The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation announced a $74,900 grant to the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP), which will be able to help an estimated 146 people experiencing homelessness in Indiana move into stable housing. The money will go to Street Reach Indy, a collaboration between CHIP and Downtown Indy Inc. founded in 2017 to help transition people out of homelessness.
“A lot of individuals experiencing homelessness, they get connected to housing, but getting that initial first month’s rent and deposit is a big barrier when you’re living on the streets or living in shelter,” said Tom Tuttle, Street Reach Indy manager. “So we kind of get them over that hump that they need to get into permanent housing to be successful.”
On any given day in Indianapolis, about 1,700 people experience homelessness, which represents about 51 percent of the state’s total homeless population. In its first year, Street Reach Indy has had a 94.7 percent success rate with people maintaining housing, according to Tuttle.
At a press conference Feb. 26 outside the Indiana Convention Center, Tuttle highlighted the success story of a couple who lost their two children to the foster care system because the family was homeless. Street Reach Indy covered their deposit and the family has been together now for about a year.
It was the second win in as many days for the city’s homeless and their advocates. The Indianapolis City-County Council advanced a proposal Feb. 25 to create an employment program for the city’s homeless population. Jobs would include litter removal and assisting with beautification efforts in the downtown area.
Jeff Bennett, deputy mayor of Indianapolis, attended the press conference and said half of the money generated by the policy — $300,000 in total, coming from money raised by extended parking meter hours — would go to the employment program, with other money going to wrap-around services.
Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.
Street Reach Indy has boxes and parking meters around the city to collect money for its program, which helps people transition from homelessness to stable housing. (Photo/Tyler Fenwick)
