Integrated healthcare provider Adult & Child Health (A&C) is working to make an impact on chronic homelessness in Marion County by providing comprehensive care services to the residents at Hanna Commons, a new 55-unit Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) facility in South Indianapolis.
Chronic homelessness is experienced by members of a community who have been unhoused for a long period of time, or repeatedly, while suffering with mental illness, substance use disorders, physical disabilities, or other serious conditions. The 2023 PIT Count conducted by the Indianapolis Continuum of Care (CoC) in January reported a 130% increase in this portion of the Marion County population, and while this growth rate is alarming, a change for the better can be expected. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, PSH facilities contributed to an 8% decrease in chronic homelessness across America between 2007 and 2019.
“Adult and Child is proud to be part of the collective effort to house Marion County’s
most vulnerable residents,” said A&C Vice President of Behavioral Health Services Jennifer Disbro. “Our goal is to help people maintain their housing and rebuild their lives from the inside out.”
Hanna Commons operates under the Housing First model whereby all A&C services are offered on a voluntary basis and are in no way tied to tenancy. This person-centric approach to care practices assertive engagement and creates a culture of support that allows the A&C Homeless and Housing Resource Team to meet residents where they are. Services include on-site therapy, case management, housing stability and engagement support and a 24/7 crisis support services; residents also have access to primary care services at an off-site A&C FQHC.
The facility is a beacon of hope for many in the Indianapolis area. Upon qualification for residency at Hanna Commons, a tenant expressed their thoughts on this new project, “After years of fighting an uphill battle, it is like someone finally reached out a hand to help us reach that life-changing summit – the view is breathtaking. Now we can
start a new life.”
A helping hand is exactly what the residents of Hanna Commons need, especially as the winter season approaches. The facility is currently accepting donations on site at 2880 E Hanna Avenue. Requested items include microwaves, toasters, crockpots, coffee makers, toilet paper, plungers, mops and household cleaners.
Questions regarding donations can be directed to Brandi Ward at [email protected].
Hanna Commons began as part of Mayor Joe Hogsett’s Challenge, an effort to expand housing options for people experiencing homelessness in the city and was awarded $1,200,000 annually for 10 years and $1,000,000 in Housing Trust Funds by the DMD in March 2021. In addition to A&C, project partners include the City of Indianapolis, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, South Indy Quality of Life Plan, UP Development LLC, Southeast Neighborhood Development Corporation, and Upholdings Inc.
