Homelessness may be a largely hidden problem in central Indiana.
But the issue continues to impact the entire community.
During the annual Point in Time count held in January, 48 people in Johnson County were found to be without a home, up from 16 in 2022 — though those numbers are certainly undercounted, officials say. In Marion County, the count found a 130% increase in people who have been homeless for long periods of time, or repeatedly, while dealing with issues such as addiction, mental health problems or disabilities.
“These folks are unhoused — there’s a housing crisis,” said Jennifer Disbro, vice president of behavioral health services for Adult & Child. “They’re the most vulnerable individuals.”
A new facility on the southside of Indianapolis aims to reduce chronic homelessness in the area and provide the most vulnerable of residents a supportive place to recover.