INDIANAPOLIS — While the weather recently has been unseasonably warm, the cold is just around the corner. The City of Indianapolis recently enacted a modified plan or individuals experiencing homelessness to be sheltered due to extreme cold. In response to COVID-19, the city has partnered with the Wheeler Mission to execute a new format for shelter to ensure people are safe and minimize exposure to the virus.
For men, the plan is fill all 250 beds at the Wheeler Mission downtown, and assign others to their residential center (up to 60), and has overflow capability at a local hotel.
Wheeler Mission Center for Women and Children will coordinate for sheltering women and families who are experiencing homelessness. The CWC will first fill all permanent beds, and provide transportation to an overflow shelter hotel.
In addition, Horizon House on Washington St. has been designated as the day shelter in case of extremely cold temperatures.
Several response teams will be put in motion, including the Salvation Army Women’s Shelter, Homeless Initiative Program, The PourHouse, and Street Outreach.