Outside the Walls Outreach Ministry

Ministry Mission: To serve those in need in our community by lifting up the name of Jesus, showing them the love of Christ, speaking to them of the hope of salvation, and providing them resources that transform their lives.

Ministry Vision: The Outside the Walls outreach ministry is a beacon of light and support in our community and in surrounding communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

Ministry Focus: Homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse support in New Albany and surrounding communities

Homeless Awareness Month

According to the 2025 State of Homelessness for the Indiana Balance of State (2025 August)

•  At least 4860 people were experiencing homelessness in the Indiana on January 29th, 2025 (3659 in sheltered locations and 1201 in unsheltered locations)

•  The number of people sleeping in unsheltered locations has more than doubled in the last six years

• The number of people in emergency shelters increased by more than 18% between 2019 and 2025

• 1 in 5 people experiencing homelessness is 24 years of age or younger

What can I do to help?

• • Donate and/or volunteer at a food pantry, clothes closet or feeding program. 

• • Learn about local organizations helping to fight homelessness and donate. 

• • Vote for candidates whose platform supports addressing homelessness.

• • Advocate for affordable housing and other services that support those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

• • Practice kindness and take a moment to look the homeless in the eye and say hello.

• Pray! We don’t pray to inform God; we pray to involve God. He already knows what is going on and     He is waiting for us to ask Him for help.                                                                                                     

Local Resources

• St. Marks Saturday Cafe and Shelter Seekers

• Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana – food pantry, emergency assistance, stability programs such as budget counseling, clothe-a-teen, tools for everyday life, white flag shelter    https://www.soinhomeless.org/

• Salvation Army – food pantry, homeless prevention, budget classes and financial planning

https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/in/new-albany/green-valley-road-corps/homelessness/

• New Albany Township Trustee – rent, mortgage, and utility bill assistance, emergency homelessness  https://natownshiptrustee.org/emergency-homelessness/

• Catalyst Rescue Mission – emergency shelter, life skills coaching, housing assistance

https://catalystrescuemission.org/programs/

Reference

• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority. (2025, August 7). 2025 state of homelessness for the Indiana Balance of state August 7th, 2025. https://www.in.gov/ihcda/indiana-balance-of-state-continuum-of-care/files/2025-IN-BoS-State-of-Homelessness-Slides.pdf