Grow INDY Strong ; Work with Dignity Act

 Indianapolis needs a humane, recovery‑focused alternative to criminalizing homelessness. We are calling on city and state leaders to support a program that provides paid work at or above minimum wage, access to recovery resources, and safe transitional housing for residents experiencing homelessness. In exchange for help cleaning up our city, not only from pollution but to bring love and humanity to this place we all call home . 

 

People experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis deserve fair wages, dignity, and real opportunities, not punishment or displacement. Our city can lead with compassion and common sense by creating a workforce program that 

 

• Pays at least minimum wage for voluntary work that benefits our communities, small businesses, parks and recreation, and Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS). Participating businesses that show their gratitude and support would receive ongoing benefits for partnering in this program.

• Offers job training, skill‑building, and pathways to long‑term employment. 

• Provides safe transitional housing, including greenhouse‑based micro‑communities 

• Connects participants with mental health, addiction recovery, and social services . FOR ALL NOT JUST THE HOMELESS. 

• Reduces strain on emergency services and improves public safety 

• Builds community pride through beautification, environmental work, and neighborhood support . 


We also seek support from the city to fund a program that provides hygiene products and food assistance to anyone in need. Individuals who wish to receive this assistance may participate in voluntary community service in any form that aligns with their abilities, helping strengthen and uplift our neighborhoods.

We further propose establishing a program that authorizes the use of eligible, unused state‑owned land for community gardening and greenhouse development. This land would be made available to community groups and program participants provided it is properly maintained, responsibly managed, and not designated for current or future municipal use. This initiative would expand access to fresh food, create skill‑building opportunities, and strengthen neighborhood self‑sufficiency.

Indianapolis has already invested in a new, modern animal shelter for our furry friends. This creates an opportunity to repurpose the former shelter into a community shower facility and transitional housing site. Transforming the old building into a safe, clean space for hygiene access and short‑term housing would provide immediate relief for residents experiencing homelessness and serve as a foundational step toward stability, recovery, and employment.

Many of these approaches can and will work in our city with the help of our leaders in office  — benefiting our city , reducing homelessness, and helping people rebuild their lives. 

 

We call on Indianapolis city officials, state legislators, and community partners to support and fund this humane, effective solution. 

Sign this petition to show that our community believes in dignity, fairness, and recovery for all. You never know when you could need the support yourself <3