Our Work
Winter at Wheeler Mission
Our Work
Winter at Wheeler Mission
Wheeler Mission is door number 1 for hundreds of people in crisis each winter.
As weather gets cold, conditions outdoors become unpredictable and increasingly hazardous for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Both Indianapolis and Bloomington have a surge in the number of men, women, and children seeking shelter.
What is Winter Contingency?
Communities across Indiana develop a plan each year to provide relief to people experiencing homelessness when harsh, inclement weather occurs. These plans are intended to serve as a guide to prevent people from experiencing homelessness from serious harm or even death. Wheeler Mission is the winter contingency provider of emergency shelter in both Indianapolis and Bloomington, resulting in several hundred additional people at our shelter sites each night.
As part of this program, overflow spaces are opened up to allow those who need shelter and safety to sleep indoors. From November through March, teams from various agencies in Indianapolis provide outreach services to those living on the streets and transport unsheltered individuals to safe shelter.
What does this mean for Wheeler?
During non-Winter Contingency months (April 1—October 31), Wheeler Mission typically shelters an average of 500-600 guests per night throughout all our facilities. But during Winter Contingency, that number increases to an average of 800-900 guests per night. Every bed is full with additional men, women, and children of all ages sleeping on cots and mats.
Will you stand with us during Winter Contingency?
There are several ways you can help.
Pray
Pray for our team as they accommodate hundreds more men, women, and children. Pray for our volunteers who so graciously step in to ease the load. And pray for our guests—people who come to us amidst life-threatening dangers. Pray that they find peace, nourishment, rest, and life-transforming help. If you would like to sign up to be a Wheeler Mission Prayer Partner, email Lisa Hines.
Volunteer
Come serve with us and love your neighbors face-to-face. Additional volunteers are needed during Winter Contingency to serve meals, help with laundry, show hospitality, and much more.
Give
Wheeler Mission relies on the generosity of our community. As our staff and resources are stretched during the winter months, we even hire seasonal support. Will you give generously to ensure we have resources to care for all who come to us for help?
Donate
Please consider loving and serving neighbors in need by donating much-needed items.
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Clothing and linens
Men’s and women’s new underwear
Men’s and women’s sweatpants and sweatshirts
Men’s and women’s PJs
Under shirts (white & black), sizes large to 5X
Shower shoes
Towels and washcloths
Twin size sheets and blankets
New standard size pillows
Miscellaneous
Razors
Deodorants
Foot powder
Cold, flu, and cough medication (all OTC and non-expired)
Cough drops
Nail clippers
IndyGo daily passes
Clothing and linens
Men’s and women’s new underwear
Men’s and women’s sweatpants and sweatshirts
Men’s and women’s PJs
Under shirts (white & black), sizes large to 5X
Shower shoes
Towels and washcloths
Twin size sheets and blankets
New standard size pillows
Miscellaneous
Razors
Deodorants
Foot powder
Cold, flu, and cough medication (all OTC and non-expired)
Cough drops
Nail clippers
IndyGo daily passes
We accept Winter Contingency donations at two locations:
For Indianapolis: Men’s Residential Center (245 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46204)
For Bloomington: Center for Men (215 S. Westplex Ave., Bloomington, IN 47404)
Thank you for your compassion and care! While we grieve the realities of homelessness in our community, we rejoice in your support to offer help, hope, and the healing love of Christ to neighbors in need. Thank you for standing with us.
Your support changes lives!
Your generous gift empowers life-saving care for men, women, and children in our community, and opens the door for personal and spiritual transformation. Please help today!
$50/mo
makes the biggest impact!
