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Indianapolis families at risk of homelessness could benefit from new funding.
The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, CHIP, was awarded $1.25 million from the Bezos Day1 Families Fund in 2020.
CHIP Executive Director Chelsea Haring-Cozzi said the first round of grants, totaling $260,000, is now open to nonprofit organizations in Indianapolis.
“The goal is to open up this funding opportunity in a way that aligns with the community plan but really hones in on the needs of families,” Haring-Cozzi
The grants aim to reach a broader group of organizations working on this issue. Groups beyond the city’s Continuum of Care partners, may be doing diversion, permanent housing, service support or rental assistance.
The Day 1 Families Fund commits nearly $400 million to address homelessnes in families. CHIP will award a total of $1 million to local groups. Haring-Cozzi said the money allows for more flexible innovative answers.
“A million dollars in not going to solve family homelessness alone,” she said, “but hopefully it's a start to be intentional and focused and we continue to leverage other funding sources to address the needs of families.”
The city’s plan to end homelessness identifies a 50 percent reduction in family homelessness by 2023.
There will be a demonstration year and then a performance evaluation before more of the funding is designated.
Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.
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