INDIANAPOLIS — The City of Indianapolis has announced going efforts to serve Indianapolis residents experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts are the result of collaboration among City, State, and County agencies, along with community partners.
The nature of COVID-19 transmission creates increased exposure risk for those in shelters or on the street, and produces a need for additional resources and proactive measures to slow the spread of the virus among these individuals. The City has partnered with the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD), Wheeler Mission, and local faith groups to establish temporary overflow shelter space that allows for homeless neighbors to seek shelter while still maintaining a safe distance. These temporary shelters have been established at Garfield Park and Washington Park. The city’s Winter Contingency has also been extended past March 31 to better serve this population.
The City has worked closely with members of the Indianapolis Continuum of Care on crisis response measures, including the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, thermometers, and other needed supplies, and the placement of portable handwashing stations at key downtown locations. Screening tools for outreach and shelter providers, as well as response workflows that can help with decision-making following screenings, have also been provided, and a public health infographic has been posted at known locations where groups may be sleeping outdoors.
As was announced on April 2, OPHS has fostered a partnership between the City, Second Helpings, Pacers Sports and Entertainment, and Professional Blended Street Outreach (PBSO) to safely provide more than 1,600 fresh meals per week to individuals sleeping outside and in encampments through the pandemic. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Homeless Unit also continues to serve those experiencing homelessness during this time.
For those homeless neighbors who may contract the virus, local agencies are collaborating with the State-led effort to isolate and safely quarantine non-critical COVID-19 medical referrals. The Marion County Public Health Department is also working to establish protocols and resources to address individuals who experience an illness during this time that does not require isolation or quarantine.
Residents and affected workers impacted by COVID-19 restrictions should visit the city’s resource guide, which can be viewed at indy.gov/covid. Individuals who are unable to navigate the city’s website can call 317-327-4MAC between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to talk to a customer service representative.