In the life that Kristina Brown dreams of, she would still spend a lot of time outdoors.
Enjoying nature. Keeping track of that mysterious egg she found by the river — was it from a frog or something else?
In that life, Brown isn’t in survival mode.
“I could go home when I want,” she said, “with a bed and running water.”
Brown, 34, has been homeless in Indianapolis for more than four years. During that time, the number of people who don’t have a permanent place to live has climbed. As of last year, the number reached around 1,800.
The city is developing a homeless shelter that’s scheduled to open in 2027.
Brown pulled some of her belongings Tuesday in a wagon along Pleasant Run Creek. Volunteers in neon safety vests were picking up trash nearby and offered a garbage bag.
She smiled and said no thanks.
Brown has lived in a tent for most of the time she’s been homeless but spent much of the past winter in a garage. Now, she’s preparing to go back to what she calls “tent life.”
She already has a spot picked out.
Brown likes to stay to herself. It’s easier that way, she said, because it’s hard to trust people. That’s been a lesson learned over the past four years.
Hard days ‘hit a little bit harder’
Brown has lived most of her life in Indianapolis, except for about four years spent in Canada. She grew up around Garfield Park. Back then, Brown said she doesn’t remember seeing many people who were homeless.
But now after four years on her own, Brown has learned a lot about life on the streets. How to make a little money, how to protect herself, how to find trust.
“People like to steal stuff,” she said.
Like her phone, which someone stole six months ago.
Phone and internet access are important for people experiencing homelessness so they can keep in touch with professionals who help people find housing.
Need help with housing?
Aside from navigating life with others who are trying to survive, Brown said people she comes across in the general public can bring their own trouble — whether it’s someone driving by or a store owner giving suspicious looks.
“I hate how we get categorized,” Brown said. “They find out you’re homeless and it’s like, ‘You must be a dope feind.’”
There are common insults, she said, such as “crackhead” or “you people.” She can feel the judgment that comes with hauling tote boxes and other belongings in a wagon.
“Your days that hit hard just hit a little bit harder when you’re out here,” Brown said.
It isn’t all bad, though.
Earlier that day, Brown found a single earring looking through trash people had thrown out. Flipping things people don’t want anymore is one of her only reliable sources of income.
Brown cashed the earring in for $20 and used the money to buy soap and something to eat.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers housing and labor. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @ty_fenwick and Bluesky @tyfenwick.bsky.social.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
