As temperatures tumble across central Indiana, Indianapolis' Office of Public Health & Safety announced today that a weather-activated warming shelter at West Morris Church will open tonight at 6 p.m. The site is set up for men and couples who need a safe, warm place to ride out the cold front. City officials are urging anyone in need to use the city's shelter-referral lines and Aspire Indiana's direct line to locate available space.
In a public update from the City of Indianapolis Office of Public Health & Safety, officials confirmed the West Morris warming shelter "will open tonight at 6 p.m." and will be operated in partnership with Aspire Indiana Health. West Morris Church lists its location as 2302 West Morris St.
How Weather Activation Works
The city's winter-contingency plan kicks in for weather-activated shelters when forecasts show an air temperature of 25°F or lower, a 15°F wind chill, or precipitation paired with a wind chill of 25°F, according to the Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance's summary of contingency sites. Local reporting also notes that the city lowered its activation threshold this season to expand overnight access for people experiencing homelessness, with WRTV detailing how the criteria and operations work on the ground.
Who Can Go and How to Get Help
The West Morris overflow site is intended for single men and couples during weather activations, while families and single women are being directed to the city's family overflow location on North Tibbs Avenue. For help accessing shelter, people can call Aspire Indiana Health at 317-764-6914, the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622, or dial 2-1-1 for referrals and transportation assistance. The city is circulating these contact numbers and intake instructions through its public alerts, including posts from the City of Indianapolis.
Why This Matters
This latest activation is part of an expanded winter contingency the city approved and funded in late 2025. Officials say the program is designed to knock down barriers to emergency shelter during sudden temperature swings and to coordinate services through partners such as Aspire. For residents who want the policy backstory and budget details, local coverage of the council action and the city's plan is available via CitizenPortal.
