INDIANAPOLIS — Recently, a new initiative to address issues connected to homelessness and panhandling in the Mile Square was announced. Under the proposal, $500k in new funding will be allocated to increase visibility and police presence in areas experiencing a high occurrence of aggressive panhandling, as well as provide services and outreach for those experiencing homelessness.
Under the proposal, up to $250k in new funding would be allocated to partner organizations for permanent housing solutions and direct services for the City’s downtown homeless population. With the additional money, the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) estimates it will be able to house five-hundred more people each year.
“On any given night in the City of Indianapolis, nearly 1,700 of our most vulnerable neighbors are experiencing homelessness – they are sleeping in temporary shelters, transitional housing, or on the street,” said CHIP Executive Director Chelsea Haring-Cozzi. “While we saw a six percent decrease in overall homelessness in our 2018 Point In Time count, we also saw an increase in unsheltered and more visible homelessness, particularly in areas like the Mile Square. What we know is that when we work closely with our homeless service providers, outreach team, and housing partners, we are successful in our efforts. More than 90 percent of those who receive assistance through the work of our Continuum of Care partners remain housed. However, to reach more people we need more resources. Today’s announcement and partnership with the Mayor’s Office provides an exciting opportunity for greater collaboration with the City-County Council and the business community, as well as resource allocation to address the rise in visible homelessness in a way that ensures all of Indianapolis’ residents can enjoy the benefits of our great city.”
The remaining $250k in funding will be directed at heightened law enforcement efforts in areas of downtown that have seen aggressive panhandling. The increased public safety presence will target high-trafficked areas of downtown and will focus on enforcement of the City’s existing aggressive panhandling ordinances.