The number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase in Indianapolis

Homelessness in Indianapolis increased by at least 7% from last year, according to a new report from the Coalition for Homelessness Prevention and Intervention.

CHIP conducted its annual point-in-time count in January, which documented the number of individuals in shelters, transitional housing, or on the streets on a single night. This year, 1,815 people were counted in the report, although that may not represent the full number of people experiencing homelessness. Last year 1,701 people were counted in the annual assessment.

The number of unsheltered individuals also continues to trend higher, with 331 people counted this year. The percentage of those living chronically unsheltered has nearly tripled since the pandemic. Indianapolis experienced a spike in the number of people experiencing homelessness in 2021 when 1,928 people were recorded as unhoused.

According to the report, Black individuals made up 55% of those experiencing homelessness, despite comprising just 30% of the Marion County population. The 35-44 and under-18 age groups were the largest groups represented. More than a quarter of the people surveyed were in families that had minor children. 

The number of veterans experiencing homelessness continues to drop. Veteran homelessness in Indianapolis has been on the decline since 2016.

Housing costs continue to rise in Indianapolis and inventory remains limited. The report highlights Census Bureau data that finds about 6% of units were vacant in 2023. Census data also found 1 in 4 renting households spent half their income on housing in 2023.

CHIP is the lead organization in the Indianapolis Continuum of Care. CoCs are regional grant programs designed to address homelessness, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.