INDIANAPOLIS — The state has begun its annual count of people who are living in homelessness.
Those numbers are used to determine how much funding cities receive to combat the growing problem. The money is then distributed to organization that are working to find solutions.
In 2022, about 1,700 people were experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis. Based on those numbers, the city received $9.4 million.
Organizations like Horizon House get a portion of that. They rely on those funds and other sources to carry out their mission.
"The funding is crucial, without the funding we can't get out there and do what we enjoy doing and also what we are called to do," said Niki Wattson, the street outreach coordinator at Horizon House.
Wattson is part of a team of people who go to homeless camps to give them supplies. She said it is a way to begin relationship building, with a goal to connect people to resources.
“The snack packs, the clothes, the socks, and all that…it's a tool, “she said. "Sometimes it is nutrition, sometimes it is those seasonal items that they need for the day. But that's our icebreaker for the moment."
The unhoused count for 2023 started Wednesday evening and will continue through Sunday.
It gives community organizations a better idea of where the city stands with homelessness and how funds can be used to help.