About First City Sunrise

A community answer to a community need, built and run by neighbors in Vincennes, Indiana.

Our history

First City Sunrise opened its doors in October 2024 to meet an urgent need: neighbors in Vincennes had nowhere safe to sleep. Since then, the shelter has helped 269 individuals, including 55 children, and 113 program graduates have moved into permanent housing.

Founding story: Add the fuller founding story, who started the organization, why, and the milestones since opening, as told by the founders.

Mission and vision

Mission: To provide a safe, temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness in Vincennes, Indiana, offering a place of rest, nourishment, and support to foster a pathway toward independence and self-sufficiency.

Vision: We envision a community where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. Through immediate shelter, supportive services, and connections to long-term solutions, we help individuals rebuild their lives and move toward a safe, stable place to call home.

Where we serve

We serve people experiencing homelessness in Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Indiana's first city, and a community that takes care of its own.

How we're organized

First City Sunrise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: [Add EIN]) governed by a volunteer board of directors and powered by community volunteers who cover evening and overnight shifts, prepare meals, and coordinate donations.

Meet our board of directors

Community partnerships

Local churches, agencies, businesses, and civic groups make this work possible, from meal teams to referral partners who help guests find jobs, healthcare, and housing.

Partner recognition: List partner organizations here with their permission.

Get to know us

Questions about the organization, partnership, or how to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.