A Message to the Community on Coronavirus
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is presenting the world with a dynamic and unprecedented situation, having immediate, far-reaching, and yet-to-be-seen impacts on communities. Our thoughts are with the many people who have been affected, both here in Indianapolis and across the world.
The Kennedy King Memorial Initiative is receiving updates as The Indiana State Department of Health is working directly with the Marion County Public Health Department to monitor the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus and its impact on the Indianapolis community. Given the coronavirus global pandemic, and our necessary responses to it, we are entering new territories that bring uncertainty, distress, and confusion. However, now is the time to forge ahead, with the urgency of love, wisdom, and compassion, to protect the health and safety of all within our community.
As we look across the international, national, and local landscape, we are especially concerned about how this pandemic will affect those who are most vulnerable among us. We think of those who cannot afford to lose a paycheck, those who cannot avoid the use of public transportation, those who lack internet access at home and cannot participate in virtual school, or older adults who are more susceptible to the virus.
It is in moments like these that we are reminded of the concept of Beloved Community, popularized by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Building beloved community starts with how we care for the most vulnerable.
The Kennedy King Memorial Initiative supports the Indianapolis city government, community organizations, and the many school districts that have stepped up to help ensure individuals, children, and families address many immediate needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of a concern for the safety and well-being of the community and the most vulnerable, we share the community programs and services identified by the Office of the Mayor aimed at helping those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please note, the supports below are not comprehensive but intended to quickly connect the Indianapolis community with tools for addressing immediate needs. If you have any medical or healthcare questions about the coronavirus outbreak, please go to Indiana State Department of Health or the Marion County Public Health Department.
COVID-19 Community Resources
Indy Parks and Recreation is continuing its free after school meal services for youth ages 18 and under and will follow the schedule below Monday-Friday. Printable copies of free meal schedules in English and Spanish.
Christian Park (4200 E. English Ave.)
Dinner: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Second Helpings: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Frederick Douglass Park (1616 E. 25th St.)
Dinner: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Second Helpings: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Krannert Park (605 S. High School Rd.)
Lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Municipal Gardens (1831 Lafayette Rd.)
Dinner: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pride Park (1129 Vandeman St.)
Dinner: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Second Helpings: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Riverside Park (2420 E. Riverside Dr.)
Lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Watkins Park (2360 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.)
Dinner: 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Windsor Village Park (6510 E. 25th St.)
Lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
INDY PARKS MOBILE SERVING SITES - Monday-Friday
Bethel Park (2850 Bethel Ave.)
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Second Helpings: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Broad Ripple Park (1550 Broad Ripple Ave.)
12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Brookside Park (3500 Brookside Parkway South Dr.)
3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Second Helpings: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Carriage House East Apartments (10174 Tinton Court)
1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Garfield Park (2345 Pagoda Dr.)
4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Georgetown Apartments (3239 Bunker Hill Ave.)
12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Hawthorne Place Apartments (5244 E. 32nd St.)
2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Rowney Terrace Apartments (1353 S. Riley Ave.)
2:30 p.m. - 3:00. p.m.
Twin Hills Apartments (2210 E. 36th St.):
1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Indianapolis Public Schools will have free breakfast and lunch at seven designated locations to anyone under 18, even if they are not IPS students. These meals will be available Monday-Friday, from 11-1 pm in the parking lots of the following schools:
• George Washington
• Arlington Woods
• Brookside
• Charles Fairbanks
• James Whitcomb Riley
• Eleanor Skillen
• Carl Wilde
Individual and Family Food Support
Information for individuals and families about food support during the COVID-19 pandemic
Additional School District Food Support
Information about Marion County school district food support during the COVID-19 pandemic
Utilities Support
Information about utilities support during the COVID-19 pandemic
Artist Support
Information for local artists impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
Worker Support
Information for local workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
Child Care Support
Information for local residents seeking child care support during the COVID-19 pandemic
Donations and Volunteer Opportunities
Information for Indy residents looking to support their community
Small Business Support
Information for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
Please contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath and have a recent history of travel to areas affected by COVID-19 or contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.
General questions about COVID-19 may be directed to the Indiana State Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center at the toll-free number 877-826-0011 (available 24/7) or email epiresource@isdh.in.gov. As neighbors, family members, residents, and friends, we must all do our part – as one city – to support one another during this difficult time. We thank all of you for your courageousness in the unknown, and your adaptability to the changing landscape.
Sincerely,
The Kennedy King Memorial Initiative