The Thomas Park/Avondale Neighborhood Association requested nearly $65,000 of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to support the work of our city’s neighborhood associations.
The Muncie Action Plan is the nonprofit partner tasked with allocating these federal dollars, which were established by the American Rescue Act of 2021.
Thomas Park/Avondale Neighborhood Association President James Heimlich said neighbors identified five areas in which to invest:
- Resources Access: Includes the purchase of a shed and yard tools neighbors can check out and use for their properties as well as food supplies to distribute at local sites around the neighborhood.
- Income/Micro-employment: Includes the purchase of $50-$100 gift cards to pay residents — both adult and youth — for work in the neighborhood. Residents can apply for these micro-employment opportunities through neighborhood job boards.
- Safety/Community: includes the purchase of Walmart/Meier gift cards as awards for residents who participate in block decorations events. This priority will invest in supplies for community events, including block parties, holiday events, and gatherings throughout 2024. It will support meals for neighborhood monthly meetings
- 8twelve Coalition’s Beautification Team: Includes implementation of neighborhood signs and information hubs.
- Quality of Life: Includes opportunities for residents to apply for micro-grants to support exterior beautification projects at their home/property. This priority also includes purchasing supplies to put up and stock boxes that offer basic information and supplies in areas where unhoused residents frequent.
The Thomas Park/Avondale Neighborhood Association meets at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Ross Community Center, 1110 W. 10th St. All residents are welcome to attend. Keep up with the association on Facebook.
