As of August 16, 2020, over 81,000 Hoosiers have tested positive for COVID-19, and almost 3,000 have died, according to the Indiana State Dept. of Health. In Indianapolis, the most populated county, positive cases have risen to over 16,700 and 735 people have died since early March, when the pandemic was declared. The positivity rate — a number that represents the percentage of people who tested positive for the virus during a seven day period — for Marion county is at 9.3%.
The medical toll the virus has taken across the world has impacted every aspect of life, including financial security. To date, the official unemployment rate for Indiana in June was 11.2%, a staggering number when contrasted with the January 2020 (pre-virus) unemployment rate of 3.1%. In Indianapolis, our unemployment rate went from 3.2% in January to 10.6% in June, according to the most recent figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While unemployment insurance payments and a generous federal unemployment stipend helped people who lost their jobs, many found it difficult to pay their rent or mortgage, and their utilities and other expenses. The governor issued a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures for non-payment, but that protection has expired as of Aug. 14. Many now find themselves trying to keep a roof over their heads.
Here are some resources you can contact if you are struggling:
• If you have a mortgage, please visit 877gethope.org or call 1-877-438-4673 to apply for assistance with paying your mortgage. This program can provide assistance for up to 6 months or $30,000. This program is currently accepting applications, although you may experience increased wait times due to a high volume of applicants.
• In the City of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis City-County Council approved an additional $7.5 million in rental assistance out of federal funds provided through the CARES Act. This allocation extends support to tenants seeking rental assistance through the City’s rental assistance portal at indyrent.org. Renters may also contact their local township trustee for rent, mortgage, or utilities assistance. Township trustees provide emergency assistance to individuals and families in need who qualify based on township assistance standards. The numbers are: Center Township, 317-633-3610; Warren Township: 317-327-8947; Perry Township: 317-788-4815; Lawrence Township, 317-890-0011.
• As part of its tenants’ rights initiative, the City has also provided support to Indiana Legal Services for legal assistance to tenants. Tenants who face issues with housing conditions, who are facing an eviction, or whose landlords have accepted rental assistance program funds but have not complied with the program terms should contact the Tenant Information Hotline at 317-327-2228. Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic is also a resource for free tenant legal assistance.
Tenants and homeowners are also encouraged to contact their landlords or mortgage companies to set up payment plans or obtain information on available options for payment deferment.
