Project Description

The Homeless Resource Center is a 24/7 front door to housing and stability. It’s a low-barrier hub where individuals experiencing homelessness can access basic needs and get connected to housing and support services – immediately and all in one place.

The Homeless Resource Center is a hub, point people to resources such as healthcare, employment, housing, and emergency shelters

The Center will serve approximately 150 individuals daily and will serve ALL people – men, women, families with children and couples. It is a LOW-BARRIER shelter, which prioritizes immediate safety over background checks, sobriety, etc.

Text graphic: "Addressing the issue of homelessness and affordable housing is one of my top priorities." - Mayor Sharon Tucker

Current Challenges

Current challenges

Estimated numbers for individuals who are homeless in Fort Wayne.

Text graphic: Shelters at or near capacity (2026)
Text graphic: 250+ individuals served in winter overflow shelter (2025-26)
Text graphic: 1,058 Fort Wayne Community Schools Students are sleeping outdoors, in hotels or vehicles, or doubling up with family / friends (2026)
Text graphic: 586 individuals are estimated to be sleeping outdoors, in hotels, or in vehicles (2025)

Current services are often offered at different times and days and have a variety of requirements and forms to complete. As a result, individuals in need of support must often visit several agencies before connecting to services that can assist them.

Text graphic: Scattered services > Delays > Repeated intake > Back to the street. The challenges: Individuals must navigate multiple agencies to get help. Most services are only available during business hours. People often return to unsheltered condition

Removing Barriers

Removing Barriers

After the Center opens, services will be better coordinated so people can find paths to stability more quickly.

Text graphic: One door > Immediate access > Housing plan > Path to stability. Removing barriers: Connects people to housing faster. Reduces strain on emergency rooms and law enforcement. Creates a more coordinated system. Treats individuals with dignity w

The Center will offer:

  • 24/7 access to showers, restrooms, hygiene, and laundry
  • Mail, phone, and communication access
  • Lockers for personal papers and belongings
  • Safe indoor space for engagement and respite
  • Coordinated Entry assessments to enter the housing system
  • A Safe Parking Program with designated spaces for individuals and families living in vehicles
  • On-site space for partner agencies to connect participants to services
  • Respite services and cots