Every year, during the last week of January, communities are federally mandated to conduct a single-night census that identifies residents experiencing homelessness, including those in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and unsheltered locations. This census is called “Point-in-Time Count.” In Marion County, this census was led by the Coalition of Homelessness Intervention & Prevention (CHIP) and conducted by outreach professionals countywide.

When Priya Menon, Youth Coordinator at the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana, reached out to Goodwill Horizon House, we were truly honored to partner with her community. Each quarter, HTCI selects an organization for their youth to support through seva, a practice rooted in selfless service. It’s a tradition that helps young people build a steady habit of giving back, not just during the holidays, but all year long. For the final quarter of 2025, they chose Goodwill Horizon House as their partner, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Each year, neighbors at Goodwill Horizon House get to experience the normalcy of a holiday meal thanks to Ben and Darla Slaughter. But ask them about it, and they’ll be quick to say, “this isn’t about us.” For them, it’s about honoring their neighbors, real people, who deserve to feel cared for, respected, and included during a season when many are reminded of what they don’t have.