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Third Annual Indy Homeless Connect
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Indiana Convention Center |
Homelessness in Indianapolis
" . . . As we prepare to invest to build a strong and diverse economy, we would do well to ask: What are we prepared to invest in the lives of those who haven't shared in the prosperity of the last decade?
"Too many people in Indianapolis live in substandard housing, are at risk of homelessness, or already are homeless. Too many people at the lowest level of the income scale can't find housing that is safe and decent and affordable. I want Indianapolis to be a city where no child has to frantically stuff his worldly possessions in his backpack, worrying about where he will sleep, or if he will have to change schools again because his parent can't make the rent payment.
"I intend to go to work with our whole community toward the Blueprint's ultimate goal - bringing an end to our national shame: pervasive homelessness in the richest country in the world."
-- Mayor Bart Peterson, State of the City Address, February 20, 2002
- Approximately 79% of the community's homeless population were sheltered in either an emergency shelter or a transitional housing program, while 21% were unsheltered on the street.
- Individuals in families with children accounted for 26% of Marion County's homeless population.
- One out of every three individuals was identified as having chronic substance abuse problems.
- Approximately 12.5% of the homeless are veterans.
One out of every five individuals was identified as a victim of domestic violence.
-- "2007 Single Night Street and Shelter Count," Center for Health Policy, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
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The Blueprint to End Homelessness:
The Blueprint to End Homelessness calls for an approach that not only places chronically homeless individuals and families in affordable housing, but also works to prevent future homelessness by helping them obtain the skills and resources they need to remain in their current housing. The plan calls for making 1,700 additional rental units affordable to the poorest of the poor over five years and providing support services for 2,100 residents and families. |
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