INDIANAPOLIS — Wheeler Mission's Winter Contingency Plan is ending on March 31st.
The plan was developed to provide relief to people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis and Central Indiana.
It has served as a guide to prevent people from experiencing serious harm of death during the winter season.
The end of the contingency plan has caused a lot of frustration for those who are experiencing homelessness and looking for a place to go to next.
"I only need temporary shelter. I'm not looking at Wheeler Mission for permanent (residence)," said Lawrence Mills, who is currently experiencing homelessness.
For Mills, getting his life back on track has presented some obstacles.
"Now we have to sit here and sort in our minds how frustrating it will be coming out of this situation when you've already been confined for those many years. Four decades is not an easy time to do," said Mills.
However, Mills is resilient and hopeful that things will get better.
"I’m trying to work for a goal and that's to get my own place to live, work and have a piece of mind," said Mills. "I have no intention to just come in here and stay as long as I thought I could stay without trying to do anything."
He's hoping a resolution will fall into place by March 31st.
"We're all struggling with what's going to happen to us. Are we actually going to be out in the cold come April," Mills said.
However, Wheeler Mission wants those experiencing homelessness to have a chance at finding permanent residency.
"It's not like we're doing a mass exodus and just throwing everyone out in the street. What we're doing during that time is we want people to actually focus on ending their homelessness," said William Bumphus, Director of Wheeler Mission's Shelter for Men.
The Winter Contingency Program at Wheeler Mission runs from November 1st through March 31st.
"We recognize it's colder outside. It's safer for them to be inside. So, during that time we kind of relax some rules and we allow things we normally would not allow," Bumphus said.
Bumphus said the March 31st deadline is motivation for those sheltered to make permanent changes for the better.
"We get them connected to different care services and different organizations that can help them navigate to that next step," Bumphus said.
For those like Mills who are working through things and need more time, Bumphus told WRTV the shelter will do everything they can to keep them there.
"Everybody deserves a second chance. These are our second chances," said Mills.
Bumphus said they have program and case managers at each location.
If you are staying at one of their locations, he advises you to get in touch with your case manager right away so they can assist you before that March 31st deadline.
-
State agency recommends denying AES Indiana's $193M rate request
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is telling regulators to deny AES Indiana's $192.9 million rate increase request and instead cut current rates by $21.2 million.
Work starts to transform old Bloomington hospital site into affordable housing
The site of the hospital, now known as the Hopewell neighborhood, could feature as many as 175 new affordable housing units in its first phase.
Wayne Township Trustee’s Office faces rising demand amid budget strains
Wayne Township is seeing a dramatic rise in residents seeking help with school clothing and utility bills, forcing leaders to tap rainy-day funds as demand could grow ahead.
Your morning coffee is getting pricier: Here's what to expect at local shops
Coffee prices are on the rise due to a multitude of factors, and local stores and businesses are sharing what you should expect the next time you get your morning cup of Joe.
