Connecting hearts, minds, and hands to meet needs in our community
Rental Assistance Plans Here Overwhelmed by Applications
Indianapolis has one of the highest eviction rates in the country, an issue that hits at the heart of the homeless issue that UNITE INDY is committed to affect. As a reaction to shut-down related economic woes, Indianapolis released $15 million in rental assistance, but Deputy Mayor Jeff Bennett admitted that amount was effectively drained within 15 minutes. The State of Indiana had a similar experience with its $25 million rental assistance program that covered counties outside of Marion County. The state has since allocated an additional $15 million. There are thousands who still need assistance. Both the City and State are now looking to the Federal government for help. Many are involved in working to assist those in need. We'll keep you informed.
Marion County Reentry Coalition Talks Homelessness
Some are claiming COVID-19 problems in prisons have boiled over into a homeless problem with many individuals getting an early release due to the pandemic. Those familiar with the homeless population downtown say there is an influx of new homeless people in this area who probably were released with little time to plan and may have nowhere to go. Meanwhile, area businesses are complaining clients are fearful and avoiding downtown due to violence, and the reported presence of needles, and fecal material outside of buildings.
Youth Speak Out On Violence Here, Say School is Needed
Darnell Perkins was part of a panel of young people discussing their attitudes towards the issues they are facing in this time of violence. Much of the discussion centered around social media—the positive—how connected they are, and how fast the word can be spread. The negatives, they said, are that people post opinions without considering the consequences, which too often result in violence. They also discussed that not being in school leads to too much time on young peoples’ hands which leads to trouble. The panel was presented by the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee's Race & Cultural Relations Leadership Network of which UNITE INDY's Jim Cotterill is a member.
Launch HOPE is a New UNITE INDY Partner
We are excited to add Launch HOPE to those we serve with our UNITE INDY volunteer web portal. The Launch HOPE Industrial & Entrepreneurship Center for employment and its education, business incubator program will supply needed training and retraining for adults who might otherwise be unemployable. Their industrial center here will be focused on sewing manufacturing with plans of employing up to 150 people and will welcome both private and government sewing contracts. In our effort to fight poverty, UNITE INDY searches for partners like Launch HOPE that equip people to find and keep good jobs that will raise them and their families out of need and into a stable financial situation, improving educational opportunities, and promoting health and wellness. Check them out!
The Post Office is Hiring Ex-Offenders, No Experience Needed
Here’s the catch: For any serious crime, you have to have 10 years free of arrest to be considered. But for those who qualify on that account, the starting pay is $21.77 per hour on average. And they have more than 1,000 jobs posted every day in the U.S. No experience is necessary. And who doesn’t love a government pension?
To get hired, go to the link below. You will have to take a test, but there is no educational requirement, and you can pay $39 for training to pass the test. All information is available on the site as well. Check it out!
Roadblocks for Returning Exoffenders Never End
In the midst of launching UNITE INDY'S SecondChanceIndy.com web portal that will allow Central Indiana reentrants to find jobs, we learn that COVID-19 mandates are not allowing training personnel into the prisons. So, new plans call for the production of videos that will train soon-to-be released folks step-by-step to find jobs through the site upon their release. Many incarcerated people have never used a computer, smart phone or even the internet. Quick, effective training is needed—not just to access our site, but to negotiate the new world they will all face. Here's the good news: Employers are signing up fast!
Empathy Can Cure Relationship Issues
Compassion is great, but empathy is far more healing. Nancy’s blog reveals how “Empathetics”— a real course for physicians—actually works to heal some patients. You too can heal others. You too can heal relationships. No medical background needed! At this time of great division and misunderstanding, empathy can bridge gaps, build mutual respect, and improve relationships in families and work places. Taking time to listen and really hear is the beginning. Check it out!
Who Me?

If not you, Who? If not now When?

Join the effort to help UNITE INDY to help others in a painless, but tremendously productive way. If not you...Who?
Become a UNITE INDY Member
For as little as $10 a month you not only support the work of UNITE INDY, fighting poverty, racism, and hunger in our city, you'll receive a MemberCard embossed with your name that provides two for one meals at restaurants all over town and a UNITE INDY T-shirt and wrist band! Plus you'll receive personal guidance on charitable donations with charity vetting available on our many partners with just a phone call. Check out this link!
What we do makes a difference!
UNITE INDY is connecting people every day to make a difference for those in our city who live in in perpetual want. It builds bridges of understanding between those who need help and those who can help.
• Connecting — UNITE INDY introduces urban pastors and ministry leaders to suburban pastors and business leaders. We also make available—At No Charge—a web-based system that connects churches, businesses, ministries, to charities enabling them to raise volunteers and publicize needed items.
• Raising Awareness — Through print, television, and radio UNITE INDY is sharing the needs of our community and celebrating victories.  
• Serving the Servants — UNITE INDY comes behind urban pastors and ministry leaders by addressing personal and professional needs for these men who work tirelessly in their neighborhoods to care for the needy and bereft.

Remember, almost 1 out of every 3 children in Indianapolis lives below the poverty level, yet even in the aftermath of the shut down, our economy is roaring back to life and employment is returning fast. But all this good news stops at the lines surrounding many of our inner city neighborhoods. In some neighborhoods of Marion County unemployment exceeds 20%. and poverty remains the overwhelming divider of people.

Please send a check today to UNITE INDY, 241 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Or donate via credit card by clicking here. It is secure and safe. By sending your fully tax deductible gift* now we can have a greater impact meeting needs in our community in 2020.

Many, many thanks!
*UNITE INDY, Inc. is approved under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3) as a Public Charity, donors can deduct contributions they make under IRC Section 170.
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