Caitlin Clark, 23-year-old star of women’s basketball, made history today in Indianapolis by officially opening Clark’s Corner Free Medical Center—a sprawling 55,000-square-foot hospital dedicated entirely to people experiencing homelessness. Situated just blocks from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the facility is believed to be the first in the United States designed and built exclusively for unhoused patients, providing high-level medical care completely free of charge.
The $22 million center, quietly funded through Clark’s foundation and major Nike sponsorship dollars, boasts 30 exam rooms, a full dental suite, mental health crisis pods, and addiction recovery beds. An on-site pharmacy, fully stocked through donations, and 40 transitional housing units allow patients recovering from surgery or treatment a safe place to heal. Every service—from emergency care and cancer screenings to physical therapy and even eyeglasses—is available without the need for ID or insurance.
Clark, visibly emotional, addressed the crowd from a makeshift construction-hard-hat stage. “I’ve seen teammates play through broken bones because they couldn’t afford time off,” she said. “Imagine having nowhere to heal at all. This hospital says nobody gets left on the bench when it comes to health.” Her words struck a chord with the hundreds gathered, including former Iowa coach Lisa Bluder and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, who witnessed the ribbon-cutting with basketball-shaped scissors—a moment that quickly went viral online. Within minutes, #CaitlinCares was trending worldwide, raising an additional $4 million in donations.
The hospital’s staff model is as innovative as its design. Clark partnered with Eskenazi Health and local shelters to employ doctors, nurses, and formerly homeless peer navigators, ensuring patients receive not only medical care but also empathetic, lived-experience guidance. The center represents a bold experiment in healthcare, targeting a population often overlooked by traditional systems while demonstrating how private funding and community partnerships can create systemic change.
As Clark spoke, the impact of her vision was clear. For the estimated 8,000 Hoosiers living on the streets tonight, Clark’s Corner represents more than a hospital—it is a beacon of hope, a statement that access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for the housed. By combining clinical services with transitional housing and supportive care, Clark has created a holistic model that other cities may soon look to replicate.
Healthcare experts have already praised the initiative. Dr. Lisa Hernandez, a public health consultant, called it “a revolutionary step in addressing healthcare inequities. Clark’s model not only treats illness but actively supports recovery and reintegration into the community—a level of care rarely seen in facilities serving homeless populations.”
Clark’s Corner opens its doors tomorrow morning, signaling the start of a new chapter for Indianapolis’ unhoused community. For Clark, this is deeply personal work. “Basketball has given me a platform,” she said. “Now it’s my responsibility to use it. No one should ever have to choose between surviving and healing.”
The eyes of the nation are on Indianapolis as Clark’s Corner becomes operational. With her innovative approach, Caitlin Clark is challenging the healthcare system, raising awareness, and inspiring a movement. Will this be the model that other cities follow to tackle homelessness and healthcare inequity? The coming weeks will show just how transformative this bold step can be.
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