The proposal requiring individuals and organizations to register with the city for some larger-scale charitable work has been tabled with “no plans” for its resurrection.
Proposal 256 would require a person or group intending to deliver food, clothing or other donations to at least 10 people in a public right-of-way or property to register with the Office of Public Health and Safety at least 48 hours in advance.
City-County Council President Vop Osili, Vice President Zach Adamson and Kristin Jones — all Democrats – sponsored the bill, which is similar to a proposal Democrats rejected in 2020.
As of March 3, Councilors have “no plans to reintroduce the proposal again,” said a Council spokesperson.
The measure was tabled in August following a contentious public meeting where mutual aid organizations criticized it for being harmful and hasn’t been heard since.
When a proposal sees no action for six months, it automatically falls off the agenda, a Council spokesperson said.
Statement from Osili regarding Proposal 256, 2022:
“Addressing the needs of constituents experiencing homelessness and food insecurity has long been a top priority for the Council. Over the past two years, we’ve adopted multiple ordinances aimed at providing safer, more coordinated services to our homeless neighbors while balancing the valid concerns of area residents and businesses. In response to these new ordinances, our partners at the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) have established a Safe Distribution Site at Old City Hall for donated food and goods and installed portable bathrooms and handwashing stations there.The goal behind Proposal 256, 2022, was to increase and further centralize services and support for our neighbors experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Although the proposal in its current form will not proceed, the goal behind it remains very much alive as the City secures a location for a low-barrier shelter and service center that will better address the aim of centralizing services for our unhoused neighbors. This facility, for which the Council approved funding in 2021, will connect these neighbors to case management services, housing options, and employment opportunities while also meeting immediate needs for shelter and safe distribution of food. It will also create a dedicated space for volunteers and service providers to coordinate their efforts. In the meantime, we encourage volunteers to continue to utilize the space adjacent to Old City Hall for the safe distribution of food and donation of items.”
Contact staff writer Jayden Kennett 317-762-7847 or email at jaydenk@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @JournoJay.
