Catholic Charities Indianapolis Inc

Holy Family Shelter, an emergency shelter for homeless families, addresses the increasing demand for emergency shelter in Indianapolis and central Indiana by providing residential services designed to move homeless families to permanent housing and self-sufficiency. The emergency shelter provides a secure and supportive environment where families and their children in crisis receive essential resources, including food, shelter, and basic necessities, to begin their journey toward stability and healing. The cornerstone of the services is case management, through which comprehensive support assists families in setting goals and priorities, and in developing life skills such as budgeting, communication, parenting, stress management, and more as they begin their journey to permanent housing. As part of the shelter's services, assistance in the form of sustaining, support, and diversion is offered to homeless families who are unable to enter the shelter system due to a severe lack of emergency shelter space for families in Indianapolis. Additionally, these supportive services are offered to families who move into new housing from the emergency shelter but face complex challenges and persistent issues that can quickly lead to returning to homelessness if not supported. The combination of housing and comprehensive case management has proven to be an effective and cost-efficient way to help homeless families maintain permanent housing while living a more stable, productive life. It is the goal of Holy Family Shelter that all families attain permanent housing as quickly as possible (Housing First) and are then able to sustain and retain stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term permanent housing, avoiding a return to homelessness. Between January 1, 2025, and November 11, 2025, Holy Family Shelter served 158 families (588 individuals), including 206 adults and 382 children. In addition, 1,141 volunteers contributed their time and compassion to support families on their path toward stability and independence.