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! 
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. 
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. 
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! 
2015
We celebrate our 10-Year Anniversary! 
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. 
2019
Our 100th baby is born! 
2021
We currently have served over 453 women and children experiencing homelessness. 