INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis group focused on feeding and clothing people experiencing homelessness, is in need of some help.
Refuge Place Indy told RTV6 that the federal government shutdown is leading to a downturn in donations.
Right now, the need at Refuge Place Indy is fro a commercial refrigerator. The refrigerator would be used to help keep for the dozens of folks who com here for hot food each night.
"We feed people every day, 365 days. Never shut down," said Elder Tim Wellington, with Refuge Place Indy.
Wellington says Refuge Place Indy has been working to put hot meals in hungry bellies for seven years.
"Whatever food is leftover we take that food down to the tent city and help those in need," he said.
They rely on 27 churches around the city, to cook food and bring it down. But on Thursday evening, a church had to cancel. Which meant leaders at Refuge Place Indy had to run out and spend their own money to put hot food on the table.
"We need a commercial refrigerator. That way everybody can come right here and cook the food," Wellington said.
The group also donates free daily supplies for people experiencing homelessness.
"We give away hygiene items every day - clothes, shoes, hats, gloves, razors..." Wellington said.
Furloughed workers have already started eating at refuge place.
"And we’ve been telling people, bring any government worker – you’re welcome to come down here and eat everyday," he said.
But, Wellington said the federal government shutdown is having unexpected consequences. "Donations are kind of down right now," he said.
The biggest need at this time is new clean underwear and for men's clothes - especially shoes.
A long term goal for the group is to build a mobile shower unit.
"Three or four people will be able to take a shower – it’s mobile – goes through the city. "Those who are homeless can get right in there and have their own privacy," Wellington said.
But, for now, they're just looking for ways to keep the hot meals coming.
"If anybody has a refrigerator that they wanna donate - that’s commercial - that would be great. We would love to have it," Wellington said.
To donate items or money to Refuge Place Indy, visit their Facebook page.
If anyone has a commercial refrigerator they would like to donate, email me at graham.hunter@wrtv.com.
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