TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— The City of Terre Haute has announced it will be taking more steps to address the homeless population of the city.
According to the news release from the city, they plan to deal with the homeless population with compassion and accountability. The release states that the city has been working with local nonprofits, faith leaders, and service providers to find ways to invest in ways that connect people to housing, treatment, and long-term stability.
Recent actions made by the city include:
- Emergency Shelter Support: Increased funding to shelters, expanding bed space and staffing to meet winter demand.
- Permanent Housing Solutions: Partnering with Thrive West Central on new transitional housing units and supporting Habitat for Humanity’s expansion of affordable homes.
- Street Outreach and Care Teams: Launching a coordinated outreach effort focused on connecting unhoused individuals with current services offered by organizations in our community.
- Public Safety and Cleanliness: Expanding city-led cleanup crews and piloting a new partnership with the Terre Haute Police Department’s Social Worker unit focused on homelessness-related calls.
- Mental Health and Addiction Services: Working with recovery providers to increase their capacity and housing options.
- Workforce and Adult Education Investments: Financially supporting organizations that are helping Hoosiers get back to work and upskill. This hand-up approach attacks some of the root causes of generational poverty.
Mayor Brandon Sakbun acknowledged that progress is being made on the situation, but that it is a growing challenge. According to the release, the city claims that recent investigations have stated that an increasing number of people are being transported into Terre Haute from outside communities. The city states that this is putting added strain on the city’s shelters, social services, and public safety resources.
“We are a city that steps up for people in need,” Mayor Sakbun said. “But when the scale of the challenge is made larger by circumstances outside our control, it calls for us to think bigger, act smarter, and work together in new ways. We can protect the vitality of our businesses, who are feeling the negative impact, while also holding true to our values of care and community. Federal funding challenges has made it difficult to fund expansions and current services. Partnerships must be strengthened to make it through this situation.”
In the following weeks, the city claims to be making moves to further commit to addressing the homelessness population. They plan on doing so through strengthening partnerships with shelters, nonprofits, and outreach organizations. The city also plans to expand connections to mental health and addiction services and explore practices other cities are using to ensure balanced and effective solutions. The city also stated that it will continue to engage with residents, business owners, and advocates to shape future policies.
The release ended by stating that the city will be withdrawing General Ordinance 12. Terre Haute’s proposed General Ordinance 12, 2025, bans sleeping on sidewalks, streets, and other public areas. This ordinance was scheduled to be considered by the City Council on Thursday, September 11, 2025. The city stated it plans to find a way to ensure Terre Haute’s downtown remains safe, welcoming, and vibrant for businesses, workers, and visitors.
“This is about balance,” Mayor Sakbun added. “We can be both compassionate and pragmatic. We can stand up for vulnerable people while also standing with our small businesses, families, and neighbors who want to enjoy a thriving downtown. The path forward is not easy, but it is possible.”
