IHCDA COVID-19 update: A message from Jake
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, we are dealing with significant challenges across our state and nation. Many of us are working remotely and separated from friends, family and co-workers. This isn’t business as usual. However, its a moment in time when the work we are doing together is most critical.
I mentioned last week our 25 weekly listening sessions. During one of these calls, the need for flexible dollars was raised as an issue by members of the Indiana Balance of State Continuum of Care. So, our Director of Community Services Elby Hilton and her team quickly worked across IHCDA to identify available resources.
Using Executive Director Delegated Authority approved by the IHCDA Board of Directors on March 26th, we allocated $400,000 from IHCDA's Emergency Housing Disaster Relief Fund to create the COVID-19 Emergency Relief program. Working closely with the Indiana Balance of State Continuum of Care, one organization representing each of the 16 regions was awarded a $25,000 grant to support individuals experiencing homelessness who might be affected by the outbreak.
In about 2 weeks time, the program was conceptualized, organizations applied and the money was out the door. An incredible effort that required both long hours and close collaboration between organizations across the state. I would like to thank our team here at IHCDA, the Indiana Balance of State Continuum of Care and our homeless service providers for their dedication to serving our most vulnerable Hoosiers.
To see a complete listing of COVID-19 Emergency Relief program awards look under the "IHCDA Delegated Authority" tab on our COVID-19 Resources webpage.
I have just a few additional updates I wanted to share with you this week:
- The IHCDA board meeting tomorrow, Thursday, April 23rd, will be held remotely in accordance with the Governor Eric Holcomb's Executive Order. Details on how to access the meeting can be found by clicking here.
- Governor Holcomb extended the Stay At Home order in Indiana until May 1st. He also announced plans to work closely with other Governor's in the Midwest to provide a systematic and data-driven approach to re-opening the economy in Indiana. I encourage you to tune-in to his press conferences each week day at 2:30 pm.
- For additional updates and information about available resources, please visit our COVID-19 Resources page here.
As always, please don't hesitate to contact me at jsipe@ihcda.in.gov or on my direct line at 317-233-1811 if there is anything I can do to help you or your organization. Remember, we're #INthistogether!
 J. Jacob Sipe
Executive Director
 
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