Rob MacPherson is  vice president for development at CICF.  Rob can be reached at robm@cicf.org.

The massive decline in the housing market, loss of jobs, and rising prices, have created a tremendously challenging time for thousands of Indianapolis low and moderate income households.  The situation has subsequently generated financial stress for our area’s homeless shelters, community centers, food banks, domestic violence agencies, childcare centers, and other assistance programs.  In fact, the Connect2Help 2-1-1 hotline has experienced more than a 30% increase in calls already in 2009, compared to last year.

In January, Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) joined forces with other foundations, funding agencies and generous individual donors across the city to coordinate support efforts for those most in need.  The Community Economic Relief Fund (CERF) was started and serves as a tool to ensure money is delivered to organizations serving those who are being most affected by the economic situation in a quick, efficient and effective manner.  The funding collaborative raised over $3 million to begin to address the needs in our community.  All of the recipient agencies were vetted by participating funders, ensuring only agencies with a proven track record would be included.  Funders closely monitor the outcomes of the funding. 

Facts and Figures

• Agencies, such as community centers providing basic services, report that reasons given for needing assistance are:
       o recent unemployment (under 13 weeks) - 35%
       o long term unemployment (over 13 weeks) - 32%
       o reduced employment - 32%
• 88% of the families served had household incomes of less than $32,550 in 2008    
• Food delivery agencies receiving CERF funds have impacted over 126,000 households including more than 52,000 children and over 15,000 vulnerable seniors.
• Neighborhood-based health service providers have assisted 4,200 households by providing over 10,000 prescriptions, nearly 4,000 doctor visits, and 400 dental visits.

The Stories

Report from a Neighborhood Community Center
Our organization continues to receive calls for help with rent and mortgage assistance and we saw a marked increase for utility assistance. However, we are also seeing many more families in need of groceries - our lobby was filled all day with families receiving grocery assistance and this evening the people coming in for a hot meal are overflowing our dining hall.  We are seeing homeless people and families that are much younger than in years past. This day is not unusual any more. It is difficult to prepare enough food in advance when the crowd keeps growing.  We are seeing more people following up on any job lead and trying to find a second job.  Our senior meal program has seen 30% increased participation this last week. Our preschool parents are so thankful for the funds allowing their children to continue coming here and for the meals the children receive.

Report from a Local Health Clinic
Like so many other agencies, we have received increased requests for utility and rent assistance, along with the healthcare services we provide. More patients are also stating that they do not have funds available for transportation to appointments or that if they use money to travel to an appointment, they will have to forego something else they need.

A client came to the clinic for food and medication. She had run out of medication to control her blood pressure weeks ago and was having nosebleeds and headaches as a result. She said that she used to work as a nurse's aid but lost her job and insurance. She had been trying to obtain employment, but lamented even fast food restaurants were not hiring.  She was relieved that soon she would be starting the night shift in a nursing home and the blood pressure medicine that we dispensed would hold her until she once again had some income.

Report from a Domestic Violence Shelter
Recent job losses and lack of employment opportunities continue to affect clients in various ways. We currently have a client who had never experienced abuse in her 20 year marriage until her husband lost his well-paying job. They have three children with one in college, and the financial pressures have taken their toll. Our client has been a stay-at-home mom and hasn’t acquired much work experience which is making it difficult for her to find employment.  Her husband has started drinking which contributes to his abusive behavior.

More clients are reporting layoffs and the need for services from our counseling center, and new clients continue to increase. More referrals are being requested for free services and support systems such as food pantries and legal aid to help with bankruptcies and foreclosures.

How You Can Help
To date, 46 agencies have been allocated $2,340,000, and the need for help in our community continues to grow.  If you would like to participate in the efforts of the Community Economic Relief Fund, please contact your CICF staff contact at 317.634.2423.