INDIANAPOLIS — The city announced a nearly $12 million award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as part of its annual Continuum of Care Program. It marks a 20% increase from last year’s award and a 170% increase from 2016.
The funding is awarded to local and state governments to expand housing options and social services in partnership with nonprofits in the community.
“After achieving declines in overall homelessness in recent years, HUD is awarding our city nearly $12 million to accelerate our progress,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said. “Since 2016, a housing-first approach has defined our strategy, allowing more neighbors to access the services they need to become and remain housed.”
In 2023, the city saw an 8% drop in people experiencing homelessness in Marion County after hitting a peak during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) says it believes this money is helping.
“It is a testament, the fact that we continue to see increased funding means we are on the right path here in Indianapolis, and we got to continue that,” CHIP executive director Chelsea Haring-Cozzi said.
She said the city must continue prioritizing permanent housing, racial equity, high-quality services, and effective upstream interventions, like diversion.
“There are some new projects coming, which means we are starting to expand. That’s really exciting, and we need to continue that because we know what works. It’s all about scaling it now,” Haring-Cozzi said.
She said the biggest challenge continues to be the city’s housing supply and finding affordable options.
“What this funding helps do is bring more rental assistance to the table, but we have to find the units in the market, as well as continuing to build more units,” Haring-Cozzi said.
The 2023 “Point in Time Count” showed a decrease in overall homelessness, but it revealed an increase in vulnerable subpopulations, including those experiencing unsheltered homelessness and chronic homelessness.
The city then called for an increase in permanent supportive housing across the county.
With this new federal money, Horizon House will increase the city’s permanent supportive housing from a “master leasing” approach.
Also, Partners in Housing will use the funds for rental assistance, on-site case management and support services.
In 2018, Congress allocated funds for new projects that support survivors of domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. They are known as DV Bonus funds. This year, the Damien Center is among the recipients of the DV Bonus.
"This program will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of those affected, offering them the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment. The funding from the City of Indianapolis is a testament to the importance of addressing this issue and investing in solutions to combat homelessness and domestic violence,” said Alan Witchey, president and CEO of the Damien Center.
According to CHIP, the $11.9 million will help fund projects at 15 local organizations and help thousands of people.