Indy’s most vulnerable homeless population.

Together, we can do more to meet the needs of

Sanctuary Indy is a local nonprofit pioneering a new approach in Indianapolis toward permanent supportive housing for our city’s chronically homeless population – the “too far gone”, misunderstood, and forgotten. By establishing a missional micro-community, we will walk alongside our residents in helping them to navigate and rebuild their lives within a healthy environment.

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For individuals facing chronic homelessness,

THIS is home.

Putting a roof over someone’s head is not enough. Our model is not transactional. It’s deeply relational. It’s providing housing that’s permanent and dignifying, with consistent wrap-around services in an intentional, family-like community.

What will this community look like?

What does it mean to be considered chronically homeless?

When a person has…

experienced homelessness for at least one year or four different times within the past three years,
while living unsheltered or at an emergency shelter,
and has one or more disabling conditions, such as a mental health disorder, substance use disorder, a physical disability, or other chronic health condition,

that person is considered to be chronically homeless.*

*According to the definition adopted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

324

Number of chronically homeless individuals during the 2024 PIT Count, representing a 133% increase since 2022.

196

Number of chronically homeless individuals found living unsheltered (60%) during the 2024 PIT Count.

Number of homeless individuals during Marion County’s annual Point In Time (PIT) Count in 2024.

1,701

Who are the chronically homeless?

Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. – Micah 6:8

Micro-communities built to permanently house individuals facing chronic homelessness is a proven model that WORKS.

The basic triage needs of shelter, food, and clothing are important in addressing homelessness. But until the social root causes of homelessness are addressed, our nation’s crisis will continue to rise. Chronic homelessness can only be solved through dedicated investment in relationships.

Micro-communities of homes

A micro-community is most effective for healing and growth.

Through countless years of working with those living outside, unable to effectively acquire housing that provides not only shelter but security, we’ve learned some things.

Promote self-isolation

Poor air quality in units for non-smokers

Consistent bug struggle for tenants

Noise issues from thin walls and hallways

A building

Represent shelter

APARTMENTS

MICRO-COMMUNITIES

Promote community

Fresh air for non-smokers

Better control in isolating bug incidents

Separate dwellings improve peaceful coexistence

An environment with nature-like surroundings

Support identity through having a home

Others have already implemented similar supportive housing models to great success.

It’s time to bring this community-centric approach to Indianapolis. Below are a few inspiring examples of communities that are working to alleviate chronic homelessness in major U.S. cities.

The benefits extend to the entire community.

Efficient and effective support saves communities money. Permanent supportive housing (PSH) solutions, like what Sanctuary Indy seeks to build, save communities an average of $4,500 per individual served per year.

Why a community-first housing model works!

Indy’s Chronically Homeless are worth our investment.

Sanctuary Indy’s supportive housing community project for the chronically homeless is underway. But we need your help to move forward.

Through our planning, we have determined that $4 million* is needed to develop our first Sanctuary Indy community. This budget includes $1 million to construct all of the supporting infrastructure and $3 million to build approximately 27 homes and necessary service buildings.

*Estimates based on current prices and may change in the future.