Homelessness in Downtown Indianapolis

Recent heated and contentious debate has engulfed several neighborhood associations that I am involved in regarding the increasing homeless population downtown. The associated litter, defecation, theft, and panhandling/begging has been increasing over the last couple of years. The balance between compassion and self-help is a delicate one, and sometimes the emotional feelings of those directly affected on both sides make the situation seem unsolvable, and it very well may be at some level.

Part of the problem today are the “half-Good Samaritans" participating in the process without understanding the risks associated therewith. Many people will provide food to homeless people, but forget that there are many other social issues at stake. For the organizations that serve the homeless, food is basic and only the beginning of a much longer process. In the long term the independent givers undermine the professional organizations that have programs to help these people reform themselves. The trend today is more empty beds at the shelters as some have figured out they can get food from the food-car drops. As a result they do not have to participate in the counseling they receive or other services to encourage them back off the streets. This has led to strained relations of the residents/business of the area trying to cope with the issues.

As a downtown resident this increasing trend is an annoyance, but we are fortunate that there haven’t been worse problems. Still, I have not really heard of any viable options for adequately dealing with this issue. I do not think congregating the homeless populations in one location is the best solution, as some have advocated. I clearly understand the efficiency gained by proximity and supply and demand, but at the same time it also seems to be a breeding ground limiting reformation of the issues. The former Cabrini Green in Chicago comes to mind as an example of what that can do to an urban area.

I don’t like being in a position where I don’t have at least some clear ideas of options, however I do not know how we reconcile this problem. On any given day I find myself struggling with the right answer somewhere between the NIMBY (“Not in My Backyard”) approach and the need to reform and rehabilitate. I am hopeful that we can work together to confront the issues, respect each side of the debate, and make progress toward keeping our urban core open, safe and attractive for everyone who calls it home or work.