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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Homelessness is a growing crisis among women and children in Indianapolis, and the Wheeler Mission says it’s seeing numbers like never before because of the pandemic.

Wheeler Mission has started construction to expand the Center for Women and Children but it still needs help.

The new Wheeler Mission Expansion will allow the group to serve hundreds more women and children each day.

“With families a lot of time they’re in cars, their cars, sleeping on people’s couches, they’re doubled up with others. It appears hidden but they are no less in a traumatic and chaotic situation,” said Colleen Gore with Wheeler Mission.

The Wheeler Mission Center for Women and Children is bursting at the seams.

The center is housing 100 people at the center. More than 300 are at a hotel, and almost 200 of those are kids.

Wheeler Mission has been trying to raise $12 million through its Build For Change Campaign to complete the expansion on the Center for Women and Children. Gore said it’s more important now than ever that the community come together and help reach the goal.

“This helps our entire community move forward by moving people back into the workforce, helping stabilize neighborhoods, feeding into kids and helping them break that cycle in their own family,” said Gore.

This new expansion will more than double more the program’s capacity and shelter beds. It will have an additional 164 permanent beds, improved children’s ministry and indoor area, additional staff and a new space for medical clinics.

“The building was designed with such intentionality to really preserve the dignity of the women and children that we serve,” said Gore.

Gore said the reasons for homelessness are just as varied as the individuals experiencing it. That’s why this expansion is important.

“This is an environment that will reflect how we see them and what they deserve,” said Gore.

They hope to open the doors in July.

Coronavirus links

Indiana coronavirus timeline

With information from the Indiana Department of Health through March 4, 2021, this timeline reflects updated tallies of deaths and positive tests prior to that date.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Runners can lace up to fight hunger this Thanksgiving.

While some Thanksgiving events have been canceled because of COVID-19, the Drumstick Dash hosted by the Wheeler Mission is still happening Nov. 26, Thanksgiving Day.

The Drumstick Dash is one of Wheeler Mission’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Organizers with the event said the need in the community created by COVID-19 has reinforced their mission.

This year, the Drumstick Dash is celebrating 18 years of tradition. Every Thanksgiving around 20,000 people lace up their sneakers to run in the Drumstick Dash. Organizers worked with the Marion County Public Health Department to assure this year’s event is safe and follows U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Steve Kerr, Wheeler Mission’s executive vice president of advancement, said the 2020 event is more important than ever. “Especially with the pandemic, the need financially to provide for those experiencing homelessness is high.”

The event normally brings in $1 million toward the Wheeler Mission’s goal to provide services to the homeless community. This year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the run’s organizers made several changes to keep participants safe. Changes include limiting the number of participants to 20% of normal, two separate start times, and encouragement to wear masks before and after the race but not while running or walking. There’s also a virtual option.

Matt Duncan and his family run in the dash every year. He’s excited to continue the tradition. “I’m glad we are still able to put on events during these hard times. It shows it can’t crush our spirit. We just have to stay positive.”

Wheeler Mission’s Kerr said it’s important for the community to take care of each other. “Many of us are maybe one paycheck away from becoming homeless.”

Because organizers reduced the number of participants, they expect to lose around $300,000 compared to past events. It’s not too late to sign up online.

Coronavirus links

Indiana coronavirus timeline

With information from the Indiana Department of Health through March 4, 2021, this timeline reflects updated tallies of deaths and positive tests prior to that date.