Local organization plans to build a 'village' to address homelessness

A local nonprofit is working to connect those experiencing homelessness with housing.

Circle City Village, in partnership with Lyndhurst Baptist Church, has plans to build a small village containing 18 houses on Indianapolis’ west side. Circle City Village board president Leon Longard says wait times for housing applicants is long due to supply and demand.

“I've talked to people who've been on lists for 10 years at times, just because the number of units does not match the need that there between sheltered homelessness, and people that are living in encampments and unsheltered homelessness.”

The partnership with Lyndhurst Baptist Church was created based on a shared goal.

“I think there's just a sense of synergy of vision and a common set of values we have in terms of helping build up the dignity of people and helping those who are on the margins, take steps forward, take steps up in their life,” says Longard.

The church owns the land near Washington Street and Lyndhurst Drive, just south of Morris Street. Groundbreaking for the village is set for the end of this year.