Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center

540 N. Alabama St., Indpls., IN 46204 For help call: 317-637-5551

The Salvation Army Shelter for Women and Children provides a safe place for homeless and abused women and children in perhaps their greatest time of need. Established as the first facility in Indianapolis to help homeless and abused women and children, we have offered care, assistance, and guidance to women for more than 50 years. The Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our 111 bed facility features rooms for both single women and women with children.

Upon admission to the Center, the needs of a woman and her children are assessed by a case manager. Immediate medical, nutritional, and shelter needs are met. Safety and security measures allow women to focus on rebuilding their lives free of danger, continued abuse and the uncertainty of the streets. Children learn and play in a warm and nurturing environment. See our wish list for items needed below.

Available Services

    • Children’s services
    • Assistance with finding housing
    • Family budget counseling
    • Life skills training
    • Parenting and community resources classes
    • Employment information
    • Literacy
    • Legal assistance
    • Health care
    • Substance abuse classes
    • Domestic abuse support groups
    • Voluntary spiritual counseling and Bible study
Emergency Bedspace Program , coordinated by the Salvation Army, ensures that a safe place and range of supportive services are always available for women and children escaping domestic abuse. Staff members monitor available Indianapolis area shelter space and provide daily updates to service providers. If shelters are full, families are sheltered at the Salvation Army until traditional bedspace becomes available.
The Continuing Support Program is offered to women and their children after they leave the program for independent or transitional housing. Case managers offer support, information, resources, financial assistance, referrals, and guidance towards self-sufficiency, so women may continue to develop positive relationships and healthy lifestyles.

Wish List – Items of Need:

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • African- American hair care products
  • Deodorant
  • Soap
  • Shower Gel
  • Brushes
  • Combs
  • Twin size sheet sets
  • Twin size blankets
  • Bed Pillows
  • Towels
  • Wash cloths
  • Socks (various women and children’s sizes)
  • Panty hose
  • Underwear (various women and children’s sizes)
  • Diapers (especially size 4)
  • Baby Wipes
  • Tampons
  • Feminine Napkins
  • Lotion
  • Bras (various sizes)
  • Disposable razors
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Laundry Detergent
Project Blessing Bags is a way for donors to connect directly with children who come to our shelter with little more than the clothes on their backs. Donors purchase special totes for $2 apiece and fill them with books, stuffed animals, blankets and other items of comfort. Visit our Blessing Bags page to learn more about this program.
Volunteer If you would like to volunteer at the Ruth Lilly Women & Children’s Center, visit the volunteer opportunities page to learn about available opportunities.

For More Information