BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington and the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) have partnered to distribute economic equity funds to support hundreds of Bloomington’s workers and working families directly.
The Economic Equity Fund was designed with strong encouragement from members of the City Council to mitigate potential financial impacts experienced by low-income working families affected by the 2022 passage of the Economic Development Local Income Tax (ED-LIT). Of the approximately $16 million raised annually with the ED-LIT for various purposes, $1 million is earmarked to mitigate potential impacts to local working families.
The City’s Community and Family Resources Department administers the Economic Equity Fund. It provides $1 million to SCCAP to address local needs for low-income community members. Half of the money will be directed to alleviate medical debt, which can diminish many families’ ability to thrive. The other half will address menstrual equity, childcare expenses, and certain housing expenses. These expenses can affect a resident’s ability to maintain or achieve a safe, healthy environment and lifestyle.
“I am proud of this step that reflects our community’s commitment to social and economic equity for all Bloomington residents,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “I thank the City Council for their support of this program and congratulate the partnership between the City and SCCAP that will help get resources to working families and individuals who otherwise face barriers to their success.”
Roughly one in six Indiana residents has a medical debt in collections. Through this initiative, SCCAP will provide grants to income-eligible city residents. SCCAP’s Covering Kids and Families team of qualified health navigators will examine insurance needs to minimize future medical debt. SCCAP will also help families sign up for resources such as Energy Assistance and Housing Assistance.
The other half of the funds support necessary expenses with which community members are struggling. These expenses include housing deposits, late fees, property taxes, food for medically specific diets, childcare expenses, and obtaining menstrual products.
“There needs to be systematic change to fix a lot of problems. Working families cannot wait for systematic change, and thankfully, the City of Bloomington recognizes that” said SCCAP Executive Director Eddy Riou, Jr. “SCCAP is excited about this unique partnership to strengthen our community.”
SCCAP plans to launch the Medical Debt Relief Program before the 2nd quarter of 2024, followed by the miscellaneous debt relief package soon after. Please visit insccap.org for upcoming information.
About South Central Community Action Program
The South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) is a nonprofit organization based in Bloomington, IN, that has served low-income people for over 55 years. Our mission is to provide low-income individuals and families with personal and economic independence opportunities. SCCAP administers Thriving Connections, Growing Opportunities, and Head Start in Monroe County and operates the Energy Assistance, Weatherization, Covering Kids & Families, the Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance Fund, and Housing Choice Opportunities in Monroe, Morgan, Owen, and Brown counties. We serve more than 4,000 families annually, representing more than 9,000 individuals. All SCCAP services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, national origin, ancestry, or status as a veteran.
About the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department
The Community and Family Resources Department is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Bloomington through programs and services designed to engage residents in service and encourage active participation in government; connecting community members to resources; encouraging collaborations among area nonprofits, businesses, organizations, and agencies; and celebrating Bloomington’s unique and diverse history, character, and people.
