc. But instead of cash our clients "pay" with MPNFP voucher points.
Our Qualification Policy and Process is simple, objective [based on poverty and/or living wage standards], and necessary to ensure our ability to help those truly needing assistance and choosing products for personal use rather than profit. Requests for assistance are reviewed without regard to the race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual preference, or any other personal characteristic or belief of any applicant. Group vouchers are not subject to any marital, cohabitation, blood relation, or other such restriction(s); every member must, however, qualify as an individual or dependent (minors and disabled adults requiring similar care) applicant and may only be included on one active [available points balance] account at a time; knowingly “double dipping” voucher points is strictly prohibited. Violations will generally lead to permanent disqualification of the individual(s) as well as the Group's Primary Member and/or assisting Group Members.
