Crisis center programs in Indianapolis and Marion County.
Anyone that needs help in Marion County can call upon the Crisis center service. This is a resource that is provided across the community that coordinates the various assistance programs offered by charities, churches, the government, and other agencies. All of the resources are complied and referrals can be offered to low income families as well as the disabled and seniors.
For those who contact the service, they will be directed to resources that may be able to assist. While applications will need to be processed, and funds are limited, the agencies may be an option for the less fortunate. Some of what is available includes food, emergency rent or utility bill help, and more.
Hunger prevention is available. Crisis center, often called Connect2Help, can offer details on both public benefits (such as food stamps or WIV vouchers for new mothers) or more charity services, which are food pantries run by churches or groups such as Feeding America.
The focus will also be on more basic food needs, such as everyday groceries or meals for the homeless. However there may be more exceptional or one time needs addressed, such as food for Christmas or summer snacks for school age children.
Clothing and household items are available to those in need. A focus is on keeping people warm during the winter, or giving them what they need for a job. Referrals are offered for these types of services in Indianapolis, or even to local thrift stores.
Eviction prevention is available by referrals. This comes in many forms, and Crisis center can provide linkage to agencies that may be able to help. Some of the resources include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Government grants from programs such as ESG can help with back rent payments.
- The homeless can be placed into shelters or more medium term transitional housing programs in Marion County.
- Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) referenced above can also assist with security deposits.
- Attorneys can offer free advice and mediation services to landlords and tenants.
So the Crisis center can refer people to those or other services. The demand for any type of housing or rent help is very high, and unfortunately only a fraction of applications will normally be approved. However, these homeless prevention services can be an option for struggling families.
During certain times of the year, charities in Marion County operate Seasonal Programs. Crisis center can offer information on them at the proper times, and examples include free school supplies both at the beginning and throughout the school year. There may also be fans for the ill or senior citizens in the summer and free winter coats, blankets, hats, and winter clothing in the cold.
Holiday assistance, including at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, is available in the form of free food or meals. There and also gifts and toys provided for both Thanksgiving and Christmas to children or the elderly in nursing or home care.
Callers can learn about any options for transportation. This may be one program provided to people from the county so they can attend job interviews or maybe medical appointments for seniors. In addition, transportation is offered to other clients in a crisis, as funds are available. Some referrals may be made to free bus tokens, which may be given to those individuals who are trying to get to work or maybe a job interview. In rare cases, gasoline vouchers, bus and train tickets are provided in some situations.
Case Management is another focus. All callers to Crisis center seeking assistance from local non-profits in Indianapolis will generally need to meet case managers or social workers for an assessment. Information gathered from this assessment on their income and expenses, combined with the clients’ input and future goals are used to develop a restoration plan. Another result of this process is even more referrals are usually provided to help the client’s overcome the challenges they face, whether it is employment or debt challenges.
Crisis center is a great source of information on medical bill assistance, ranging from community clinics to emergency prescriptions. Some centers in the community will offer this type of support as funds are available, and clinics may be run by churches or volunteer doctors in the community.
The crisis resource center can be a source of information, and many residents also refer to it as Connect 2 Help. In either case, residents should call 317-926-4357 for information.
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