In July, our son's addiction rendered him homeless. As if the fears associated with his drug use were not intense enough, we added anxious concern for his overnight parking. He often selected places in very bad parts of Indianapolis. The drugs might do their damage, but criminals could harm him, too. His homelessness inspired my interest in this month's mid-month mention topic.
Indianapolis is now fighting this battle with a new organization called Safe Park Indy. As of October 1st, they offer 10 safe parking spots in a NE church parking lot for those who submit an application and fulfill the program requirements (these requirements rule out my son). Accepted applicants not only gain a safe location to park in the evenings for two months, but they have access to phone charging, restroom facilities and social services opportunities. This program seems destined to offer a leg up to some who have been crippled by homelessness. Here is a WTHR news story about this Safe Park Indy program.
Another non-profit organization helping meet needs in Indianapolis is Indy Community Pantry. They have refrigerators at 3 Indianapolis locations, open 24 hours a day, stocked with food and resources for both homeless and needy individuals. Headed up by a concerned citizen, DeAndrea Rayner, these pantries offer opportunities to meet the needs of the less fortunate in Indianapolis. You can volunteer to help stock the fridges, you can donate items, or you can offer financial support. If you're in need, you can access food and hygiene items. Here is a WTHR news story about the Indy Community Pantry.
The final organization provides an intersection of two topics I've bumped against: homelessness and hospice care. My mother was fortunate. She had my father to house and care for her both prior to and in her hospice days. Many are not so blessed. Morning Light, Inc. meets these unique homelessness needs. They provide free housing and round the clock care to those who have a terminal illness while homeless. Their 12-bedroom facility just happens to include my oldest son's name: The Abbie Hunt Bryce Home. They have already served over 900 Hoosiers. Morning Light requires community funding through grants and donations. They also utilize volunteers to help meet the needs of homeless hospice patients. I noticed a Facebook post by Madison Wood and wanted to get the word out about this compassionate non-profit organization. If you have an interest in the widespread homelessness problem, check out these resources and get involved to be part of the solution.
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