INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis-based Wheeler Mission will Wednesday break ground on its expanded center for women and children. The $13 million project will feature 164 new permanent beds, including 30 transitional apartments for mothers with children, a childcare area and dining areas. 

Officials say the expansion addresses "a desperate need for increased space and resources to assist the largest growing homeless population: women and children." Wheeler House announced the expansion in October, and has received support on the project from Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Indianapolis Colts, among others.

The event will feature remarks from Wheeler Mission chief executive officer Rick Alvis, Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili, and Indianapolis Deputy Mayor of Community Development Jeff Bennett, along with other business and community leaders. The groundbreaking is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

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