INDIANAPOLIS — We’re approaching the first day of the winter solstice, which means getting a warm space to sleep is growing increasingly important for those experiencing homelessness.
The City of Indianapolis announced on Thursday that the former School 68 building has been approved as a contingency site to shelter families in need during winter months.
“There is not adequate shelter space for families in Indianapolis," Andrew Merkley, the administrator for the division of Homelessness and Eviction Prevention for the Office of Public Health and Safety, said. “Typically, those services have been provided by Wheeler Mission. This year, the Center for Women and Children notified the city that they needed some assistance.”
This move is part of a broader Winter Contingency Plan spearheaded by the city, the Office of Public Health and Safety, and its community partners.
“Due to some circumstances, I fell a little bit behind with rent," Ashley Helms said. “I fell into a situation where I was wondering where me and my children were going to go at the time.”
Helms is a single mother of six kids, five of which she's living with in one bedroom at her mom's house.
She lost her home and car last month after leaving a situation with her ex-husband.
The city hopes to help families in similar situations.
They aim to have the site open by Dec. 15. It is expected to accommodate 34 to 40 families of four, with provisions to support larger families as needed.
All families, including single parents, will be able to utilize the shelter. There will also be 24/7 security.
OPHS told WRTV families in the shelter will be working with a case manager to get resources and find more permanent housing after the shelter closes in the spring.
Families in need of shelter can contact the Mayor’s Action Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 317-327-4622. The center is closed from 2-3 p.m. on Thursdays.
The 2024-2025 Winter Contingency is made possible through financial support, including a $750,000 contribution from the Lilly Endowment, $578,000 from the City of Indianapolis 50,000 from The Indianapolis Foundation, $50,000 from the United Way of Central Indiana, and $63,223 from CHIP.
