Candid, Open Conversation
This monthly newsletter provides information and updates from
the Community Services Department at the Indiana Housing and Community
Development Authority (IHCDA). If you have a specific interest or subject area
that you would like to read more about please contact us.
2017 PIT Count
The 2017 Point-in-Time Count took place on
Wednesday, January 25, 2017. This annual state-wide project would not be
possible without the dedication and support of Regional Coordinators, community
volunteers and dedicated program staff throughout the Balance of State.
Thank you for your contribution! More information on the Point-in-Time Count may be found here.
What is HOME TBRA?
Tenant-based rental
assistance (“TBRA”) is a rental subsidy that can be used to help individual
households afford housing costs such as rent and security deposits. TBRA
may also be used to assist tenants with utility deposits but only when HOME is
also used for rental assistance or security deposits.
For additional
information please contact Nastacia’ Moore at Namoore@ihcda.in.gov”
Re-entry/HOME TBRA
In preparation and to
gain interest and build capacity across the state of Indiana; IHCDA held a
Re-entry Learning Collaborative last year. We invited a myriad of professionals
from around the state who work directly with the re-entry population in
providing mental health treatment, housing placement, supportive services and
employment coaching for a day of learning. Our presenters came from
organizations such as PACE, Centerstone, Recovery Works, Aurora and the City of
Indianapolis.
The Community
Services department has been working diligently on developing an RFP (Request
for Proposal) for Re-entry. We encourage organizations interested or currently
working with the Department of Justice and the re-entry population prior to
release to apply for a two year funding award (GY 2017-2019) by submitting a
proposal once the RFP is issued by IHCDA. IHCDA had planned to release its RFP
to the public late June 2017 however due to Federal budget concerns, the RFP
for Re-Entry has been delayed until later in 2017.
 Ray Lay – Continuum of Care Board Member
My name is Ray Lay and I
am a formerly homeless, honorably discharged, US Marine. I live with and I am recovering with a dual
diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and poly substance abuse issues. By
the grace of God, and effort on my part, it has been about 12 years since my
last mental health hospitalization. I am almost 10 years clean and sober.
Regardless of the
multiple factors that led to me becoming homeless for over ten years, there is
one factor that has become a catalyst and springboard for my Recovery; becoming
HOUSED. I have been housed for almost 6 years now and during these 6 years I
have had the honor to talk about my long journey of mental health and substance
abuse, homelessness and incarceration and I have found that my sorrows can help
lead to joys for others. I am an Indiana Certified Recovery Specialist/Veteran
Peer Support Specialist and I perform my duties as a volunteer with the
pleasure of helping many navigate systems and their own personal attitudes and
prejudices in the pursuit of Recovery.
My own apartment has
been both a sanctuary and base where I can contemplate my yesterdays and
tomorrows; store my meds and take them as prescribed and work on the person I
desire to become to the best of my ability. I am more than sure that there are
many others out there like me. That is why I am proud to serve as a member of
the Indiana Balance of State (BOS) Continuum of Care (CoC). I am more than sure
that my life experiences can help both the homeless and the homeless service
providers see that Recovery is possible with the main foundation of stable
housing. I wholeheartedly embrace the fact that a place to call home can help
propel others to become productive citizens despite past mistakes.
As a Veteran Peer
Support Specialist I collaborate with a special team of people dedicated to
engaging veterans with severe mental illness. I am honored! As a member of the
BOS CoC I am equally honored to work with such a dedicated group of persons to
end homelessness in Indiana. I am not only honored, but highly blessed.
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