Need shelter in Indianapolis? Here's what to know about local emergency options

More than 1,800 people in Indianapolis were experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2025, according to the Point-in-Time Count by the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP). 

That number has trended upward in recent years, with a sharp increase in 2021 when 1,928 individuals were counted.

Shelters provide critical resources for people in need — but each one operates differently. Some have rules about sobriety, age, family makeup, or geographic location. Availability can also vary daily based on capacity.

This guide is intended to help people experiencing homelessness — and those assisting them — understand which shelters may be available and how to access them.
 

If you need help right now

Call 2-1-1 at 1-866-211-9966 to speak with someone about service options. This line is recommended by CHIP and connects people to immediate support and referrals.
 

What to consider before going to a shelter

Shelters in Indianapolis offer a range of services — some are open only to women or men, while others serve families or unaccompanied minors. Most emergency shelters require sobriety and may have other intake requirements.

Services may include:

• Food and clothing
• Showers and laundry
• Case management
• Job or housing assistance
• Referrals to health care or education programs

Availability changes from day to day, so it's best to call ahead or follow any intake instructions.

​For additional resources and updated information you can check CHIP's 2025 Resource Guide.
 

Indianapolis shelters

Horizon House
1033 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
A daytime shelter serving roughly 5,000 individuals annually. Services include job training, case management, showers, laundry, phone access, and street outreach. Open to all homeless men, women, and children accompanied by a guardian.

Wheeler Mission – Center for Women and Children
3208 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46201
Offers emergency shelter to women 18 and older, with or without children. Services include meals, clothing, showers, and case management with social service referrals. Religious-affiliated organization.

Wheeler Mission – Shelter for Men
520 E. Market St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Provides emergency shelter to men 18 and older. Services include meals, showers, clothing, and case management. Faith-based, Christ-centered mission. Call 317-750-1471 for more information.

Queen of Peace Shelter
2424 E. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46201
Short-term shelter for mothers with up to two children. Requires sobriety. Daily intakes available.

Holy Family Shelter
907 N. Holmes Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46222
Shelter for up to 22 families daily. Offers food, shelter, and basic material support. To apply, email gethelp@holyfamilyshelter.net for an intake screener.

Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis
1850 N. Arsenal Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46218
Temporary shelter for children and their parents. Does not serve individuals fleeing domestic violence. Call 317-261-1562 before arriving. Intake includes a pre-screening with a case manager.

Dayspring Center
1537 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202
24-hour emergency shelter for families with children. Provides shelter, meals, and case management aimed at addressing the root causes of homelessness. Children required for admission.

Good News Ministries – Shelter for Men
2716 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46201
Offers a bed, three meals a day, clothing, medical care, addiction counseling, job training, education assistance, and biblical mentoring.

Firefly Children and Family Alliance – Children's Shelter
1575 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
Serves children from birth to 17 who are endangered, homeless, or runaway youth. Walk-ins accepted Monday, Thursday, and Friday at 7 a.m. Parental or guardian permission required to stay.
 

Rachel Fradette was a Statehouse education reporter at WFYI.