Find alternatives to calling the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- 211
- A free and confidential service that helps Hoosiers across Indiana find the local resources they need. Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a navigator. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Site also has searchable database.
- 211
- https://in211.communityos.org/
- Dayspring Center
- Provides emergency shelter, clothing, and three nourishing meals a day for homeless families with children in central Indiana. Works to combat and prevent family homelessness by first, meeting their most immediate needs for food and shelter, then working with each family to address the issues that led them to their homelessness through ongoing case management and children’s service programs. Open 24 hours a day.
- (317) 635-6780, press 1 for shelter
- https://dayspringindy.org/
- Stopover
- Provides emergency shelter to young people ages 12 to 17 and transitional shelter for youth 18 – 24. also offers home-based counseling services for youth ages 11 to 18 and their families.
- Ages 18-24 must be referred through Adult and Child, (317) 961-0090, available Monday 9:30 – 12:30, Wednesday 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., and Friday 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
- 2236 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201
- (317) 635-9301 (24/7 Crisis Line)
LGBTQ+
- Gender Nexus
- Provides services for the trans* and non-binary community, including counseling, community resource referrals, community education, support groups, and support.
- (317) 650-5988
- http://gendernexus.org/
- Indiana Youth Group
- Programming to address the stressors most commonly faced by LGBTQ+ youth. Basic needs, case management, risk prevention, STI/HIV testing, and more. Serves youth ages 12-20 who self-identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies. All programs and services are offered free of charge and youth remain under adult supervision at all times.
- (317) 541-8726
- https://www.indianayouthgroup.org/
Mental Health
- Aspire Crisis
- Helps individuals, families, and the community – who are experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse related emergencies – by providing 24-hour crisis intervention, assessment, and referrals. Call for shelter needs, concerns regarding medication or mental health , grief, suicidal thoughts, emergency outpatient intake services, and more.
- (317) 574-1252 or 1 (800) 560-4038 (24/7)
- https://www.aspireindiana.org/
- Be Well Crisis Helpline
- A mental health helpline staffed by trained crisis counselors, available 24/7 to Indiana residents. A program of the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction.
- 211, enter your zip code and then select option 3
- https://bewellindiana.com/
- Community Health Network – Behavioral Health
- Comprehensive behavioral healthcare system, including inpatient and outpatient services for all ages and levels of care. 24/7 crisis line for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
- (317) 621-5700, press 1 or (800) 273-8255 (24/7 crisis)
- https://www.ecommunity.com/services/mental-behavioral-health
- *Police will be sent for a wellness check if caller states intent to commit suicide
- Families First Indiana – Crisis & Suicide Intervention Hotline
- 24/7 crisis hotline open to all. For people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, are concerned about a loved one, need referrals, or just want someone to listen. Crisis Intervention Specialists are available 24 hours a day.
- (317) 251-7575 or Text CSIS to 839863
- https://www.familiesfirstindiana.org/
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
- Provides free victim advocacy services for domestic violence and sexual assault. Victim advocates are professionals trained to support victims of crime. Advocates offer victims information, emotional support, help finding resources and filling out paperwork. Advocates also offer accompaniment to court, law enforcement interviews, and hospitals. Crisis Line provides safety planning, referrals, and supports. Foster Program for Pets provides safe, free, temporary housing for pets of survivors as they find safety.
- (317) 731-6140 (8:30 a.m. – 1 a.m.)
- https://www.beaconofhopeindy.org/
- Center of Hope
- Services for victims of violence, abuse or neglect, especially sexual assault and interpersonal violence. Provides 24/7 assistance at any Community Hospital emergency room or inpatient department. Provides medical exam and treatment, assistance with emergency shelter, crisis intervention, safety planning, and more. Welcomes all victims of violence regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, origin or disability.
- Community East: 1500 N Ritter Ave, Indianapolis
- Community North: 7150 Clearvista Dr, Indianapolis
- Community South: 1402 East County Line Road South, Indianapolis
- (317) 355-4673 (24/7)
- https://www.ecommunity.com/services/emergency-medicine/center-of-hope
- Coburn Place
- Provides services for people affected by domestic violence, including advocacy, safety planning, and income-based transitional housing. 24-hour phone line offers support, safety planning, housing eligibility determinations, and referrals.
- (317) 923-5750 (24/7)
- Text: (317) 864-0832 (24/7)
- https://coburnplace.org/
- Desert Rose Foundation*
- A faith-based nonprofit organization that provides transitional shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as the services needed to break the cycle of abuse in families. Shelter, counseling, emergency food and clothing. Serves women with or without children. Located in Martinsville.
- (765) 342-ROSE (7673) or toll free at (888) 342-ROSE (24/7)
- http://www.desertrose.cc/
- *Please note this resource is Christian-affiliated
- Families First Indiana
- Free and confidential services for sexual assault survivors. 24-hour crisis line for survivors to access services through the Rape Crisis Center. Phone and mobile/face-to-face support, court advocacy, safety planning, community referrals, and counseling. Also provides long-term services for domestic violence survivors.
- (833) 338-SASS (7277) (24/7)
- (317) 634-6341 (General)
- https://www.familiesfirstindiana.org/
- Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Outreach Services – provides direct domestic violence advocacy services to survivors who are Deaf and hard of hearing in Indiana. Their Deaf and Hard of Hearing Outreach Coordinator coordinates resources and critical community connections for survivors. Coordinator is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).
- 1 (317) 644-6206 (videophone)
- Latino Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
- A statewide nonprofit organization that provides support and advocacy to Latino victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Offers bilingual counseling and advocacy programs, legal services for immigrant victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and support.
- (317) 926-HOPE (4673)
- http://www.indianalatinocoalition.org/
- The Julian Center
- The largest organization supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other life crises in Indiana. Help at all stages of addressing domestic violence or abuse. Crisis hotline can connect you with tools and resources to help you and empower you to make the best decisions for your life. Assistance with safety planning, emergency and transitional shelter, counseling, and advocacy. All services are free and confidential.
- (317) 920-9320 (24/7)
- https://www.juliancenter.org/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
- Indiana Youth Group
- Programming to address the stressors most commonly faced by LGBTQ+ youth. Basic needs, case management, risk prevention, STI/HIV testing, and more. Serves youth ages 12-20 who self-identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies. All programs and services are offered free of charge and youth remain under adult supervision at all times.
- (317) 541-8726
- https://www.indianayouthgroup.org/
- Outreach Indiana*
- Providing basic needs services to homeless and transitional youth, including showers, laundry, food, hygiene items, as well as community and case work.
- Intakes Tues. and Fri. from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 2416 E New York St. Indianapolis, IN 46201
- (317) 951-8886
- https://www.outreachindiana.org/
- *Please note, this resource is Christian-affiliated
- Stopover
- Provides emergency shelter to young people ages 12 to 17 and transitional shelter for youth 18 – 24. also offers home-based counseling services for youth ages 11 to 18 and their families.
- Ages 18-24 must be referred through Adult and Child, (317) 961-0090, available Monday 9:30 – 12:30, Wednesday 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., and Friday 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
- 2236 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201
- (317) 635-9301 (24/7 Crisis Line)
- https://stopoverinc.org/
Elders
- Center for At-Risk Elders
- Legal services and referrals for elder victims of abuse, neglect, or crime.
- (317) 955-2790
- http://www.indianacare.org/
Crime
- Center for Victims and Human Rights
- Nonprofit legal services organization in Indiana specifically designed to help victims of crime and human rights abuses. Provides legal representation, ranging from counsel and advice to full attorney representation at hearings. Works with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other human rights issues, as well as survivors and families of homicide victims. Serves a broad range of clients, including native-born Americans as well as immigrants, children and the elderly, victims from various races and ethnic backgrounds, and LGBTQ+ victims who have experienced violence and discrimination due to their sexual orientation.
- People seeking assistance must complete an intake at https://www.cvhr.org/survey/
- (317) 610-3427
- https://www.cvhr.org/
- Prevail
- Crisis intervention and restorative support services for adult, adolescent and child survivors of crime and abuse. Connects victims with advocate services, assisting to obtain protective orders, navigate the legal and other systems, provide referrals and support. All services are free and confidential.
- (317) 776-3472 (24/7 Crisis Line)
- https://prevailinc.org/
Substances
- Be Well Crisis Helpline
- A mental health and crisis helpline staffed by trained crisis counselors, available 24/7 to Indiana residents. A program of the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction.
- 211, enter your zip code and then select option 3
- https://bewellindiana.com/
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.