2020

Date Closed: January

Wheeler Mission provides critical support to women and families who need safe shelter for themselves and their children. The mission was one of the first of its kind in Indianapolis and has been serving the community since 1893. Noting a critical need for shelter, goods, and services specific to women and children, Wheeler Mission expanded its offerings to women and their families by establishing the Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children in 2009. Indy CDE delivered a $9 Million NMTC Loan to finance the expansion of the Center for Women & Children into a 49,692 square foot on Indy’s near Eastside. 

The Center receives nearly 700 requests from women for beds every month. The Center helps meet the growing demand for shelter and services by providing 164 new beds, including 84 family shelter beds, 40 long-term shelter beds, and 40 emergency shelter services beds. The facility includes secure childcare space, dedicated space for medical clinics, and an expanded education center. The expanded space adds 15 full-time and three part-time staff to assist residents.

The new Center enhances Wheeler’s ability to offer programs to the women who are in need of shelter and supportive services. Specifically, the Center provides food, shelter, clothing, and recovery programs. Residents at the Center receive a well-balanced set of empowerment initiatives and supportive services, including case management, on-site maintenance, food service, substance abuse counseling, employment services, life skills training, personal counseling, and support groups.