INDIANAPOLIS — Wheeler Mission is getting a massive boost in its effort to expand services for homeless women and children.
Wheeler officials announced that they raised more than $7 million towards a planned $12 million expansion of its center for women and children.
A big chunk of the money raised came from the Lilly Endowment with a $3 million donation.
Wheeler has been dealing with a severe crisis — often turning away hundreds of woman and children due to lack of space at the center.
"Offering a shelter and important services to women and children who are vulnerable in our community, and who need support during a period of crisis in their lives, is critically important," Alison Melangton, the Capital Campaign chair, said. "The number of homeless women and children in our community is not acceptable and shouldn't be acceptable to any of us."
They still need to raise about $5 million more. However, officials say because of the Lilly Endowment contribution, they can break ground on the expansion later this year.
Once it's completed, the center will offer 164 new permanent beds, 40 new emergency shelter beds, and 84 new family shelter beds.
