Staff Report /

**Volunteers Needed for 2025 Homelessness PIT Count in Marion County**

CHIP Indianapolis is calling for volunteers to participate in the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, an annual effort to gather data on individuals experiencing homelessness in Marion County. The event will take place from January 23 to January 29, 2025.

Last year, over 1,700 individuals experiencing homelessness were reached thanks to the efforts of volunteers, who played a critical role in conducting surveys and connecting with the community. This year, CHIP needs more volunteers to continue this vital work.

**Volunteer Opportunities**

Volunteers will assist in administering PIT surveys at community sites like libraries, food pantries, and service organizations. Specific dates, January 27 through January 29, will be dedicated to youth-focused sites. Each volunteer shift is 1.5 to 2 hours long.

**Training Requirements**

All volunteers are required to attend a training session before the event. The training will cover how to administer the PIT survey, interacting with vulnerable populations, and Naloxone (Narcan) training provided by Overdose Lifeline.

**Training Dates and Location:**

- **January 9:** 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

- **January 11:** 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

- **January 15:** 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

- **Location:** Southeast Community Services Center Auditorium, 901 Shelby St., Indianapolis

Volunteers can sign up for training and learn more about the PIT Count by visiting https://www.chipindy.org/pit/ or registering directly at https://bit.ly/4fRrqBW.

The data collected during the PIT Count helps shape programs, secure funding, and advocate for resources aimed at addressing homelessness in the community. This is an opportunity for residents of Indianapolis to make a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbors.

Source: CHIP Indianapolis

Source Type: Community

Source Location: Indianapolis

Ocala, FL

https://www.facebook.com/954912103335304/posts/995118719314642

Indianapolis Issues Level-3 Severe Thunderstorms Threat

INDIANAPOLIS — The National Weather Service in Indianapolis and Marion County Emergency Management said the highest local risk level is 3 for scattered severe thunderstorms this afternoon through midnight, with damaging winds and a few tornadoes as the primary threats and the best chance for severe weather from 8 p.m. to midnight; residents should stay weather aware and monitor forecasts.

Lt. Amanda Hyams graduates from Florida Sheriffs Association Commanders Academy

Friday, Lt. Amanda Hyams graduated from the Florida Sheriffs Association's 2026 Commanders Academy in Tallahassee, a two-week program described as the premier executive study for mid- to upper-level criminal justice leaders, with a curriculum focused on leadership, ethics and discipline, according to Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reports.

Marion County Faces Severe Thunderstorm Threat

A threat assessment from the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability, Marion County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service warns of scattered severe thunderstorms in Marion County this afternoon through midnight, with a level 3 risk and primary threats of damaging winds and a few strong tornadoes, plus the potential for large hail and heavy rain, with the best chance for severe weather from 8 p.m. to midnight and residents urged to stay weather aware and monitor forecasts.

OKC Arts Council Announces 2026 Festival of the Arts Winners

Oklahoma City — The Arts Council of Oklahoma City announced the winners of the 2026 Festival of the Arts Culinary Arts Awards, naming Best Sweet Wondervan Pops, Kids’ Choice Cool Cups, Best Savory Jolas Kitchen and Best in Show Rikas Botanas from more than 30 offerings at International Food Row, as the festival returns this Saturday and Sunday to Bicentennial Park.

OKC Festival of the Arts Day Two features ballet, drones

Oklahoma City capped Day 2 of the Festival of the Arts with a 60th anniversary drone show and a performance by the Oklahoma City Ballet at Bicentennial Park, according to the Arts Council Oklahoma City, with more events planned for Saturday and Sunday.

Law Day Rally set for April 30 in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Bar Association will hold the second annual Law Day Rally on April 30 from noon to 1 p.m. on the plaza of the Birch Bayh Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, with a coalition of co-hosts including multiple local bar associations and legal aid organizations.

OKC to Host Angels & Friends Playoff Night

The Arts Council OKC will host Angels & Friends on April 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bicentennial Park in downtown Oklahoma City, a pregame playoff event featuring live music, food and drinks, a Hi-Def Howlers reunion, early access to Festival artists, raffles and Fresh Paint murals with the Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by a walk to the Myriad Gardens as playoff night begins.

Pro-Am Gallery highlights artist partnerships at festival

At the Pro-Am Gallery, professional artists pair with amateur collaborators to shape each piece from the first spark to the final work, with the exhibit part of Festival April 23–26 and sponsored by Steve and Lisa Mason.

Oklahoma City's Festival of the Arts billed as citywide experience

Oklahoma City's Festival of the Arts is billed by Mayor David Holt and Meg Salyer as a citywide, community-focused event that has defined the city for 60 years and is scheduled for April 23–26.

Final Four Legacy funds new basketball court at Christian Park.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Final Four Legacy project funded a new basketball court facility at Christian Park Family Center and a $6.8 million expansion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, as city officials celebrate renovations meant to inspire Hoosier athletes and honor civil rights legacies ahead of the NCAA Final Four weekend.