According to recently released federal data, 23% of undergraduates experience food insecurity and 8% of undergraduates reported experiencing homelessness in the last 30 days (with other surveys reporting much higher rates). Although this data was collected in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a clear indication that many college students may be helped by community resources. As such, The Indiana Commons has put together a resource guide for Indianapolis students who may find themselves in need of extra assistance, whether in terms of food, shelter, or pregnancy-related items. We also hope these resources may assist community members in directing those who they might find in the city who are in need to help, and for those interesting in volunteering opportunities.
Food
Location: Campus Center 130 (420 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202)
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m (Tuesday), 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (Wednesday), 12–6 p.m. (Thursday)
Contact: ja******@**.edu
How it works: IUPUI Students can make a 15-minute visit once per week , and a form with demographic information will need to be filled out during the first visit. In case of emergencies, students can email ja******@**.edu for a one-time bag of pre-packaged food.
Cathedral Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry
Location: 1347 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis 46202
Hours: 11:30 am-1:00 pm (Sundays), 8:45 am-10 am (Monday-Friday)
Contact: so*********@***pc.org, (317) 634-4519
How it works: Offers “food, respect, encouragement, prayers and goodwill” (a daily meal and food pantry). Contact for more details.
Catholic Charities – Indianapolis Crisis Office
Location: 1400 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis 46202
Hours: 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Monday, for food only), 10:00 a.m to 11 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Tuesday through Thursday)
Contact: (317) 236-1512
How it works: Mostly intended to direct community members to existing resources and fills in gaps when they occur with direct assistance (access to food pantry and clothing room, clients are bus tickets, vouchers for gas, food and clothing). Provided for “low-income persons or persons with no income, 18 years or older, who need short-term assistance to maintain the basic needs not being met by government programs.”
Bread and Word of Tuxedo Park Baptist Church
Location: 29 N. Grant Ave., Indianapolis 46201
Hours: 5-7 pm biweekly (presumably on Sunday, although the website may have more information)
Contact: tu*********@*******al.net, (317) 578-8087
How it works: Face masks are required and must be 18 years or older. Food will either be pre-packaged or packaged for you by a volunteer, and side items/drinks will be given upon exiting. 10 minutes per person are allowed in the clothing center.
Location: 4424 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis 46201
Hours: 9-11 am on Wednesdays
Contact: li*******@*******al.net, (317) 357-8771
How it works: Must show an ID that lists address between E. 21st Street (north) – E. Washington St. (South) – N. Emerson Ave. (East) – and N. Rural St. (west). Food is distributed on a pass-thru basis.
Location: 964 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis 46204
Hours: 11:30 am-2:30 pm (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Contact: (317) 951-0688
How it works: Any veterans are allowed. Pantry includes food, hygiene items, and clothing. HVAF also provides temporary housing for up to 121 veterans. Veterans can check-in at the pantry and volunteers will help them gather the items they need.
Location: 1733 E. 46th St., Indianapolis 46205
Hours: 6:00-7:30 pm (Fourth Friday of the month)
Contact: dd******@***il.com, (317) 251-8122
How it works: Also hosts a weekly community breakfast. Contact for more details.
Northwood Christian Church Food Pantry
Location: 4550 Central Ave., Indianapolis 46205
Hours: 9:30-11 am (Saturdays)
Contact: ad***@*****cc.org, (317) 283-1352
How it works: Contact for more details.
Location: 4625 N. Kenwood Ave., Indianapolis 46208
Hours: 10 am-12 pm (Wednesday, drive-up only), 10 am-4 pm (Thursday, inside shopping), 9 am-12 pm (Saturday, inside shopping
Contact: (317) 253-1461
How it works: “A family representative may come once a week to receive between 17-25 items (depending on family size) of food or supplies (such as soap personal items, and diapers). Recipients are offered a choice of items, except on the Wednesday drive-up when they receive a pre-packed order. Recipients must live within one of 5 zips codes (46205, 26208, 46220, 46240, 46260) and are required to provide a piece of mail with their name and address on it (e.g. a utility bill) no more than 2 months old. Recipients must attest that they are under the most recent income USDA guidelines in order to receive food from The Federal Emergency Food Program (TEFAP).”
Location: 3333 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis 46208
Hours: 10 am-12 pm (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Contact: in**@****************ry.org, (317) 924-7900
How it works: Must show proof of Marion County residency and attest to low-to-no income status. Will provide supplemental food, refer to other services, cooking classes, etc.
Location: 1209 Linden St., Indianapolis 46203
Hours: 4 pm-6 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Contact: em********@***il.com, (317) 632-1486
How it works: Must show state ID and piece of mail with current address.
Salvation Army Fountain Square Corps
Location: 1337 Shelby St., Indianapolis 46203
Hours: 10 am-12 pm (Tuesday, Thursday)
Contact: In****@***************my.org, (317) 632-0156
How it works: Contact for more details.
Location: 5602 Elmwood Ave., Indianapolis 46203
Hours: 6:30-9 pm (Thursday, food only), 9:00 am-2 pm (Saturday, food & warehouse items)
Contact: in**@*****************dy.org, (317) 788-9433
How it works: For residents with 46107, 46203, 46217, 46225, 46227, 46237, 46239 and 46259. Must show up 30 minutes prior to closing to be served.
Shelter
Location: 520 E. Market St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Hours: 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (check-in, exceptions made for first-time guests)
Contact: 317.687.6795
How it works: Contact for more details. Offers a place to sleep and meals.
Location: 245 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Hours: By Appointment
Contact: 317-636-2720
How it works: Contact for more details. Offers residential programs.
Dayspring Center Homeless Shelter and Food Pantry
Location: 1537 N. Central Ave., Indianapolis 46202
Hours: 24/7
Contact: (317) 635-6780
How it works: Food pantry is for residents of homeless center. Contact for more information
Location: 2011 North Meridian St., Indianapolis IN 46202
Hours: 24/7 (emergency shelter)
Contact: (317) 941-2200 (general inquiries), (317) 920-9320 (Crisis, 24/7)
How it works: Specialists will greet you at the front desk and ensure needed services are rendered or you are referred somewhere that can provide them. Intended for survivors of sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, stalking, etc. Contact for more details.
Location: 964 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis 46204
Hours: 11:30 am-2:30 pm (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Contact: (317) 951-0688
How it works: Any veterans are allowed. Pantry includes food, hygiene items, and clothing. HVAF also provides temporary housing for up to 121 veterans. Veterans can check-in at the pantry and volunteers will help them gather the items they need. Offers other transitional assistance.
Cheap Housing
Location: 1503 N. Pennsylvania Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
Hours: 8:00 am-5:00 pm (Monday-Friday)
Contact: (844)517-0005, Apply Now
How it works: Cheap studio and other apartments, about 1.5 miles from IUPUI. From $564 studio, $649 one-bedroom, $929 two-bedroom. Floor Plan Pricing
Maternal Items
Location: 3266 N. Meridian Street, Suite 110, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Hours: 9 am-4:30 pm (Monday-Friday)
Contact: (317) 926-9177
Location: 4200 S. East Street, Suite 43, Indianapolis, IN 46227
Hours: 9 am-4:30 pm (last appointment at 4:00 pm)
Contact: (317) 780-8117
Location: 1007 N. Arlington, Indianapolis, IN 46219
Hours: 9 am-4:30 pm (Monday-Friday)
Contact: (317) 359-1600
Location: 3045 Lafayette Road, Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Hours: 9 am-4:30 pm
Contact: (317) 923-9030
Featured image courtesy of Wheeler Mission.