Wheeler mission at ‘tipping point’ before winter surprises – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indianapolis Traffic

(MIRROR INDY) — Wheeler Mission is reducing the number of people it will serve in its overnight homeless shelters this winter, as the organization implores other service providers to step up their efforts during the peak months. cold of the year.

Wheeler works with service providers to develop a plan for unforeseen winter weather, when the shelter temporarily increases its capacity for people experiencing homelessness.

Providers will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at RDOOR Housing Corp., 441 W. Michigan St., to determine how to ease the pressure on Wheeler.

The meeting is open to anyone with ideas on how to help.

As part of the winter emergency plan, Wheeler is increasing capacity at its downtown shelter for men and its east side shelter for women and children. Wheeler has been organizing winter emergency plans in Indianapolis for decades.

But Brian Crispin, Wheeler’s senior director of marketing and corporate engagement, said it has become too much for the city’s largest shelter provider to handle.

“We’re at a point now where it’s putting a lot of strain on our resources, our facilities, our staff,” Crispin told Mirror Indy.

Wheeler will still exceed its capacity for winter contingencies, Crispin said, although the amount is not yet clear.

The night of the latest homeless census — which showed a slight increase from last year — the Wheeler men’s shelter was at 137 percent capacity, Crispin said. The women and children’s shelter was at 144% capacity.

Once the shelters reach maximum capacity for the night, other people who come there sleep on mats on the floor. Wheeler also works with other shelters and churches to deal with the overflow, but the vast majority still end up in Wheeler.

“This has brought us to a critical point,” Crispin said.

Winter contingencies begin on November 1 and continue through March.

Interested in helping?
Wheeler needs more donations and volunteers during the winter months.

Volunteers can help with meal preparation, Bible studies, sorting donations and other services.

For donations, Wheeler has an Amazon wish list for men and another for women and children. Common items include clothing, hygiene products and Pull-Ups.

Learn more about how to help.

Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers the economy. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or [email protected].. Follow him on @ty_fenwick.