INDIANAPOLIS – The City of Indianapolis is partnering with United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) to distribute and administer $3.9 million in funds focused on housing for homeless and at-risk households.
UWCI’s aggressive implementation plan aims to put the money to work by September 2009. The timetable begins today as United Way seeks applications to provide homeless prevention activities for eligible participants for the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) under Title XII of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard said UWCI “was a natural choice for this important work.” He cited United Way’s role as an efficient and effective convener and coordinator in the human service network. The organization’s strategic study and planning for the city’s homelessness challenges dates back to 1996 and led to the creation of the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention of Greater Indianapolis (CHIP).
Applicants must demonstrate the organizational capacity and staff expertise to assess eligibility; develop and monitor housing permanency plans; identify and contract with eligible landlords and utilities; and manage the distribution and accounting of assistance checks for eligible activities. Funds can not be used to start new programs. Completed proposal packages are due by noon Friday, August 14, 2009 by postmark or hand delivered to UWCI at 3901 N. Meridian Street, P. O. Box 88409. Indianapolis, IN 46208.
The program will help people at or below 50 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) for which no appropriate housing options are identified and the lack of financial resources or support networks prevents them from immediately obtaining housing or remaining in existing housing. Program funding is intended for persons and households with moderate housing barriers to permanent, sustainable housing. It is not a substitute for other HUD Special Needs programs for persons with substantial and persistent barriers to sustainable permanent housing.
The funds are intended to target two populations of persons facing housing instability:
1. Individuals and families who are currently in housing but are at risk of becoming homeless and need temporary rent or utility assistance to prevent them from becoming homeless or assistance to move to another unit.
2. Individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and need temporary assistance to obtain housing and retain it.
Applicants can download a packet at www.uwci.org or call Caroline Lampert at 921.1257. To apply for funds, organizations must attend an information session during the week of July 20. Three sessions will be offered.
Source: City of Indianapolis
