Brighter Days for better nights.

As Bartholomew County's primary shelter, Brighter Days housing provides temporary emergency shelter for residents who need a place to stay, either for a single night or up to 60 days.

Along with two ADA-accessible dorms for men and women, respectively, Brighter Days housing has public showers for individuals not staying overnight, with availability between 8:00-9:00 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM.

For more details, check out the FAQ's below.

Am I eligible?

We want to offer shelter to anybody who needs it, but in order to do that, we have a few eligibility requirements to receive support.

Proof of county residency
60-day maximum stay (extensions possible)

Must not be on sex offender registry
No pets (but Animal Care can house your pet for a few days)

First, to ensure that we can help as many people as possible, bring a proof of county residency or ID.

Clients can stay for up to 60 days, with the possibility of more time if they participate in case management. After that time, clients must wait a year before re-entering Brighter Days Housing.

How to receive help

Bring an ID if you have one.

Any proof of residence works, though—this can be a utility bill, rent receipt, prescription bottle, school correspondence, or even a postmarked, self-addressed envelope.

Check in between 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Make sure you come between these evening hours if you need a place to stay.

We can host up to 50 people, so plan accordingly.

Exit by 8:00 AM (but come back if you need to!)

In the morning, you will check out for the day, but you are welcome to return in the evening to spend another night.

Cold weather contingencies.

Winters in Columbus, Indiana can be frigid, so between November 21st and March 21st, we also have opportunities for people to stay indoors, out of the cold weather, without the need for case management.

FAQ's

Do I need to be a county resident to stay?

Generally yes, but you can stay for a single night if you are out-of-county.

Do I need an ID to stay?

We prefer that you bring one when you first check in, but if you are unable to do so on your first night, we'll work with you.

What am I allowed to bring?

Clothing, personal belongings, and hygiene products are fine, but no bedding is allowed. We'll provide all bedding and all personal items must fit in a 2x3 tote.

Still have questions?

Noah Harley

Housing Manager

(812) 344-4512
[email protected]

421 S Mapleton Street
Columbus, IN 47203

Altogether
for good.

Food Pantry

(812) 372-9421

292 Center St
Columbus, IN 47201

Open Mon-Sat:
9:00am-12:00pm
Closed Sun

Shelter

(812) 344-4512

421 S. Mapleton St.
Columbus, IN 47203

Open Sun-Sat:
6:00-9:00pm

Office

(812) 372-9421

311 Center St.
Columbus, IN 47201

Open Mon-Fri:
9:00am-12:00pm
Closed Sat & Sun

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