August 19, 2019
Tonight Mayor Pete Buttigieg delivered an update to the South Bend Common Council on a number of positive developments regarding the City’s approach to alleviating homelessness. The City has chosen to reallocate funds previously intended for a gateway center into an expansive set of permanent supportive housing units, after securing multiple new funding opportunities in 2019 to support a much greater level of housing than earlier thought possible. By leveraging City dollars with money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority as part of the 2019 Indiana Corporation for Supportive Housing Institute, 78 permanent supportive housing units are expected to come online over the next 12-18 months. As of August 13, there were 109 individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in South Bend. Coordinated Entry will continue to be the process by which unsheltered people experiencing homelessness will be offered housing.
“Tonight’s announcement marks a significant step in resolving one of the most intractable issues a community can face,” said Mayor Buttigieg. “Using an integrated community approach, we will assist dozens more individuals experiencing homelessness and make major progress toward the ultimate aim of an end to unsheltered homelessness in our city.”
The City recently purchased the Salvation Army building located on the corner of Monroe Street and Main Street. Beginning November 1, Hope Ministries will provide low-barrier cold weather amnesty service in the northern section of the building. The Center for the Homeless will provide additional service for weather amnesty overflow in their lobby.
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