We Can End Homelessness In Indianapolis
Friends,
I’ve had an incredibly difficult week.
A friend and comrade, Skeen MacKie, suffered a sudden and severe mental health crisis that took his life a week ago today.
Skeen was a brilliant intellectual, a passionate attorney who fought against evictions as a staff member for the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, and a tireless activist and organizer involved with Central Indiana DSA and the student encampment at IUPUI.
In the eulogy I delivered at Skeen’s funeral, I asked for others to pick up the torch that my friend carried so boldly and get more involved in fighting for justice.
I’m proud to say that I am taking my own advice and stepping up my engagement on the issue that has the largest impact on public safety, public health, and economic opportunity in District 13: homelessness and housing insecurity.
Excellent organizations have been working on this issue for years in Indianapolis - and they are saying that the time is right to massively change policy to save lives.
GIMA, the Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance, has been insisting for some time that it is possible to end homelessness in Indianapolis, without raising taxes or bringing in new resources. Partnering with other great organizations, GIMA is hosting a film screening at Clowes Hall on Butler University’s campus on August 20th at 4:30 pm.
After the screening, some friends of mine in DSA and I will meet to grab a bite to eat at The Aristocrat to discuss the film and determine how we can best contribute our efforts to ending homelessness and insisting that housing is a human right.
No matter what label you use for your politics, no matter what your financial situation is, no matter where in Indianapolis you live - you can certainly see the immense moral, financial, and public safety costs that our city incurs due to the lack of affordable housing and support for unhoused neighbors.
All of us can make a difference in helping people live dignified, respected lives with the resources they need to be happy and at peace.
We can and will end chronic homelessness in Indianapolis. Join us!
In love and solidarity,
Jesse