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
-
School board member drafts new policy to address teacher injuries
A local school board member is taking action following a WRTV Investigation into teachers injured on the job and how schools report it.
Hancock County honors Black businessman who broke barriers in the 1860s
A historical marker will soon be installed in downtown Greenfield to honor George Knox, a prominent Black businessman whose legacy has shaped Hancock County and the state of Indiana.
AES Indiana's parent company agrees to be sold, will go private
The parent company of AES Indiana is being sold to a group of private investors. Locally, the company says customers shouldn't expect major changes.
Woman dies after being shot on Indy's near southwest side
A woman is dead after she was shot early Monday morning on Indianapolis' near southwest side, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
