Indianapolis community leader organizes daytime homeless shelter

Homeless_Cold_003 — Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Getty

INDIANAPOLIS — As winter temperatures continue through February so does the harsh reality of homelessness in Indianapolis.

For James Jeffrey Reynolds, survival is a daily battle against the cold.

“It’s rough down here in the winter,” Reynolds shared.

“I get cold all the time. I used to carry a suitcase full of my things but that’s all I’ve got left,” he explained pointing at a walker and a blanket.

According to the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention & Prevention, the city recorded 1,700 unsheltered neighbors on a night in 2024, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.

Organizations like Wheeler Mission are continuing to serve in an overnight capacity.

“We are in winter contingency mode from November until March,” explained Brian Crispin from Wheeler Mission. “Beyond our bed capacity, we try to find space in every area we have for people to have overnight shelter.”

However, during the day, Wheeler Mission has to remove those in contingency from their shelter to prepare for the next night, leaving many with nowhere to go during the day.

“I encounter it every day,” said Center Township Trustee LaDonna Freeman. “People are calling our office asking for shelter. They’re sleeping in their cars.”

Starting Tuesday, Freeman has launched a new day program to support those experiencing homelessness.