Building a stronger, more compassionate Indianapolis: Homelessness and the biblical path forward

Indianapolis, our great city, boasts a rich history of resilience and grit. Like many urban centers across the nation, however, we grapple with homelessness and a litany of other cultural concerns. As we search for solutions, it’s worth considering a path forward that draws from both our city’s Hoosier hospitality spirit and timeless biblical wisdom. Homelessness is a complex issue. Few know this more than organizations like Wheeler Mission. To create a safer, more compassionate Indianapolis, we are encouraged by the Bible to embrace a community-driven approach. We are all in this together. To address homelessness, it is imperative we take a collaborative approach. We, at Wheeler Mission, strongly believe every person deserves a clean, safe and warm place to rest their head each night. Matthew 25:35-36 states, “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” That Bible verse pretty much sums it up for us. Through community support of local shelters by volunteering or advocating for affordable housing, purposeful efforts make a big difference. We are thankful for all the initiatives directed toward homelessness — everything from...