Study finds major issues in Marion County emergency assistance program

This story was originally posted on WFYI.By JILL SHERIDANA new study identifies major issues in a local assistance program meant to help people in emergency situations.Across Marion County nine trustees administer so-called poor relief funds to people who qualify. Funds can be used to pay rent, utilities or medical bills for a resident in crisis. The system dates back to the early 1800’s in Indiana.The Marion County Township Trustee report finds varying degrees of success in distributing funds across the townships. Systemic issues that persist include unused funds, inflexible hours and complicated rules.The Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance partnered for the new report and Executive Director and President Rabbi Dr. Aaron Spiegel said delays in processing impact those at risk of losing housing.“Often people are already either in the eviction process or after – have been evicted – and then it’s a moot point, coupled with the high denial rates,” Spiegel said.The study finds some townships only approve between 13 and 16 percent of applicants.Township assistance is outlined in Indiana code and trustees are elected. It states that trustees should provide relief promptly, equitably and expeditiously. The code allows trustees to investigate applications and the report finds that can lead to...