The Honorable Jim Banks  

200 West Washington Street, 

Indianapolis, IN 46204 

     Dear Senator Banks  

I am writing to you as a concerned Human Services professional from Fort Wayne to express my serious concern about homelessness in Fort Wayne and the State of Indiana. In the state alone, there are over 4,800 people experiencing homelessness in Indiana and over 500 in Fort Wayne. The number of Hoosiers experiencing homelessness to include youth, families, and veterans, continues to be a pressing issue that requires compassionate and effective solutions. 

Effective solutions that I think will help is investing in more permanent supportive housing options, ensuring adequate funding for mental health and addiction services, and supporting programs which aims to provide long-term stability and break the cycle of homelessness. The resources that people can use are often stretch thin, with shelters frequently at capacity. 

I am asking if we can address the root cause of homelessness. Maybe removing barriers for homeless youth and families to obtain necessary identification documents, which are important for accessing education and employment. Also looking at the systemic causes of homelessness like past incarceration contributing to homelessness. We look at laws that impose fines or jail time for sleeping on public property will exacerbate the problem, making it harder for people to secure employment and permanent housing. 

Thank you for your service and consideration of this critical issue. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can work together to end homelessness in our communities. 

Sincerely  

Octavia Thomas  

310 W. Berry St. Apt.406A  

Fort Wayne, IN 46802  

Godlywoman36@gmail.com