Indy Homeless Center Lands Funding
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has signed an ordinance appropriating funding for an engagement center for homeless individuals. Organizers of the Albert G. and Sara I. Reuben Engagement Center say it will save taxpayers money on criminal justice and emergency medical expenses.
April 10, 2015
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Today, on April 10, 2015, Mayor Ballard signed City-County Fiscal Ordinance Proposal 72, which appropriates funding for the operation of The Albert G. and Sara I. Reuben Engagement Center, to be located at 742 E. Market Street.
An Engagement Center has long been discussed and needed in our community, as a low-barrier entry point for homeless individuals who are unable to be served at traditional shelters due to intoxication and related mental health issues. The Engagement Center model will benefit homeless individuals through bypassing incarceration and emergency room visits and connecting them to services that can end homelessness and can save lives. Accordingly, the Center will also save our community significant funds in criminal justice and emergency medical expenses.
Our community has many people to thank for this important news – Larry Reuben through his parents' estate for pledging $750,000 in support of capital expenses, Councillor Leroy Robinson, with help from Councillor Jeff Miller, for spearheading the effort to bring this before the City- County Council, the Council members who voted to approve this proposal, the community members who have spent countless hours over the past two decades planning, researching, developing and advocating for this Center, and Mayor Ballard for signing this proposal.
We look forward to providing updates as this initiative moves forward and becomes a reality.
Source: CHIP Indy