Hundreds seek help at Indianapolis homeless shelter

A homeless shelter on Indianapolis' east side is providing services to a record number of people.

Horizon House’s Executive Director, Teresa Wessel said the colder weather over the last week brought in many seeking assistance.

“We saw 605 individuals in our day center alone. That doesn’t count those we saw on the street outreach or those in our housing program,” Wessel said. “As the weather continues to get colder, we’ll start seeing these types of numbers all the way through at least February.” 

Wessel said homelessness is a growing concern.

“We are seeing a lot more families that are also coming through our doors, so I think right now we’ve seen this uptick because I think there are just more people now experiencing homelessness, but also coupled with the cold weather,” Wessel said.

Horizon House provides a variety of services, including onsite hygiene and food, clean clothing,  mail service, and case management to facilitate connections to other essential services. The organization’s street outreach team works to meet needs throughout Marion County, including delivering food and water and performing health check-ups.

Horizon House is accepting donations to help those experiencing homelessness through its Amazon wish list at horizonhouse.cc. Wessel said there is a great demand for new or used coats.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.