Indianapolis winter contingency 2025
Before 2024, the City of Indianapolis had never held or led a winter contingency plan for people experiencing homelessness. Indianapolis is one of the only cities of its size without a city funded response/shelter. In the absence of a city-driven initiative, Shepherd Community Center and some community churches created a winter response with some weather-activated shelter options.
This Community-led process began in the 1990's and has stayed a community project with Wheeler Mission taking the lead in the mid 90’s. At the beginning of 2024, Wheeler made it known that they can no longer sustain the effort alone. Until a few weeks ago, there was little conversation or planning for this winter.
The City has not historically led, funded or participated in Winter Contingency, until their first involvement when COVID Funding became available. Philanthropy has been the only consistent funder.
You Can Help!
While 2024’s efforts were lacking, we’re hopeful that lessons learned inform this year’s efforts. The immediate need is serving the families who will suffer. We need:
Volunteers! Aspire Indiana is managing shelter operations for both the family winter contingency facility on Tibbs and the emergency shelter for single men (and couples) on West Morris Street. You can volunteer and both contribute to the well-being of neighbors using these facilities and be a watchful presence on what’s going on in the facilities.
Amazon Wishlist, you can contribute to the basic needs of residents here
The family shelter requires application and a full background check which you can find here. Apply now since this will likely take some time to process. NOTE: the application requires a resume. If you don’t have one readily available upload a blank document listing your name, address, phone number and that you don’t have a resume.
Shelter Access Information
Call 2-1-1 (available 7a.m. – 7p.m.) or visit in211.org for information and referrals.
Contact the Mayor’s Action Center (MAC) at 317-327-4622 during operating hours (8a.m. – 5p.m.).
Aspire Indiana Health – Direct Shelter Line: 317-764-6914 (For shelter access–related needs only).
The Men & Couples Overflow Shelter (West Morris Street Free Methodist Church)
Who: Open to men and couples
Intake Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location Access: Enter through Door 4
Address: 2302 W. Morris St, Indianapolis IN 46221
This shelter is weather activated only and will be activated based on National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts of 25°F air temperature or below, a 15°F windchill, or precipitation with a windchill of 25°F from December 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.
The Family & Single Women’s Overflow Shelter (Tibbs)
Who: Open to families and single women
Intake is open until shelter is at capacity (please call the number listed above to inquire about capacity)
Address: 2406 N. Tibbs Ave. , Indianapolis IN 46222
This shelter is open from December 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.
Full winter contingency information is here at the CHIP website