Dear Indy,
We’ve written a lot about the challenges Indianapolis faces when it comes to homelessness and housing insecurity.
Well, Indy got some good news yesterday.
The city is getting nearly $12 million in new federal funding to help people who are homeless — a 20% boost compared to the prior year.
The Damien Center, which has a bunch of programs to help people who are LGBTQ+, is one of the organizations that will be able to help more people because of the funding.
“This program will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of those affected,” Damien Center CEO Alan Witchey said, “offering them the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.”
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In other news
- Indianapolis playwright Lou Harry is back with a list: Here are the 10 Indy actors you should be following right now.
- Indiana students in prison may soon be able to use Pell Grant money to enroll in Ivy Tech’s business administration and automotive technology programs. The community college system is awaiting final approval. Learn more here.
- The Mind Trust is looking to fill 250 openings for its Indy Summer Learning Labs. The program will run from June 17 to July 19. If you’re interested in learning more about the teacher and classroom assistant openings, we have more details.
What’s going on around the city
- Tomorrow, March 14: The Marion County Sheriff’s Office hosts a “Through My Eyes” event open to the community starting at 6 p.m. at its training academy, 901 N. Post Road. Created by Sheriff Kerry Forestal in partnership with Martin University, the program uses interactive role reversals to help bridge the gaps between police officers and residents. Tomorrow’s event will walk members of the public through a traffic stop to help shed light on the procedural protocols. Free.
- Friday, March 15: Local artist McKayla Mae Bensheimer and Los Angeles-based artist Monica Sandoval will open their gallery exhibits — “Pastel Works!” and “Everything to Give and Nowhere to Go,” respectively — at Storage Space, 121 E. 34th St. Starting at 6 p.m., visitors can also grab Korean street food from local chef Grace Siebert. Free.
- Saturday, March 16: Indianapolis-based quintet The Get Well Susans will perform a free show at Fountain Square Brew Co., 1301 Barth Ave., at 8 p.m. The indie-folk band will be joined by local singer-songwriter Kai Ellis. Fountain Square Brewing Co. will help guests kick off the spring with over a dozen styles of local beer, cider and a variety of non-alcoholic options.
— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter
Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.
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What else we’re reading today
- Axios Indianapolis: Apparently gluttons for punishment, our friends at Axios are already previewing what might come during the next legislative session — including overhauls to road funding, education spending and even the state’s tax system.
- Chalkbeat Indiana: A cellphone ban is on the way for Indiana students. If you’re curious about the reasons for the ban or how it will work, read up here.
- Indiana Capital Chronicle: Indiana has become the 31st state to allow political candidates to use campaign contributions to pay for child care expenses. Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, D-Fishers, and Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, asked the Indiana Election Commission to clarify the law.
Notes from our Documenters
On Monday, we added live tweeting to our Indy Documenters toolbelt. Documenter Bréone Dupree reported on the recent Citizens’ Police Complaint Board meeting. You can read his tweets here.
Today, we’re hosting an Indy Documenters orientation. If you’re interested in becoming a Documenter, this is your opportunity. We’ll talk about taking notes at public meetings, your rights as a Documenter and more. The orientation is at 6 p.m. at The AMP at 16 Tech. You can register here.
— Ariana Beedie, community journalism director
Interested in being a Documenter? Here’s how.
Reflections
Hey, you! Yes, you! The deadline to register to vote in the primary election is less than a month away. Don’t forget to register.
Ryan
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
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