Study finds major issues in Marion County emergency assistance program

A new study identifies major issues in a local assistance program meant to help people in emergency situations.

Across Marion County nine trustees administer so-called poor relief funds to people who qualify.  Funds can be used to pay rent, utilities or medical bills for a resident in crisis. The system dates back to the early 1800’s in Indiana.

The Marion County Township Trustee report finds varying degrees of success in distributing funds across the townships. Systemic issues that persist include unused funds, inflexible hours and complicated rules.

The Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance partnered for the new report and Executive Director and President Rabbi Dr. Aaron Spiegel said delays in processing impact those at risk of losing housing.

“Often people are already either in the eviction process or after - have been evicted - and then it's a moot point, coupled with the high denial rates,” Spiegel said.

The study finds some townships only approve between 13 and 16 percent of applicants.

Township assistance is outlined in Indiana code and trustees are elected. It states that trustees should provide relief promptly, equitably and expeditiously. The code allows trustees to investigate applications and the report finds that can lead to an increase in denials. 

Spiegel said many people in crisis only need a few hundred dollars in assistance but are denied for a variety of reasons.

“Probably one of the most frustrating things is there's millions of dollars left unspent at the end of the year because of the inflexibility of the trustees,” Spiegel said.

This study finds millions of dollars are going unused.

Multiple attempts to change the trustee system in Indiana have been attempted in the legislature. This year a bill would dissolve township government across the state except in Marion County.

The report makes recommendations that include walk-in appointments at all trustee offices. Right now only three townships offer walk-in appointments. 

Other recommendations include clear, updated online information, faster application processing and support of appeals.

Contact WFYI Managing City Editor Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.