Last updated: July 14, 2026
Bottom line
Housing help in Indiana is handled through several local systems. If you need a safe place tonight, call 2-1-1. If you are behind on rent, contact your township trustee and local Community Action Agency. If you have eviction papers, contact legal aid and follow the court dates. For lower rent over the long term, apply to every Housing Choice Voucher, public housing, and affordable-property list you can use.
The statewide Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance program is not taking new applications. The state rental portal currently shows no open application calls. Current help is more likely to come through township assistance, local agencies, limited city or county funds, shelters, legal services, and benefits that lower other household bills.
Use the ASMOM housing help hub for national housing paths. The Indiana help page covers food, cash, health, child care, and other support that may make housing costs easier to manage.
If you need help today
Call 911 if anyone is in immediate danger. For emergency shelter, rent referrals, food, utility help, or other local services, dial 2-1-1 or use Indiana 211. The service is free and available across the state.
If abuse, stalking, sexual violence, or threats are part of the housing crisis, call Indiana’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 800-332-7385. The Indiana crisis program finder lists local programs with confidential support. Use a safer phone or device when possible if someone may be watching your calls or internet use.
If you received eviction papers, read every page and note the hearing date. Use the Indiana eviction resources page and contact a legal aid office as soon as possible. A rent-help request does not stop the court case by itself.
Where to start
Start with the problem that could harm your family first. You can work on short-term and long-term housing at the same time.
I need shelter
Call 2-1-1 and ask for family shelter, coordinated entry, and the next safe option if no bed is open.
I am behind on rent
Call your township trustee, Community Action Agency, and 2-1-1. Ask which programs are accepting applications today.
I have court papers
Contact legal aid quickly, keep every notice, and attend the hearing unless the court tells you otherwise.
I need lower rent
Check live voucher lists, local housing authorities, public housing, and income-restricted apartments.
Before you apply, use the ASMOM documents checklist to build one folder for IDs, income proof, household records, notices, bills, and application numbers.
Quick help table
| Your need | Best first contact | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Safe place tonight | Indiana 211 and local shelter intake | Space changes daily. Ask what to do if the first shelter is full. |
| Past-due rent | Township trustee and Community Action | Rules and funds vary by township, county, and agency. |
| Eviction papers | Legal aid and the court | Do not miss a hearing while waiting for money help. |
| Long-term lower rent | Housing authorities and property lists | Lists may be open in one county and closed in another. |
| Utility shutoff | Community Action and utility provider | The regular 2025–2026 state energy application is closed. |
Emergency shelter and homelessness help
Call 2-1-1 if your family has nowhere safe to stay. Ask for family shelter, homeless outreach, coordinated entry, motel or overflow options, and transportation help if you cannot reach the referral.
Most Indiana counties are part of the Balance of State CoC. It covers 91 of Indiana’s 92 counties. Marion County has a separate Continuum of Care. A Continuum of Care is a local network, not one shelter or one payment program.
The coordinated entry system helps communities assess housing needs and prioritize limited programs. It does not promise shelter, a voucher, or an apartment. Tell the intake worker where your family slept last night, when you must leave, and whether children, pregnancy, disability, medical needs, or safety concerns are involved.
For a broader emergency plan, use the ASMOM Indiana emergency guide. If violence is involved, the national domestic violence guide explains confidential shelter and legal-help paths without replacing advice from a trained advocate.
Rent help and township assistance
State rental assistance status
The pandemic-era Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance programs are not a current statewide application path. The official state rental portal says there are no open calls for applications. Do not send personal documents to an old application link or anyone who promises approval for a fee.
Township trustee help
Indiana township trustees administer township assistance for residents who cannot meet basic needs. Depending on local rules and the household’s situation, assistance may address rent, shelter, utilities, food, medicine, or other necessary costs.
Apply through the trustee for the township where you live. The official township assistance guide says decisions must be given in writing and a denial notice must include appeal information. Each township also uses written standards and may ask for income, expense, residency, and crisis records.
Ask for an application even if a staff member thinks you may not qualify. Tell the office about any eviction, shutoff, shelter, or court deadline. Payment may go directly to the landlord, utility, or other provider rather than to the applicant.
Community Action Agencies
Indiana has 22 designated Community Action Agencies serving all 92 counties. Use the state agency finder to locate the office for your county. Services vary, but they may include emergency assistance, shelter referrals, homelessness help, utility programs, affordable housing, transportation, food, and Head Start.
Read the ASMOM Community Action guide before calling. Ask whether housing funds are open, whether appointments are required, and what other help may lower your monthly costs if rent money is not available.
Eviction help and renter rights
This section gives general information, not legal advice. If you receive an eviction notice or court papers, keep the envelope, notice, lease, rent ledger, receipts, messages, repair requests, and photos. Read every deadline and attend the hearing.
Indiana Legal Services explains that a landlord generally cannot force a tenant out by changing locks, removing doors, or blocking entry without a court order when the tenant has not abandoned the home. The facts of each case matter, so seek legal advice about your own situation.
Indiana Legal Services offers free civil legal help to some low-income residents, but applying does not promise representation. The ASMOM Indiana legal help page lists other housing and family-law paths. The national legal and safety guide can help you prepare questions before contacting an office.
If you believe a landlord or housing provider treated you unfairly because of a protected class, review the Indiana fair housing page. Complaint deadlines apply, and ordinary repair or deposit disputes may require a different legal process.
Section 8, public housing, and local authorities
The Housing Choice Voucher program is often called Section 8. It helps eligible households pay part of the rent in approved private housing. The household usually pays a share based on income, while the housing agency pays an approved amount to the landlord.
Indiana does not have one statewide waiting-list status. The IHCDA voucher program serves areas without their own local housing authority. Local public housing authorities manage other cities and counties.
As of July 14, 2026, IHCDA’s new applicant page lists several county-based waiting-list openings. Openings can change, so use the live page rather than an old article or social media post. Apply only through the listed housing agency or official application system.
Use HUD housing contacts to find local authorities. Ask each office about Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, and project-based lists because one may be open while another is closed.
Voucher reality check
A voucher is not emergency shelter. Waiting lists can stay closed for long periods, and being placed on a list does not promise selection. Apply to every useful open list, keep your contact details current, and continue seeking short-term help.
The ASMOM Section 8 guide explains waitlists, inspections, rent shares, and common documents. Use the rental help guide for other rent and eviction options while you wait.
Referral-only vouchers
Some IHCDA programs are not open through a normal public application. Mainstream and Non-Elderly Disabled vouchers may require a referral from an eligible disability service provider. Family Unification Program vouchers are referred through the Indiana Department of Child Services. Stability and veterans’ vouchers also use referral systems. Ask the agency working with your family whether a referral program fits your situation.
Affordable apartment search
Use Indiana Housing Now to search for affordable, accessible, and market-rate rentals by county, city, rent, bedroom size, and accessibility needs. A listing does not mean a unit is open today, so contact the property directly.
Ask whether the rent is income-based or only income-restricted. Also ask about the deposit, application fee, bedroom rules, accessibility, pet rules, utility costs, and waiting-list process. Keep a simple list of every property, date called, and answer received.
| Housing option | What it may offer | How to start |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Choice Voucher | Rent help used with an approved landlord | Join an official open list |
| Public housing | Lower-rent units run by a housing authority | Apply through each authority |
| Project-based housing | Rent help tied to one property | Apply to the property or agency |
| Income-restricted apartments | Units with income and rent limits | Contact each property directly |
| Emergency shelter | Short-term safe placement | Call 2-1-1 or local intake |
Utility and weatherization help
Utility help can protect housing when a shutoff or high bill makes rent harder to pay. Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households with heating and electric costs during the program year.
As of July 14, 2026, the Energy Assistance Program says the 2025–2026 application is closed and the portal is expected to reopen in fall 2026. Applications submitted before the deadline are still reviewed. Ask your utility company and Community Action Agency about payment plans, local crisis funds, and current summer help.
The Indiana weatherization program may provide approved energy-saving work for qualified renters or homeowners. It does not pay rent, and rental work may require the property owner’s cooperation.
Use the ASMOM Indiana utility help page and the national LIHEAP guide for shutoff steps, document tips, and backup programs.
School help for children without stable housing
If your family is staying in a shelter, motel, car, campground, or another person’s home because you lost housing, contact your child’s school. Indiana’s McKinney-Vento program covers children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate place to sleep.
Ask for the district or charter school homeless liaison. The liaison may help with enrollment, school stability, transportation, meals, records, supplies, and referrals. The school does not usually pay rent, but it can help keep children connected to school during a housing crisis.
Homebuyer help is different
Down-payment programs are not emergency rent or shelter help. They are for buyers who can qualify for a mortgage and meet current income, credit, property, and lender rules.
The IHCDA homebuyer programs page lists current mortgage and down-payment options. Ask an approved lender how the assistance is structured, whether it must be repaid, and what costs you must cover yourself before making plans.
Documents to gather
Each program has its own list. Do not delay an emergency call because one document is missing. Ask what else the office can accept.
| Document | Why it may help |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Confirms who is applying. |
| Proof of address | Shows the correct township, county, or service area. |
| Household records | Shows who lives with you, including children. |
| Income proof | May include pay stubs, benefits, unemployment, or child support. |
| Lease and rent ledger | Shows the rent, balance, landlord, and address. |
| Notices or court papers | Shows the problem and important deadlines. |
| Utility bills | Shows the account, balance, and shutoff risk. |
| Hardship records | May show job loss, reduced hours, illness costs, or another crisis. |
| Application records | Helps track dates, confirmation numbers, and decisions. |
Keep copies of everything you submit. Do not send Social Security numbers, IDs, leases, or bank records to an unverified person or social media account.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for Section 8 without seeking short-term help.
- Applying through an old emergency-rent link.
- Missing court while a rent request is pending.
- Applying to only one housing authority or property.
- Failing to update your phone, email, or address on a waitlist.
- Accepting a verbal denial without asking for a written decision.
- Paying someone who promises a voucher or guaranteed housing.
What to do if help is denied or closed
Ask why the request was denied. A missing document, income decision, closed list, lack of funds, and wrong service area are different problems. Ask for the reason in writing and for any appeal, hearing, review, or reapplication steps.
Keep every notice and note the deadline. For township assistance, the written denial should explain the appeal path. For a voucher or subsidized-housing decision, ask which grievance or hearing process applies. Contact legal aid quickly when housing or court deadlines are involved.
Use the ASMOM benefits problem guide to plan the next step. Call 2-1-1 again with the exact denial reason so the specialist can search for a different program.
Phone scripts
Calling 2-1-1
“I live in [county] with [number] children. We need help with [shelter, rent, deposit, or utilities]. What programs are taking calls today, and what should I do if the first option is full?”
Calling a township trustee
“I live at [address] and need to apply for township help with [rent, shelter, or utilities]. How do I get the application, what papers are required, and how will I receive the decision?”
Calling legal aid
“I received an eviction notice or court papers. My hearing is on [date]. Can someone review my papers and explain what I should do before court?”
Calling a housing authority
“Are any voucher, public housing, or project-based lists open? How do I apply and keep my phone, email, and address current?”
Resumen en español
Si necesita refugio o puede perder su vivienda, llame al 2-1-1. Pregunte por refugio familiar, entrada coordinada, ayuda del township trustee y programas locales de renta. Si recibió papeles de desalojo, no falte a la corte y pida ayuda legal pronto.
Las listas de Section 8 cambian por condado y autoridad de vivienda. Use las páginas oficiales para saber cuáles están abiertas. El programa estatal de energía para 2025–2026 está cerrado y se espera que vuelva a abrir en el otoño de 2026.
FAQ
Is Indiana’s statewide emergency rent program open?
No. The state rental portal currently shows no open application calls. Ask 2-1-1, your township trustee, Community Action, local charities, and legal aid about current local options.
Can a township trustee help with rent?
A trustee may help eligible township residents with basic needs such as rent, shelter, or utilities. Rules and funds vary. Apply through the trustee serving your home address.
Are Indiana Section 8 lists open?
Status varies by county and housing authority. IHCDA currently lists several county-based openings, while other lists may be closed. Check the live official page before applying.
What should I do with eviction papers?
Read every date, attend court, and contact legal aid quickly. Keep applying for rent help, but do not assume a pending application will stop the case.
Is Indiana energy assistance open now?
The regular 2025–2026 Energy Assistance Program application is closed as of July 14, 2026. The state says the portal is expected to reopen in fall 2026.
Can my child’s school help?
If your family lacks stable housing, ask for the school’s McKinney-Vento liaison. The liaison may help with enrollment, school stability, transportation, records, meals, and referrals.
Last updated: July 14, 2026 | Next review: October 14, 2026
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 14, 2026, next review October 14, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.