Indy Council Advances Proposal For Homeless Employment Program

The Indianapolis City-County Council advanced a proposal Monday night to create an employment program for the city’s homeless population.

Scott Armstrong is executive director of Partners in Housing, which provides low-barrier supportive housing in Marion County. He spoke in support of the bill, along with leadership from other local service providers and homeless advocacy groups.

Armstrong says getting hired is a challenge for anyone who goes years without working.

“So what you need is sort of a forgiving employer, an understanding employer, and this is a, this is a small step in that direction,” Armstrong says.

Jobs made available through the program would include city cleaning, litter removal and assistance with beautification efforts.

Funding for the program would come from money raised by extended parking meter hours in the city. Some of that money being set aside – $300,000 in total – would also go to groups providing wrap-around services for the homeless population.