Hoosiers Impacted by Shutdown Connect to Resources

Community organizations, service providers and entertainment venues are coming together today to show federal employees affected by the ongoing government shutdown available resources. The event is organized by the city of Indianapolis and the office of Congressman Andre Carson (D-Indianapolis). Participating agencies range from several food pantries and utilities offering payment assistance to attractions like the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra offering free admission to affected workers.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett says the city has seen "countless examples of Indianapolis residents, business owners and nonprofits stepping up in the midst of the federal government shutdown." Carson says the event aims to help "5,000 Hoosiers (who) are struggling to pay their bills and put food on their tables."

Organizations involved in today’s event include Indianapolis Power & Light, Citizens Energy, Southeast Community Services and John Boner Neighborhood Centers. Several food pantries, including Boulevard Place Food Pantry, Mid-North Food Pantry, Crooked Creek Food Pantry Inc. Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana and ICAN Food Pantry.

Several additional entertainment venues are also offering free admission, including Indy Parks, the Jewish Community Center, the Cat Theatre in Carmel, the Indianapolis Zoo, Conner Prairie in Fishers and Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Private companies including Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) have also come forward with offers. Lilly is encouraging those impacted by the shutdown to contact them and make sure they are receiving all eligible discounts for their treatments.