TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)- Every day hundreds of homeless are on the streets of Vigo County, a problem that some say is growing as the years pass.
“People are coming to Terre Haute. Homeless are coming from Indianapolis to Terre Haute,” said Brendan Kearns, Vigo County Commissioner.
Kearns says he estimates that approximately 300 homeless are in Vigo County at this time. With an increase of the amount of homeless coming into the county, community leaders resources need to be available to make sure these people aren’t forgotten.
“Very soon we’re going to be rolling in to those hot Indiana summers that everybody hates. You know, the humidity is through the roof and the temperature is just about the same. So now we’re talking about a heat emergency, whereas before we were talking about people freezing to death,” said Martina Hull, community outreach team leader.
For months now, Hull and Kearns among other community leaders have discussed plans to create a permanent government operated heating and cooling center but funding still stands in the way.
“When you look at your operating costs, how you’re going to staff it, what kind of services can you provide, that’s where things get challenging,” Kearns said.
While the details are being discussed on a permanent shelter, other forms of help are in the works.
“We’re focused on a program that we’re working on called the Red Flag White Flag Program,” Kearns said.
This program would allow agencies throughout Vigo County to fly a red or white flag at their building, signifying that they are available to help the homeless during extreme heat or cold.
“It’s not necessarily a system for homeless shelters but more of a ‘Hey we’re in a crisis situation’ and it builds a network for people to have care during those extreme temperatures,” Kearns said.
For this sort of program to operate, there will be an increased need for trained volunteers. A representative from Hamilton Center said this afternoon that she is working to make mental health training available for those who may need it.
The Red Flag White Flag program would have to be approved by county commissioners. Kearns says he hopes to have this done by mid-summer.
