Faith Communities Unite
to Support
Streets to Home Indy
Following the successful community action led by the Black Church Coalition, Indy Action Coalition, and the Validus Movement, The Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance (GIMA) is inviting congregations across Central Indiana to join a multifaith effort to support the Streets to Home Indy Initiative – a community- driven campaign to provide permanent housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. This initiative is part of a broader campaign to provide not just shelter, but lasting homes and supportive services for those most in need.
The Goal: To house 350 currently unsheltered neighbors by March of 2026 through an evidence-based model that includes housing and supportive services.
The Why: Besides being the right thing to do? 20 years of data demonstrates that providing stability to these neighbors sets them on a path to upward mobility and independence, which ultimately strengthens our community, increases public safety,
and reduces the economic impact of homelessness.
The How: We can only do this through a community-wide commitment that includes the business community, philanthropic community, faith community, and civic support.
The Ask: Faith community partners contribute $270,000 as part of the philanthropy community's commitment of $2.7 million to the Streets to Home Initiative. This commitment joins with equal pledges from the Housing to Recovery Fund and the city of Indianapolis. This is an unprecedented community-wide coalition.
The campaign will culminate in a weekend of shared commitment, August 15 –17, 2025, with congregations encouraged to dedicate offerings and contributions to the cause. The weekend will begin with a public screening of Beyond The Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness on Thursday, August 14 at 6 PM at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. GIMA will be sharing materials and additional information leading up to the August weekend.
“As people of faith, we cannot be silent while our neighbors sleep and die on our streets.”
GIMA invites congregations to:
Contribute toward the $270,000 goal through a specially designated offering, individual appeals for major or matching gifts, or as part of a budget line. You might consider a goal based on the $270,000 goal, such as $270, $2,700, $27,000 or another amount that is appropriate to your congregation.
Appoint a point person to coordinate and receive updates
Encourage major or matching gifts from members
Publicly sign on to the initiative to finally and permanently end homelessness in Indianapolis not just manage it
Congregations may start now or use the August 15-17 weekend for a special event tied to the giving. Offerings will go directly to the Streets to Home Indy fund.
“As people of faith, we cannot be silent while our neighbors sleep and die on our streets. The Streets to Home Initiative is more than a housing campaign; it’s a moral imperative,” said Rev. David W. Greene, Sr., President of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis. “This effort represents the kind of cross-sector collaboration we need to restore dignity and stability to our community. I am proud to stand with GIMA and other faith leaders in this shared commitment.”
This call to action is echoed by GIMA leadership. "This is a tangible, faithful step we can take together,” said Rabbi Aaron Spiegel, Executive Director of GIMA. “It’s an opportunity to live out our shared calling to love our neighbors, seek the good of our city, and offer real hope to those who have too long gone without it.”
Shelly Clasen, St. Luke's United Methodist Church
Lisa Enright, Second Presbyterian Church
Rev. David W. Greene, Sr., Purpose of Life Ministries
Rev. Gray Lesesne, Christ Church Cathedral
Josh Riddick, LiveFree Indiana
Rev. Brian Shivers, Northminster Presbyterian Church
Rabbi Aaron Spiegel, GIMA
