Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett says despite increased publicity regarding the city’s homeless problem, progress is being made tackling the issue.

The Mayor made the comments during a news conference today where outreach groups dispersed throughout the Mile Square in an effort to connect the homeless with housing.

The homeless population in the downtown area has become increasingly visible as of late raising public safety and public health concerns, despite the fact the overall homeless population is down nearly six percent.

Mayor  Hogsett says there is a lot more cooperation between the city and homeless organizations than in the past.   In addition, the Mayor says the city has worked to provide 400 units to house the homeless, although there is a long waiting list, which changes depending on how long an individual has been homeless and whether being homeless puts that person in physical danger.

You can hear Mayor Hogsett, as well as City-Council President Vop Osili and homeless advocates in the Leon-Tailored Audio above.