Public library to hold resource fair to help access services

Housing insecurity is on the rise in Marion County. Central Library will host the first Maurice Young Resource Fair Tuesday, November 15th between 1 and 7 p.m. to assist those facing homelessness.

Yanna McGraw is a social worker who works with the library. She said the resource fair was named after Young, an advocate for people facing homelessness who led food and supply drives and fought for policy change.

“Prior to his passing away, he used to provide services here at Central to those individuals experiencing homelessness or needed help connected to services in the community,” McGraw said. “He did that once a week. Shortly after his passing, the library was asked to preserve his work, and to honor him.”

The library formed the IndyPL Homeless Resource Committee, a group of library employees who meet to form partnerships with community organizations and provide quality programming and resources in Indianapolis.

“The goal is to not just give out information, but make that true connection to services for those that struggle with connecting with services in the community,” McGraw said. “The pandemic brought a lot on of the need in our community, so we know the need is there.”

Admission to the fair is free. More than 50 service providers and agencies will participate in outreach for substance abuse, mental health concerns, medical screenings, employment, and services from teen and youth agencies. The event is the first for the public library system, but organizers hope to hold the fair annually and include other branches throughout Marion County.