TheIndyChannel.com

ticketnetwork
Indiana News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Group Gets In Step To Help Indianapolis' Homeless

Nearly $100,000 Raised To Get Homeless Off Streets

POSTED: 5:45 pm EDT April 22, 2007
UPDATED: 6:15 pm EDT April 22, 2007

More than 1,000 people laced up their sneakers and stepped off on a pilgrimage Sunday to help Indianapolis' homeless.

It was the fifth year for Homeward Bound, a 5K trek through the streets of downtown Indianapolis to bring awareness to the city's homeless problem, 6News' Stacia Matthews reported.

Roughly 300,000 Hoosiers have been at risk of becoming homeless because they have had trouble finding decent, affordable housing.

Indianapolis' event was one of several others across the state to address the growing problem.

"In Indianapolis, in any given year, we're probably looking at between 9,000 to 13,000 (homeless)," said Kimberly Wize, of the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention. "Most people don't realize that may include people who may be doubling up -- actually living with relatives or friends."

Organizers hope each step in the event brings Indiana a step closer to ending homelessness. Shelters across the state can only provide a limited amount of help. Organizers said the need for more beds and housing units is great.

"I think it's a question of what do people really want," said Mike Perigo, who walked in the event. "If they really want to do something about it … this is a community that will get it done. I don't think we have the attention of the right people yet."

About $93,000 was collected Sunday -- money that will be used to get people off the streets and into permanent, affordable housing with utilities.

Organizers said they expect to receive more donations in the coming days. The proceeds will benefit 19 agencies that provide food and shelter to the homeless.

More Info: chipindy.org

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter. More

Don’t believe everything people tell you about home improvement. Check out the top 4 myths and stop throwing away your money. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Living well with type-1 or type-2 diabetes can be easier than you might think. Use our diabetes resource guide. More

Sponsored Links