INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis leaders came together Tuesday to talk about how housing insecurity is influencing violence in the city.
A conversation held June 4 between city leaders and housing advocates was about young people experiencing homelessness.
"Stop turning a blind eye to it and saying it's not my problem — it's all of our problems," said Anthony Beverly, with Stop the Violence Indianapolis.
That's why leaders say this conversation is needed. According to leaders, housing insecurity can lead to mental health problems, education discrepancies and violence.
"On one level, it is changing the stigma around this issue, and two, it's understanding the resources that are available and making those connections and making a difference in the community as a result," said Pastor Matt Landry, with Castleton United Methodist Church.
This discussion is one of a four-part series hosted by Castleton United Methodist Church. Speakers shared stories on the effects of homelessness they see every day.
Speakers say while they have various resources to help, it's time for community members to step up and see how people are most affected by these problems.
"What we have to do as a population, as a community, is normalize talking about that so when a teenager does experience this, it doesn't lead to prolonged homelessness and they can get the support and services they need right away," said Andrew Neal, CEO at Outreach.
The next panel will be July 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Castleton United Methodist Church, where leaders will talk about how housing insecurities impact one's mental and physical health.