FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services joined local nonprofit agencies on Monday to report results from the 2025-26 winter contingency emergency shelter efforts, which provided 4,055 safe shelter nights for people with no housing.
The following was released:
The winter contingency emergency shelter plan was in effect December 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. For the first time, a 24/7 emergency shelter for single women and families with children was available during the winter months at The Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St.
The shelter provided temporary emergency housing, showers and meals for a total of 248 unique individuals. In all, 183 women, 18 men and 47 children found safety and shelter at The Salvation Army during the winter months.
One of Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker’s priorities is addressing the issue of homelessness and affordable housing, which is why the City of Fort Wayne hired its first Homeless Services Manager, Amanda Fall, in 2025. Fall worked with area nonprofits to coordinate the winter contingency efforts.
“The success of this winter’s emergency shelter efforts is due to the leadership of Mayor Sharon Tucker and the dedication of our nonprofit partners who worked so hard to keep local residents safe during our coldest months,” said Fall. “At the same time, these numbers underscore the urgent need for a permanent, 24/7 low‑barrier shelter.”
The 24/7 emergency shelter was staffed by the nonprofit Blue Jacket’s Staffing Services. Blue Jacket provides training and opportunities to anyone with a barrier who is striving to earn gainful employment. Rescue Mission staff provided training and oversight for the Blue Jacket staff, while St. Joseph Missions and Vincent Village were instrumental in planning for the shelter. The Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services and the Rescue Mission provided funding for the program.
Additional public and nonprofit partners provided daytime warming centers during the cold winter months. Those partners include The Rescue Mission, InAsMuch Ministry, the Allen County Public Library Main Branch, Project.ME, Citilink and The Salvation Army.
The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division works to establish Fort Wayne as the Community of Choice for residents, visitors and businesses by growing the economy, strengthening neighborhoods and supporting housing options. Visit CityofFortWayne.in.gov/CD for more information.
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