INDIANAPOLIS — Thanks to a collaboration between the City of Indianapolis and IPS that has been in the works for years. the IPS Board of School Commissioners approved the use of the closed Susan Leach School 68 building, located at 2107 N. Riley Ave. on the east side, which in 2021 was designated as a contingency site to provide shelter for families experiencing homelessness.
The former school closed in 2009 after experiencing declining enrollment. It was briefly leased to the Indiana Juvenile Detention Center in 2019, but has been empty since then.
Facing a growing number of families who are experiencing homelessness, the City of Indianapolis, the Office of Public Health and Safety, and others, worked together to expand the city’s Winter Contingency Plan.
The shelter should be open by Sunday, Dec. 15 and could accommodate between 34 to 40 families of four. Larger families will also be sheltered when the need arises.
The Office of Public Health and Safety is working with HealthNet’s Homeless Initiative Program to assist families in need until the new shelter is opened.
If you, or someone close to you is experiencing homelessness, the HealthNet Homeless Initiative Program is by appointment only. Call 317-957-2275 or visit indyhealthnet.org for further information.
