Homeless Assistance in Indiana

Homeless Assistance in Indiana

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Indiana residents.

4,600+
People experiencing homelessness
180+
Assistance programs statewide
$65M+
Federal housing funds
92 Counties
With local resources
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Need help right now? Contact us here — we can connect you to local shelters and services in Indiana.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Indiana residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Indiana. Contact us for help locating the nearest open shelter and available resources in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Indiana. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Indiana veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Indiana residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Indiana. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Indiana receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Indiana Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Indiana locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Indiana community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Indiana residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Indiana State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Indiana for residents experiencing homelessness.

Indiana Housing & Community Dev. Programs

IHCDA administers state and federal housing programs including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing across Indiana.

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TANF – Indiana (IMPACT)

Indiana’s TANF program offering cash assistance and employment services for families. Apply online at fssabenefits.in.gov or any local DFR office.

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Indiana Medicaid (Healthy Indiana Plan)

Health coverage for low-income Indiana residents. Includes the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) for adults and traditional Medicaid for families and children.

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Indiana Housing Programs

Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Indiana residents.

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Indiana Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Indiana’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Indiana households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Contact us to find your nearest provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Indiana cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Indianapolis

Coalition for Homelessness Intervention — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Indianapolis area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Fort Wayne

SCAN – Fort Wayne — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Fort Wayne area.

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South Bend

South Bend CoC — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for South Bend area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Indiana.

Contact NHREA here and we will connect you to available shelter beds in Indiana. You can also visit 211.org to search for local resources.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Indiana. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Indiana benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. Indiana has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • Indiana Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Indiana veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Contact NHREA to find rapid re-housing programs in Indiana.
Apply at Indiana’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.