Highlighting a Great Place for Donations: Fair Haven

Many Spirit & Space clients have heard me speak of Fair Haven’s Parisian Market – a great place to donate gently-used home accessories, furniture, artwork, dishware and more. Often, it’s where we donate finer goods that can’t be sold. The Parisian Market is Fair Haven’s signature fundraiser each year, and our clients love supporting it with their donations.

Thousands of patients travel to Indianapolis while battling a serious illness. Many of them must stay for days, weeks or months to get the critical care they need to survive. Fair Haven provides those families with a convenient and comfortable place to stay at no charge. Families in need are referred by hospital social workers. The gift of a home-away-from-home lifts a tremendous burden for these families; it makes it possible to be together and share God’s love when it’s needed most.

Fair Haven serves people of all faiths and none. They meet people in “a window of hope,” providing spiritual support, encouragement and care in the context of a residential setting that offers private and community space.

I recently visited Fair Haven at Ada’s Place, which offers 12 guest suites conveniently located downtown near the hospitals. Brad and Karen welcomed me warmly. With 97% occupancy through the year, these suites are used primarily for shorter stays. Fair Haven also offers 10 fully furnished apartments for longer stays.

Ada’s Place was designed with peace in mind. From the atrium to the community room, the kitchen to the prayer chapel, I saw the care that was taken to create a restful, supportive environment where visitors can relax deeply and enjoy a peaceful respite. The kitchen and pantry are stocked with a variety of food options, including those that take into consideration dietary restrictions for some patients and their families. Several times a week church groups provide dinners for guests.

Fair Haven was started by Amanda Milner, a cancer survivor who worked at IU Hospital for years. Her story and her path to creating Fair Haven is compelling.

If you’re letting go of household items, please consider donating to the Parisian Market to support Fair Haven’s good and faithful work. Contact Cathy at 463-242-1412 or cathy@fairhavenfoundation.org to discuss your donation items. Drop-off and limited pick-up available. Items are accepted all year long and are eligible for tax deduction.

And if you want to find fabulous treasures, plan to shop at the Parisian Market! A fantastic committee works all year long curating a distinguished collection of gently-used home accessories, furniture, artwork, dishware, estate jewelry, and more. Mark your calendars for October 2 & 3, 2026 at Glendale Town Center.