INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two organizations have came together with plans to have tiny homes for the most at-risk, chronically homeless people in Indianapolis.

The goal is create lasting stability. If plans are approved, the community of tiny homes would be located on South Lyndhurst Drive near West Washington Street, with tiny homes, duplexes, and a community center.

Each tiny home would be equipped with a full bathroom, a bedroom, a kitchenette and a front porch; in total, six homes with nearly 350 square feet that have the ability to be modified to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Sanctuary Indy, a nonprofit that helps people who are homeless, and Lynhurst Baptist Church are partnering together on the project. Sanctuary Indy has a 99-year-lease to develop the land that the church owns. A grant from Indianapolis-based Congregations with Community is helping to fund the projects. Each home costs $50,000. More donations and city zoning approval are still being sought.

Benjamin Wakefield, senior pastor of Lynhurst Baptist Church, said, “It’s not just ‘Here’s a house. Good luck.’ This is a wraparound service that really welcomes people and loves them right where they’re at.”

The first six houses would be paid for, but people who move in would pay 30% of their income toward rent, which includes utilities. They also could access services including child care, transportation, recovery programs, and food pantries. The community would have a mentor available for residents, as well as easy access to a case manager.

Stacie Jasorka, outreach coordinator of Sanctuary Indy, said, “Many people have been through trauma after trauma, and have been failed by so many people, so when we are forming relationships with people and showing up every week, they trust us.”

Sanctuary Indy would chose who lives in the homes based on risk factors. The organization’s street outreach program goes to homeless encampment sites weekly to meet with people and get to know their needs and perform assessments. Founder Michelle Shelburne of Sanctuary Indy said, “We are actually taking individuals who are at the very top of the list. They’re the ones that, if not having interaction, they will die outside.”

Shelburne added, “We cannot go to getting our permits completed and moving on with the process until we get through that modification hearing which is Sept. 25.”

The organizations hope to have the first six homes complete by December of this year.

The next plan calls for 10 duplexes for families, and a community center by the end of 2026.

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