Homeless People In Indianapolis Fear Forced Relocation During Super Bowl

Police say they just want to help

Super Bowl XLVI is scheduled to take place in Indianapolis in February. The Saints, Patriots and Packers are among the teams favored to make it to the big game. But the homeless people in "Nap Town" are wondering if the city will be saintly, patriotic or send them packing when the crowds come.

In the past, host cities including Dallas and Jacksonville have conducted quick sweeps to keep homeless people out of sight during the festivities, but Indianapolis and their police department are promising not to treat the estimated 1,500 homeless people so cruel.

"There certainly won’t be any forced relocation. We wouldn’t do that at all. Certainly we’ll address the issues. We will approach these individuals and work with these individuals in cooperation with other agencies," Chief Mike Bates told reporters.

Among the efforts are homeless shelters hosting Super Bowl viewing parties for the homeless to come to, instead of being in the streets and parks surrounding the stadium. Indianapolis' Coalition for Homeless Intervention says they will be teaming up with the NFL to host various meet-and-greet events with athletes. 

How the homeless will continue to be treated after the game is still up in the air. Some are hoping that the money generated from the Super Bowl will go into rebuilding blighted communities and helping the less fortunate. They may be getting their wish as it is reported that a portion of the funds have been earmarked to build new homes and revitalize others.