INDIANAPOLIS — The City-County Council unanimously passed a third and final allocation of CARES Act COVID-19 Relief funding introduced by Mayor Joe Hogsett at a special meeting. The $76 million allocation extends existing programs formed in response to the pandemic, and funds the creation of several new initiatives.
The fiscal package includes $7.5 million for the rental assistance program, bringing its total City funding to $30 million. Additional programming expansions include funding for food access, secondary and adult education, and support for arts organizations and live music venues. Funding for the homeless winter contingency program, along with continued non-congregate emergency shelter operation, is also included.
New programs include PPE for local teachers, a mental health public awareness campaign, and resident-focused public health outreach with the Immigrant Welcome Center. It also includes a foreclosure prevention and mortgage refinancing program to assist Indianapolis homeowners struggling to meet their obligations. Additional information on these programs will be announced in the coming weeks.