Horizon House was created in 1988 in response to the findings of the Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness. The center is open to individuals seven days a week, and accommodates employed homeless individuals by providing evening hours. Horizon House hospitality offers guests a safe place, use of a telephone, voice mail, an address, mail delivery, and storage of personal belongings. Additionally, guests are provided access to personal hygiene services and basic survival resources.

In the past fifteen years, Horizon House has developed partnerships with a variety of agencies, places of worship, and professional organizations which have been key to the success of the agency and the guests who are served. Immediate, on-site access to a medical team, mental health counselors, veterans' outreach workers, civil legal counsel, and housing and employment assistance make Horizon House's homeless neighbor hospitality unique in Indianapolis.

Horizon House believes homeless guests possess strengths that are key to ending their homelessness, and states its mission is "to be a focal point for services and assistance to empower individuals and families to no longer be homeless."

On average Horizon House sees 215 people daily. In 2003 a total of 3,811 people utilized services at Horizon House. 59% of those individuals were new to Horizon House. The most significant accomplishment has been the creation of an all-encompassing day center where guests not only have access to basic needs services, but also have the opportunity to visit essential co-located services. These vital services provide guests aid with mental and medical health, legal issues, employment, and educational programs. In addition, Horizon House is equipped with an active outreach team that canvases Indianapolis (population 1.2 million) six days per week seeking out individuals in need of basic daily supplies and shelter.