INDIANAPOLIS — For many Hoosiers, the difference between having a place to sleep or not depends on one paycheck, an unexpected accident or the courage to leave an abusive relationship.
Horizon House has been helping others in Central Indiana for 34 years. Now, the organization needs some help of its own to continue its work.
Thomas Fisher is a recovering alcolholic. He says he knows what it's like to not have a place to call home.
"I had couches that I could sleep on, if I were sober. So that eventually didn't even really end up as an option," Fisher said. "I spent many years bouncing to and from different very awful, unhealthy living situations."
He now works as a peer support specialist at Horizon House, helping others who need support on their own journey out of homelessness and addiction.
"Just the other day, I said something about like sleeping for 3 or 4 hours and having to wake up to drink because you were sweating and shivering, like drinking to go back to sleep. This dude looked at me like he didn't know that had ever happened to another person. He threw his head back and was like 'oh my God, yeah," Fisher said.
Horizon House relies on grants, federal funding and support from local donors to provide its services.
"Everyone is welcome. Whether you're high, whether you're on some substance issues, whether you have any type of criminal background, Everyone is welcome here," Teresa Wessel, Horizon House Executive Director, said. "We don't view homelessness as a class of people; we view it as a condition."
The organization helped 6,000 Hoosiers last year — and expects to serve 7,000 this year.
On Saturday, Sept. 10, WRTV's Marc Mullins will emcee Horizon House's gala at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Tickets are still available. If you want to attend or learn more about Horizon House, visit their website.
Excited to emcee this Saturday's Horizon House’s Gala, called “Hope is on the Horizon” at the @IndianapolisZoo.
— Marc Mullins (@MarcMullins1) September 7, 2022
The event helps raise funds to help @horizonhousein provide daily services for those navigating homelessness. Tickets are still available. https://t.co/p10durjZ03 pic.twitter.com/mPV3BrsZfC
-
Hobbs Station development signals major growth for Plainfield
The first phase of a $26 million public-private project is nearly complete, bringing new housing, jobs and infrastructure improvements to Hendricks County.
Councilor seeks rejection of AES Indiana rate hike with Proposal No. 287
The proposal requests that the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission protect ratepayers by withdrawing or rejecting AES Indiana’s pending rate increase petition, and allows the public to weigh in.
Company gives formerly incarcerated workers housing and a second chance
Freeman Apartments, a renovated complex by Volumod, offers discounted housing to formerly incarcerated employees within walking distance of work, addressing reentry barriers like stigma.
New bowling alley in former Bloomington supermarket is ready to roll
Hoosier Alley opens September 13 inside the former Lucky's Market and Marsh building on S. Walnut Street, featuring a roller rink and laser tag arena.
