Horizon House and Goodwill announce merger, aim to increase resources

Two local nonprofits that serve Hoosiers at risk of homelessness announced a merger.

Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana and Horizon House have entered into an agreement aimed at improved resources and services. 

Lillian Herbers-Kelly has been named senior director of Horizon House, she says discussions about the change have been in the works for nearly a year.

“We see that we have similar whys, and so it felt like a very, very important next step for Horizon house after 37 years of serving in our community,” Herbers-Kelly said.

Horizon House provides day center services for people experiencing homelessness. It also connects individuals with permanent supportive housing, employment and education opportunities. Goodwill provides similar services.

The number of people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis is up according to new data from the annual point-in-time count.

Kent Kramer, president and CEO of Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana said the merger will the organizations reach more people.

“And what we see is just a significant need for people that are experiencing homelessness, or have housing needs,” Kramer said. “And so we just see this as a way to work together.”

Day to day operations at Horizon House are not expected to change.

Contact WFYI Managing City Editor Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.