In the midst of all the disruption, good news emerged from HMP. This spring’s KIB Great Indy Cleanup, in which Historic Meridian Park was scheduled to participate on April 18, was indefinitely postponed due to the fallout of the COVID-19 crisis. In the absence of the ability to coordinate and host this event, HMP was pleased to announce an alternative solution that will have a positive impact on this neighborhood and provide meaningful work to some of the city’s most vulnerable citizens.
Last year, two local organizations, Keys to Work and RecycleForce, in partnership with the Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety, kicked off the Pathways to Employment program offering meaningful work, a reliable paycheck, and opportunities for long-term employment to the city’s panhandler and homeless population. The city renewed the program for 2020. The program has been sending crews out to work on beautification projects around town since March 9 of this year. In the midst of stay at home orders, the Pathways program was deemed an essential service and supplements the important work that DPW is doing by keeping the city clean and clear of waste.
As an alternative to HMP’s normally-scheduled neighborhood spring cleanup event, Keys 2 Work and RecycleForce sent the Pathways crew to Historic Meridian Park to conduct litter cleanup and removal on the morning of May 6. Members of the board surveyed the area and identified some hotspots on which to focus. Board members and neighbors were encouraged to develop creative ways to show gratitude, take pictures, and, if necessary, provide direction.
The crew spent a day in HMP with lunch provided by the board. The MFC Neighborhood Association also donated money to cover three days of lunch to keep the crew in the area. That money went back to the community by purchasing 10 meals each day from Unleavened Bread Cafe (Chef Dan’s catering) and Pa & Ma’s restaurant at College and Fairfield.