INDIANAPOLIS – Dozens of families in need and homeless youth gathered for a Thanksgiving dinner and clothing giveaway on Indy’s near east side Friday night.
It was a packed house at Cornerstone Lutheran Church as Outreach Indiana served those meals. The gathering came a few weeks ahead of Thanksgiving, though it is never too early to give a little thanks and of course lend a hand to those in need.
“In Indianapolis there’s an estimated 8,100 14- to 24-year-olds who experience homelessness every year,” said Outreach Indiana CEO Andrew Neal. “So for these youth, while we don’t know where they’re going to sleep tonight, we do know they’re going to get a warm meal.”
Neal said his group strives to end youth homelessness and provide struggling families with support. That included a winter clothing giveaway.
“I know I struggle being a single parent,” said Ayonna Beverly, who attended the event. “Taking care of two kids. I know I’m not going to be able to buy no coat. I didn’t have the budget to be able to get us coats. And I remember when I got my first coat, it lasted a little bit. It lasted. It’s still lasting.”
Beverly is one of nearly a hundred people who attended the event. She said Outreach Indiana has helped her find stability over the last several years.
“I got my first place because of outreach,” she said. “I was really struggling. It is a program that helps us succeed, like getting your driver’s license, social security card. I didn’t have my id and social security card and things of that sort.”
Much of Outreach Indiana’s work is based on community support and donations. Neal said as costs continue to rise, so do the challenges.
“We know that central Indiana is an incredibly generous community, but we also recognize that people are feeling the pinch,” Neal described.
But as we enter the season of thanks, he said the need could not be more critical.
“We could not do this without people donating funds, donating in-kind items,” he said. “We need every dollar, every bit of clothing, every impassioned volunteer, to come out and rally around these youth and young adults because they’re worth it.”
