Indianapolis to begin ‘Streets to Home Indy’ program

INDIANAPOLIS — A new Indianapolis program is aiming to end “chronic and unsheltered homelessness” in the city by 2028.

According to a news release from the city, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Mayor’s Leadership Council on Homelessness recently announced the “Streets to Home Indy” initiative.

Officials said that this initiative aims to house and provide services to around 350 unsheltered individuals living on the street. The release said that the goal of the initiative is to prevent future instances of homelessness through diversion efforts and rapid housing placements.

“I want to thank the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee for convening the Mayor’s Leadership Council on Homelessness, the group whose meaningful conversation and diligent work over the past eight months has led us to this moment,” Hogsett said in the release. “Streets to Home Indy represents the power and collaboration of an entire community. And together, with the shared belief that everyone has a right to housing, we are prepared to enact real change in Indianapolis.”

The initiative is expected to be divided into the following phases:

Phase One:

• House and provide wraparound services to around 350 unsheltered individuals. Rehousing efforts are expected to begin this summer
• Continue efforts to recover and stabilize the Indianapolis Housing Agency
• Duration: 9-12 months.

Phase Two:

• Expand initiative to include a focus on housing those in shelters
• Continue to recover and stabilize the Indianapolis Housing Agency
• Prioritize vouchers for those experiencing homelessness
• Develop a sustainability plan for Phase One

Phase Three

• Divert around 2,500 individuals annually from entering the homelessness system
• Identify long-term dedicated funding sources, including Medicaid waivers
• Continue developing sustainability plans for Phases One and Two.

The release said that funding for Phase One of the initiative will be supported by:

• $2.7 million allocation from the city of Indianapolis, approved by the City-County Council on June 9
• $2.7 million allocation from the Housing to Recovery Fund
• $2.7 million allocation from additional philanthropic, corporate and faith community sources.

For more information about the initiative, click here.