INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — People living in a Fountain Square homeless encampment have just days left to find a new place to go.

The city has issued a notice requiring everyone to vacate the area by Aug. 11, following a wave of concerns from neighbors and community members about ongoing safety issues, as WISH-TV reported on Tuesday.

News 8 first reported on the planned closure on Friday night.

Some residents in the neighborhood say the camp had become a serious risk.

Kenneth Washington, one of roughly two dozen people who have been staying at the camp over the past few months, said it’s been a temporary lifeline. “It’s my fault. It’s the decisions I made in life. That’s understandable. I just want to have another chance. Have some help, that’s it.”

Washington says a combination of bad luck and tough life choices left him with nowhere else to go. “It’s not something I’m proud of but it’s something we have to do, just got to stick together. A lot of people don’t understand that but it is what it is I guess.”

Washington says most people in the camp are quiet and keep to themselves. He just wants a safe place to sleep while working to get back on track.

But some nearby homeowners say enough is enough.

Kyle Christie, who lives in the area, said, “At first, I was understanding of it. People were down on their luck. As time went on, there started to be a lot more issues and safety concerns.”

Christie says things escalated one night when he found the mutilated remains of a dog near the camp. Christie says it changed his entire mindset. “That is the reason my mindset changed from really sympathetic to they just need to leave.”

The city’s notice posted at the encampment gave residents less than two weeks to move out. For people like Washington, it’s unclear what comes next. “Where will I go? I have no idea. But, you know, what I will do? I will pray to God and ask God to help me and keep me safe. It will be OK.”

Multiple shelters exist in the Indianapolis area. While many are at capacity or not accepting new residents, a few still have space available. Those shelters include the Dayspring Center, the Wheeler Mission Shelter, Good News Ministries, and The Julien Center.

Related coverage on WISHTV.com

• Homelessness increases by 7% in Marion County in 2025
• Indianapolis sees 26% decrease in veteran homelessness, HVAF report says
• Man found dead at homeless encampment on Tibbs Avenue; IMPD investigating
• Mayor Hogsett announces Streets to Home Indy initiative, 350 people to be housed
• Compass on Washington making a difference for Indianapolis homeless community
• Homeless woman highlights challenges of living on the streets

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