11/16/2005
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-6709 |
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City marks Homelessness Awareness Week with first-ever allocation from Housing Trust Fund
300,000 from fund will go to aid more than 100 homeless and low income families; funds will be matched by CICF to bring total contribution to more than $1 million INDIANAPOLIS – Acting on an earlier recommendation by Mayor Bart Peterson, the Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) today approved the first-ever funding allocation from the city's Housing Trust Fund, which was created to support the expansion of affordable housing opportunities for low-income residents in Indianapolis.
The MDC signed-off on $300,000 in grants from the Housing Trust Fund that will go to three organizations and support initiatives to assist more than 100 families who are either experiencing homelessness or in housing crisis. This funding will be matched by $500,000 from The Indianapolis Foundation, an affiliate of the Central Indiana Community Foundation, and $250,000 from an anonymous donor. The Foundation's contribution supports their Family Success initiative aimed helping low-income, self-motivated families get ahead.
This substantial investment from the Housing Trust Fund and The Indianapolis Foundation comes as cities across the country recognize National Homelessness Awareness Week.
"Sadly, families with children make up a large percentage of our local homeless population," Mayor Peterson said. "This more than $1 million investment is a great step forward in addressing this critical need to expand housing opportunities for low-income households and reach out to families experiencing homelessness.
"I can't think of a better use for our first allocation from the Housing Trust Fund, and I commend The Indianapolis Foundation for their leadership and commitment in this effort to help families and children in need."
According to the Blueprint to End Homelessness, the city's bold ten-year plan to end homelessness in Indianapolis, families make up more than 40 percent of the local homeless population.
Each of the following three organizations will receive $100,000 from the Housing Trust Fund and a matching $250,000 grant from The Indianapolis Foundation:
-John H. Boner Center – Funding will help pay for rental assistance and supportive services over the next three years for 40 to 50 homeless women recently released from the Indiana Women's Prison. The women will receive counseling from a family advocate to assist them in reuniting with their children, and job training to help them acquire and maintain employment to successfully transition back into society.
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-The Hawthorne Community Center – Grant will pay for rental and downpayment assistance, as well as home repair for 30 low-income families on the near Westside, some of whom are on the brink of becoming homeless. Families will also receive support services to help them become more financially stable.
-Indiana Opportunities Industrialization Centers State Council - Funding will aid 40 low-income families, some of whom face a housing crisis, with rent payments, housing downpayments, or home repairs. Families will also receive support services like job training, health care and other assistance to help them become self-sufficient.
The Mayor this summer recommended to the MDC and the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee that $300,000 be used for rental and housing assistance for low-income families and those on the verge of becoming homeless. The funding allocation required the approval of both the MDC and trust fund advisory committee, which unanimously approved the Mayor's recommendation earlier this month.
Fighting pervasive homelessness in Indianapolis has been a major priority for the city over the last three years. Two weeks ago, the Mayor announced the first private donations to the Housing Trust Fund. He also launched a major initiative, Indy Homeless Connect, designed to get local residents and businesses more engaged in the fight to end and prevent homelessness in Indianapolis.
Indy Homeless Connect is an event taking place Dec. 13 where service providers, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, will offer a number of services to those experiencing homelessness, including medical care, food, vision care, legal advice, free phone calls to family, and winter clothing. For more information visit www.indyhomelessconnect.com.
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