Since becoming a Christian in 1999, I'd felt drawn to help out the needy as I came across them in my daily life. This consisted of seeing a panhandler, or other needy individual, and pausing what I was doing to go and get them help or food. At times I found that I simply did not have the time, because I was in a rush, and often I wouldn't even have cash on me. A few times seeing a poor person and passing them by, giving no assistance, was difficult for me. So, I began to be prepared for them. I would carry gift cards to restaurants, keep some cash on hand, or have other supplies in my car. But living in a Suburb, I could go weeks or months without assisting anyone. I missed it. It was exciting to help the poor. So, the first Friday in April 2018 I decided to fill up a backpack with supplies, take several gift cards and tracts and head on to downtown Indy and LOOK for them. I pursued them.
From April 2018 until May 2019, I worked alone. I went downtown every Friday morning with a backpack full of gloves, hats, drinks, gift cards, special request items, jeans, shirts and whatever was often needed. I usually arrived before sunrise and would meet with a homeless person at a Starbucks to get to know them. I got cellphones for many of them and gave them my number and would text with them the other 6 days and take their requests. It was a sweet time of very personal Ministry. But I quickly became overwhelmed as Friday morning became known downtown as "gift card Friday" and I would be swarmed on the street corners.
I found myself in need of help. I couldn't get enough supplies in my backpack, especially for needed winter items, and I couldn't manage large crowds as I was handing out gift cards, bus passes and other items to a mob around me. In April and May of 2019, God began to move in the hearts and lives of Misha and Leanna to give them an equal desire to help the homeless and poor in Indy and so the three of us did Fridays together, walking around with 3 backpacks. With 3 of us, we could manage the crowds better, get names and special requests and have more time with the people. What a blessing it is to work as a team.
As time went on, we began to offer larger items such as tents and heaters that would have to stay in the car and we would meet folks and they would follow us back to our car to get the items. By March 2020, we were doing a "hybrid" of walking around with backpacks and serving some pizza out of the car along with blankets and other large supplies. Then COVID hit and the need downtown became great. Scared and with even fewer resources available to them, we saw the number of needy folks skyrocket. So, we increased our frequency from weekly to three times a week. And at the same time, we mostly stopped walking around with backpacks and picked a street corner to park on, where the homeless would gather to meet with us for food, clothing and supplies. Over the next 3 ½ years, we were forced to move our meeting location 8 times due to requests from the city of Indianapolis, and the need for more suitable locations for ministry. Our numbers served peaked at 240 persons each visit. God helped us each time the ministry grew with helpers.
We now have a team of 6-9 helpers who are themselves homeless. They arrive and help us unload the three carloads (!!!) we bring every visit. They help with setup and breakdown. We give them gift cards to show our appreciation, and they get a chance to "give back" and feel the joy of serving. Since October of 2023, we have served at 955 Kentucky Avenue under the I70 overpass. This area is very near the camps, which is convenient for providing tents, sleeping bags, heaters/stoves, propane cans, and much more. Our numbers are around 100 people each visit. Jesus continues to put us where we are needed, and he provides the resources these people need. It's an honor and privilege to serve our Lord, and those in need in our "backyards"
To God be the glory!
Tom, Misha, and Leanna
Copyright © 2024 Trio Homeless Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.