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.
-
Indy nonprofit highlights suicide prevention, recovery month with free programs
Recovery Café Indy is offering special programming throughout the month to support individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, incarceration and other life struggles.
Drew Brees returns to Purdue for the school's 25-year Rose Bowl reunion
Drew Brees returned to Purdue's campus Saturday to celebrate his greatest college feat, and, as with the team he led 25 years ago, he had plenty of friends giving an assist.
Clergy unite in Indianapolis to support communities in crisis
National civil rights leader Bishop William Barber joins Indiana clergy to confront poverty, injustice and strengthen support for struggling communities.
Avon and Brownsburg face off in rivalry game of the year
Brownsburg defeated Avon 55‑47 in their showdown, but for both sides, the game was about more than just the final score — it was about community, pride and tradition.
