Who We Are
Wheeler is a non-denominational, Christian, social services organization, which provides critically needed goods and services to individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and need in Central and South Central Indiana without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, or religion.
Wheeler is not a church, but does cooperate with many different churches that are concerned about poverty and homelessness in the inner city.
Founded in 1893, Wheeler is the oldest continuously operating ministry of its kind in the state of Indiana. Click here for more Wheeler Mission history.
8 locations, dozens of ministries, a $22 million budget, and 200+ employees. Wheeler is the largest and most diverse ministry of its kind in the state.
Our Mission
To provide Christ-centered programs and services for individuals experiencing homelessness and those in need.
Our Vision
To see every man, woman, and child we serve equipped to be productive citizens who enjoy lasting success in Christ.
YOUR MONTHLY GIFT TURNS VISION INTO REALITY!
Statement of Faith
This statement of our faith below shall keep each of us grounded in Biblical truth so that we can lead others to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and correctly disciple them.
The following declarations are statements of fundamental doctrines with which all who serve Wheeler Mission, Inc. should be in agreement:
We believe in the Scripture of the Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired by God, and inerrant in the original writings, and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life.
Ps. 1; John 1:1, 14; Rom. 2:11-22; 1 Thess. 2:13; II Tim. 3:16-17; II Peter 2:20-21; 1 John 2:1-5
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Gen. 1:1-2, 26; Matt. 16:16-17; Matt. 28:18-19; John 1:1, 14; Acts 5:3-4; I Cor. 2:9-11; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 1:1-14
We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary and is true God and true man.
Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-20; John 3:17; Gal. 4:4; Phil. 2:5-11; I Tim. 2:5-6
We believe that man was created in the image of God; that he sinned, and thereby incurred, not only physical death, but also that spiritual death which is separation from God; and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature, and in the case of those who reach moral responsibility become sinners in thought, word and deed.
Gen. 1: 26-27; Gen. 3:1-19; Ps. 51:5; Is. 43:7; Is. 64:6; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 5:12; I Thess. 5:23; Heb. 4:12
We believe that the Lord Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice; and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood.
Rom. 5:8; Rom. 8:12-17; Phil. 2:9-11; Heb. 9:13-28; I John 2:2
We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into heaven, and in His present life there for us, as a High Priest and Advocate.
John 1:29-36, 10:11-15; John 3:16-17; Rom. 3:25, 10:3; Rom. 5:10-11; Rom. 8:32-35; II Cor. 5:21; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:17
We believe in “that blessed hope,” the personal and imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dan. 2:44; Matt. 24:30-31; Matt. 24:36-44; John 5:28-30; Acts 1:9; I Cor. 15:50-57; I Thess. 4:13-17
We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God
John 3:1-16; Rom. 8:15; II Cor. 5:17; Eph. 1:3-14
We believe that Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return in glory to raise the dead and bring salvation and judgment to completion. God will fully manifest His kingdom when He establishes a new heaven and new earth, in which He will be glorified forever and exclude all evil, suffering and death.
Ps. 1:5; Matt 12:36; Rom. 4:10; Rom. 6:5; 1 Cor. 4:5, 3:13-14; II Cor. 5:10; I Thess. 4:13-17; I Tim. 3:6; Heb. 9:27; Jude 1:6; Rev. 20:5-6
The Story of Wheeler Mission:
Celebrating 125 Years of Ministry to Those in Need
By Rob Wingerter and Julie Alvis
For 125 years, Wheeler Mission has been a pillar in the Indianapolis community, providing help, hope, and healing to people in desperate need. The Story of Wheeler Mission tells a remarkable testimony of God’s goodness, provision, and restoration. What began as a single ministry for women has exploded into a multi-faceted organization that serves thousands of men, women, and children every year.
Readers will learn of the brave men and women who saw unmet needs in their communities–addiction, poverty, homelessness, isolation, and violence. They rallied together through Wheeler Mission to change the trajectory for their neighbors and their city. With the changing landscape of Indianapolis, Wheeler Mission has diligently responded to each evolving need. Through growth, setbacks, good times, and bad, Wheeler Mission has adapted its methods but never wavered from the Gospel foundation on which it was founded.
The Story of Wheeler Mission celebrates a rich 125-year legacy of faith, volunteerism, philanthropy, partnerships, and changed lives–and even more is yet to come!
Our History
1893 - 1987
1893
The Mission is founded under the name Door of Hope. It’s led by a hardware salesman, William V. Wheeler, who volunteers his time.
1908
William Wheeler dies, and organization is renamed in his honor.
1929
Present building built at 245 North Delaware Street.
1959
Wheeler’s own camp (later named Camp Hunt) opens.
1988 - 2001
1990
Rick Alvis becomes President/CEO.
1991
Wheeler begins to transform the Dearborn Hotel at 3208 East Michigan Street into a youth and family center, named the John D. Hughes Community Center, after its chief benefactor.
2001
Wheeler and The Care Center merge.
2002 - 2009
2002
Wheeler purchases the building adjacent to the men’s shelter at 205 East New York Street.
2006
Wheeler merges with Lighthouse Mission to enhance the programs offered to homeless men (later renamed Shelter for Men).
2009
The Care Center moves to the Community Center at 3208 East Michigan Street and is renamed to Center for Women & Children.
2009 - 2016
2015
New addition to Shelter for Men. Merged with Backstreet Missions in Bloomington, IN.
2020 - 2023
2020
Wheeler purchases Tri-State Bearings building in Bloomington and expands services at the Center for Men.
2021
New addition to Shelter for Men. Through the fruitful efforts of the #BuildingForChange campaign, expanded the Center for Women & Children.
2022
Wheeler opens up newest Thrift Store in Fishers. Purchases Jazzercise building in Bloomington and expands services at the Center for Men.
2023
Rick Alvis retires after 33 years of faithful service. Perry Hines becomes President/CEO.