The city’s efforts to curb homelessness have been boosted by over $2 million in funds distributed to seven local organizations with a focus to rapidly rehouse persons living in temporary non-congregate shelter/housing, help operate emergency non-congregate temporary shelters/housing, and prevent homelessness for persons affected by the COVID-19 Crisis.
In the Urban Times sphere, the list includes $71,000 for Dayspring, located in The Old Northside; $779,253 for Horizon House, on the Near Eastside; $350,000 for HVAF, headquartered in St. Joseph, and $122,000 for Stopover, on the Near Eastside.
Other grants were $304,042 for ASPIRE, $440,000 for Coburn Place and $466,502 for a city-run non-congregate shelter. The grants comprised the first round of Emergency Services Grants.
“As we rebuild our city from the damage caused by COVID-19, these Emergency Services Grant recipients will help our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Indianapolis is lucky to have a dedicated coalition of service providers who assist with shelter, food, healthcare, and other resources to help our residents experiencing homelessness.”
In June, Congress provided $4 billion for local governments to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus among individuals and families who are homeless, receiving homeless assistance, or are at risk of becoming homeless.
The allocated funding can be used to:
- Make more emergency shelters available for homeless individuals and families.
- Operate emergency shelters by providing food, rent, security, maintenance, repair, fuel, equipment, insurance, utilities, furnishings, and supplies necessary for their operation.
- Provide hotel/motel vouchers for homeless families and individuals.
- Provide essential services to people experiencing homelessness including childcare, education services, employment assistance, outpatient health services, legal services, mental health services, substance abuse treatment services, and transportation.
- Prevent individuals from becoming homeless and rapidly rehouse homeless individuals.
