INDIANAPOLIS — In response to the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal government set up a Coronavirus Relief Fund that has been distributed to cities across the country. The $76 million in Coronavirus Relief Fund spending in Indianapolis will be split between public health expenditures, including the purchase of face coverings for Marion County residents and expanded contract tracing; a suite of social services and economic recovery programs aimed at getting Indianapolis residents, disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 back on their feet; and tools that will make key government services more easily accessible for residents. An additional allocation of FEMA funds will go towards helping reopen city and county agencies as well as food security and homelessness services.
The fiscal package includes $20 million in expanded contact tracing through a partnership with the Indiana University School of Public Health and the Marion County Public Health Department. It also contains $3 million for the purchase and distribution of cloth face coverings for any Marion County resident unable to procure their own.
Significant funding has been allocated towards small business recovery, with resources including $5 million apiece for participation in the state’s small business assistance program and the local RESTART program in partnership with the Indy Chamber. There is a $2 million allocation towards an identical reimbursement program for the nonprofit sector.
The package also includes $15 million in direct funding to provide rent relief. In partnership with area service providers, these dollars will be accessible through community centers across Marion County and matched by Township Trustee dollars if those offices choose to participate.
Additionally, Lilly Endowment Inc. is committing up to $10 million to support community rental assistance programs. program.
Other social service spending includes housing options for homeless neighbors, support to food agencies including Second Helpings, Gleaners, and Midwest Food Bank, a rapid reemployment hub in partnership with Ascend, EmployIndy and the Indy Chamber, and adult education opportunities.
Government service spending includes overtime for public safety employees, PPE expenses related to the continued construction of the Community Justice Center, the expansion of remote services, technology that will allow residents to schedule appointments with government agencies, and 311 modernization.