CHIP to award funds to address family homelessness in Indianapolis

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.