People experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis this winter will have fewer shelter options than in previous years.
That is especially true for families with children.
Typically, Wheeler Mission organizes winter contingency and takes on the bulk of overflow at night to keep people safe during the coldest months of the year.
Winter contingency goes through March 31.
This year, though, Wheeler is cutting back on the number of people it will serve and won’t go beyond capacity for families at its shelter for women and children. The demand has become too great even for the city’s largest shelter.
Other service providers have had to step up, and they say the winter contingency plan they’ve put together will change as more resources become available.
One thing providers still need to figure out, for example, is a more efficient way to make referrals to shelters for people experiencing homelessness. And the city of Indianapolis is looking for resources for an overflow site for families, which providers hope will be active in December.
Here are some of the key points from the winter contingency plan:
For individual men
Shelter: Wheeler Mission Shelter for Men
Address: 520 E. Market St.
Call: 317-687-6795 or 211 for information
The men’s shelter has 250 shelter beds for single men and can house an additional 100 men on mats as overflow.
Check-in is from 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. You must arrive by 4:30 p.m. if you want dinner.
Staff will refer single men to the Assessment and Intervention Center for additional shelter options.
For individual women
Shelter: Wheeler Mission Center for Women and Children
Address: 3208 E. Michigan St.
Call: 317-687-3630 or 211 for information
The shelter for women and children has 68 beds for single women and can house an additional 125 women on cots and mats as overflow.
Check-in is from 4-7 p.m. You must arrive by 5 p.m. if you want dinner.
Women using winter contingency overflow must leave the facility daily by 8 a.m. Breakfast will be provided before then.
Staff will refer single women to the Assessment and Intervention Center for additional shelter options.
If you’re part of a family with children
Families who need shelter should contact the Mayor’s Action Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 317-327-4622. Families can also contact Indiana 211 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Shelter: Wheeler Mission Center for Women and Children
Address: 3208 E. Michigan St.
Call: 317-687-3630
Shelter: Dayspring
Address: 1537 Central Ave.
Call: 317-635-6780
Shelter: Family Promise
Address: 1850 N. Arsenal Ave.
Call: 317-261-1562
Shelter: Holy Family
Address: 907 N. Holmes Ave.
Call: 317-635-7830
Shelter: Julian Center — for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other life crises
Address: 2011 N. Meridian St.
Call: 317-941-2200
Shelter: Salvation Army — for victims of domestic violence
Address: 540 Alabama St.
Call: 317-637-5551
Shelter: School 68
Address: 2107 N. Riley Ave.
Note: This overflow shelter location is available by referral only.
Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers economics. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @ty_fenwick.
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