If you subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter, you surely have seen the number of resources available to those in Midtown and residents of the city of Indianapolis as we continue to navigate through these tough times with the outbreak of COVID-19. We’ve compiled all these resources below and will continue to keep this page up to date as we capture more information. For an even more extensive update, head to our partners over at Indy Midtown Magazine. We hope that everyone is staying healthy and safe during these strange times and are excited to come together again as a community once it is safe to do so. If you have information, key resources, or an uplifting story to include in our upcoming e-newsletter, social media, or this page, please contact info@midtownindy.org.
For more information on Mayor Hogsett’s plan to re-open Marion County, head here.
Staying Connected
Access to the internet is critical with so many closures of offices and institutions. If you don’t have internet at home, check out these resources as several providers are offering free internet and installation particularly for homes with school age children: Charter Communications will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.Comcast is giving new customers access to its Internet Essentials program with two free months of service due to the outbreak.
IndyGo is still operating and constantly implementing new safety measures and changing service schedules to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read their update for more information.
Community Compass is an app that you can download that helps our neighbors who are food insecure. Download the app or visit their website to view the many resources and ways that residents can find food assistance in Marion County.
The City of Indianapolis also has compiled a list of the latest restrictions and a growing list of resources and access to city services, along with other important information.
Employment/Unemployment & Business Resources
Whether you own a business, or are seeking resources to alleviate loss of employment, there are organizations who can help. The Indy Chamber Rapid Response Hub has answers to many of your questions and links to key resources. Be sure to check out their FAQ and pose your own questions, as they continue to update the resources available. There is an updated list of all SBA loans available now. Some SBA loans are forgivable if used for Payroll, rent, utilities, debt, and more. Learn more from the U.S. Small Business Administration.Work One and the Department of Workforce Development can also assist with employment and unemployment information and questions.
LISC Indy is providing small business resources including a number of loan platforms and funds to check out. Learn more and view the full list here.
The Indy Chamber has announced RESTART Indy grants– sign up to be notified when applications are live.
Supporting Local Businesses
Midtown area businesses are resilient, but they desperately need your continued support and patronage. See if carry out & delivery are available at your favorite local establishments through groups like Eat Here Indy, Savor & Sip and Yelp Indy. You can also place orders through apps like Grubhub, Total TakeOut, Open Table, Resy and others. When in doubt, call your local establishment because many are doing their own deliveries!
Don’t just think about carry out meals at your favorite spot, some are making major changes to adapt to the closure and increase access to food. Check out how Liter House and other Sahm’s locations are evolving to serve your needs. And don’t forget about your favorite local stores and shops, too! Check social media or email/call your favorite local businesses to see if they are shipping or delivering their products. Or buy a gift card!
The Broad Ripple Village Community is mobilizing to support its impacted workers and small businesses. Need help or want to help out? Learn more about the ‘Rona Relief Fund.
Are you a local restaurant owner or manager looking to expand outdoor seating options as we re-open? Fill out this brief survey for the City of Indianapolis as they look to work with businesses and restaurants to observe social distancing.
Supporting Midtown Workers & Families
There is no shortage of impacts on area workers with many service industry and other businesses closed. Individuals and families are in need of many resources. Volunteers are also needed to assist in delivering key services to our most vulnerable neighbors. Whether you need assistance or are ready to pitch in, below are a few resources to consider.The MLK Center continues to provide important resources and volunteer opportunities for residents and neighbors. Learn more and if you are able, learn more and sign up for delivery volunteer opportunities to help our most vulnerable neighbors.
The Indy Hunger Network and Community Compass App are here to help people find access to food.
As of 3/23/2020, Indy Parks family centers, nature centers, and playgrounds will be closed to the public, except for food programs. Eagle Creek will remain open from dawn to dusk utilizing the honor box at the gates. Contact the Customer Service Center at (317) 327-PARK or email indyparkscs@indy.gov with any questions at this time.
Indy Parks is continuing its FREE after school meal services for youth ages 18 and under. Check their schedule for updates. Second Helpings is providing sandwiches for adults.
IPS is offering daily meals for IPS Students at various locations including at James Whitcomb Riley School 43 (40th and Boulevard) between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., details here.
IPS and Gleaners have partnered to feed all IPS students and families with 25 locations around Indy, 4 of them located in the Midtown area.
Gleaners is also offering pantry resources for those in need and has opportunities for those who want to lend a hand. You can donate, shop for someone in need, help package meals and more. Know that the need is great right now and find out how you can help!
As of April 10, read more about Midtown Food Resources During COVID-19 Emergency– from Indy Midtown Magazine
Wanting information on your stimulus check? Pete the Planner has you covered.
IPS and Circle City Broadcasting have teamed up to broadcast K-8 lessons to students from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday starting April 27. Learn more.
Support local artists and entrepreneurs with the Kheprw Institute’s Local Entrepreneur & Artist Direct Support Fund.
Things You Can Do From Home
Check out this extensive list of digital resources for parents with children at home.- The Indy Learning Team posts its weekly Favorite Five – the five top educational activities to do with kids. Free downloadable resources range from preschoolers to 4th graders.
- The Indianapolis Opera continues to champion the vocal arts through a series of videos targeting K-12 students. Downloadable curricula help seasoned educators as well as parents-turned-educators craft an appropriate educational experience for students.
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Facebook Live programs. Check them out with your kiddos!
- Newfields at Home offers virtual access to the natural beauty of the closed 52 acre site as well as how-to arts and crafts videos to spur creativity at home.
- Utilize Indianapolis Public Library Online
- Take 5 with Arts for Learning- livestream musical and visual arts
- Reconnecting to Our Waterways (ROW) offers its Illustrated Nature Guide for free download along with other resources to help students and their families creatively explore nearby urban natural spaces.
- Fitness classes at home with our friends from Haven Yoga Studio and Naptown Fitness
- IndyHub and Leadership Indianapolis digital programming and resources
Future Events
Tarkington Park FestStay tuned for new date!
Tarkington Park (45 W 40th St)
Regretfully, we must cancel our 2nd Annual Tarkington Park Fest which was slated for June 6 until a safe date can be determined to host the event. We will be watching week to week and will provide updates to all as the situation develops. Don’t worry though, the festival will happen and together we will make it bigger and better than ever! Imagine how it will feel when we all emerge from our homes together to celebrate as a stronger community!
Closed through April 30- but you can place orders online here!
If you have information, key resources, or an uplifting story to include in our upcoming e-newsletter, social media, or this page, please contact info@midtownindy.org.