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Free Furniture and Household Items for Single Mothers in Indiana

Last Updated on September 22, 2025 by Rachel

Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in Indiana

Last updated: September 2025


If you’re a single mom in Indiana and you need free furniture, beds, cribs, or basic household items, you can get real help fast by calling statewide hotlines, using furniture banks, and asking your township trustee for emergency relief. This guide shows you exactly where to go, how to apply, and what to do if you hit a waitlist. You’ll see direct links to apply, real phone numbers, and backup plans for every step, including Indiana 211, the state’s energy and housing programs through Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA), and voucher and furniture programs run by St. Vincent de Paul councils. According to program timelines for program year 2025 from IHCDA’s Energy Assistance Program, application windows and protections have specific dates—use the timelines in this guide to avoid shutoffs and delays. (in.gov)

If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick help box — key numbers and links to keep handy

Who qualifies for free furniture and household items in Indiana

The fastest path to a free couch, bed, dishes, or a Pack ’n Play is getting a referral or voucher through local partners; many furniture banks ask for a case manager or church referral, which you can get by calling Indiana 211 or contacting your township trustee listed on county pages like Porter County; most furniture banks prioritize families fleeing violence, post-fire households, and those recently housed after homelessness, which is why referral partners like SVDP conferences and Love INC affiliates are key. (portercountyin.gov)

Expect to show an ID, address, and a brief description of your situation; if you’re a Marion County mom, ask the referrer about delivery areas used by Mustard Seed of Central Indiana and what items are available; in Allen County, check the intake steps and hours at The Mustard Seed Furniture Bank of Fort Wayne; for some counties like St. Joseph, SVDP may issue vouchers for use at partner stores like Goodwill Industries of Michiana. (mustardseedindy.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 for a case management referral and request “furniture bank referral eligibility” in your notes; contact your township trustee (decision expected in 72 business hours per cross-county pages like Porter County’s guidance) and call nearby SVDP councils such as SVdP Fort Wayne for a thrift voucher; then post requests in local “free” groups via Freecycle and Nextdoor. (portercountyin.gov)

How to get a free bed or crib for your child

Beds are often the top urgent need for kids. Local Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) chapters across Indiana deliver twin beds with mattress and bedding for children who don’t have one; for example, the Evansville chapter serves Vanderburgh, Posey, and Warrick and reports over 2,000 beds delivered, while chapters in Kosciusko and Martinsville post active build days and open applications on their pages. Use the SHP “Find a chapter” tool to apply; you’ll need a quick form and a delivery address. (shpbeds.org)

For infants, many hospitals and health departments partner with Cribs for Kids to provide free Pack ’n Plays after a short safe-sleep class; examples include Parkview’s Safe Slumber program and the Vanderburgh County Health Department’s safe sleep classes with Pack ’n Plays for qualifying families; check your county health department events or ask your WIC clinic about local partners through Indiana WIC. (parkview.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your hospital’s maternity unit for a “safe sleep pack” or a partner lead listed by Cribs for Kids; call Indiana 211 and request “safe sleep” and “cribette” resources; if you’re in southwest or northeast Indiana, contact SHP Evansville or your nearest SHP chapter; for Marion County, a WIC clinic or United Way’s Winter Assistance Fund page often lists partner agencies that can connect you to cribs and infant supplies. (shpbeds.org)

Stop a utility shutoff today while you stabilize your home

Indiana’s winter moratorium protects EAP households from electric and gas disconnections from December 1 to March 15, but you must apply for EAP and give written proof to your utility; the Indiana OUCC explains the rules and a 10‑day medical postponement option with a doctor’s note; utilities like AES Indiana and Citizens Energy Group publish exact dates and payment plans, and EAP processing can take 55 days plus up to 30 days for utility posting per IHCDA. Email proof of application to your utility the same day you apply. (in.gov)

If you’re not EAP‑eligible or need extra help, check hardship funds: AES Indiana’s “Power of Change” and WAF details, Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund (up to 300viacommunityactionagencies),∗[NIPSCOhardship/SERV/SILVER](https://www.nipsco.com/our−company/news−room/news−article/eligble−customers−may−apply−for−additional−NIPSCO−Energy−Assistance−Programs)∗(uptoabout300 via community action agencies), *[NIPSCO hardship/SERV/SILVER](https://www.nipsco.com/our-company/news-room/news-article/eligble-customers-may-apply-for-additional-NIPSCO-Energy-Assistance-Programs)* (up to about 400 until funds run out), and Citizens’ Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation for gas and wastewater discounts tied to EAP approval. (aesindiana.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your township trustee for emergency utility help (trustees must decide within roughly 72 business hours per county guidance like Porter County’s), then call your local community action agency using the directory on IN-CAA’s site; request a same‑day hold on disconnection and a short‑term payment plan; use a shutoff receipt to expedite furniture bank referrals. (portercountyin.gov)

Furniture banks and voucher programs that actually give free items

  • Mustard Seed of Central Indiana: The Mustard Seed of Central Indiana serves Marion, Hamilton, Madison, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, and Boone counties with furniture and housewares by referral only; ask your case manager or church to submit a referral, or call 1-317-572-5724 for help finding a partner agency listed on their partner portal. (mustardseedindy.org)
  • Mustard Seed Furniture Bank (Fort Wayne): The Mustard Seed Furniture Bank of Fort Wayne provides household furnishings to families rebuilding after crisis; call 1-260-471-5802 for directions and hours on their contact page; note the “Beds4Kids” donations and delivery guidance posted on their site. (mustardseedfortwayne.com)
  • Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP): Many local SVDP conferences issue free vouchers for furniture and housewares; in Fort Wayne, call SVdP Thrift Store at 1-260-456-3561 and request a voucher; in Indianapolis, use the Help Line at 1-317-687-0169 and ask about the Distribution Center at 1201 E. Maryland St. listed on SVdP Indy’s site. In St. Joseph County, SVDP partners with Goodwill of Michiana to provide household vouchers. (svdpfortwayne.org)
  • Salvation Army Family Stores: Check Indiana locations and policies on the Salvation Army Indiana Division page; some corps provide clothing or houseware vouchers after case assessment; you can locate nearby stores and ask about local assistance through the Indiana Division site. (centralusa.salvationarmy.org)
  • Love INC affiliates: Several Love INC networks operate furniture ministries with deliveries via church volunteers; policies vary by county, so call the listed office such as 1-219-923-2775 in Lake County and ask about a furniture GAP ministry; some areas re‑launch ministries periodically, as reported by local outlets covering Love INC programs. (loveincgtrham.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 to identify any church-based “furniture ministry” and request a case note stating “No bed/No crib/No furniture” to help you qualify; if you can arrange pickup, check Habitat ReStore locations for low-cost items and ask a case manager whether a voucher is available; also ask SVDP if they can authorize a special furniture voucher for a move-in kit. (indyhabitat.org)

Where to search online for free items (local and fast)

Use neighborhood platforms that specialize in free pick-ups; join your local Freecycle group and watch the daily “Offer” posts for microwaves, cribs, and sofas; post “Wanted” with size and pickup times; also try Nextdoor For Sale & Free and the Buy Nothing Project app’s local groups for strollers, dishes, and small appliances; include your nearest intersection and a pickup window. (freecycle.org)

Safety tips: Meet during daylight, bring help to lift, and avoid recalled items; check cribs against Cribs for Kids guidance and review appliance safety on your utility’s “ways to save” pages such as AES Indiana energy tips or Citizens’ conservation tips linked from IHCDA’s weatherization page; if you rent, make sure large items fit through hallways and comply with your lease. (cribsforkids.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your township trustee (many list contacts like Hancock County) to document the need and provide a store voucher; request a case note that you attempted community sources like Freecycle and Nextdoor to speed approval. (hancockin.gov)

Township trustee help for household basics

Township trustees provide “poor relief” including help with basic needs; apply at your local office (find contacts on county pages like Tippecanoe County’s trustees page or Floyd County’s listing); decisions are typically required within about 72 business hours (not counting weekends/holidays), and assistance may include a store voucher, utility help, or a referral to a partner like SVDP or Love INC. Bring ID, proof of address, proof of crisis (move-in paperwork, fire report), and proof you’ve applied elsewhere like EAP or 211. (tippecanoe.in.gov)

For real examples, Madison Township in Allen County posts its assistance standards and application links online; you can make an appointment and review the Township Assistance Applicant Checklist; other trustees post direct phone lists like Vanderburgh/Knight Township’s directory so you can call the correct office fast; ask for an emailed copy of your application. (in.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for a written denial with appeal steps; take that letter to 211 and SVDP to request emergency vouchers; then contact your county community action agency using IN-CAA’s “Find Your CAA” tool and ask about crisis funds or referrals. (incap.org)

Utility and energy programs that can free up cash for household items

If you qualify for IHCDA’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP), you’ll receive a one‑time benefit applied to your utility account; according to IHCDA’s 2025 calendar, benefits begin posting after November 1 and moratorium protections run December 1–March 15; local agencies can take up to 55 days to process, and utilities may take ~30 days to post—keep paying something monthly while you wait; EAP uses 60% of State Median Income rules, and timelines are posted on IHCDA’s site and LIHEAP Clearinghouse profiles. (in.gov)

Check for add‑ons: Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund offers up to 300creditsviacommunityactionagencies;∗[NIPSCOhardship/SERV/SILVER](https://www.nipsco.com/our−company/news−room/news−article/eligble−customers−may−apply−for−additional−NIPSCO−Energy−Assistance−Programs)∗programscanprovideupto300 credits via community action agencies; *[NIPSCO hardship/SERV/SILVER](https://www.nipsco.com/our-company/news-room/news-article/eligble-customers-may-apply-for-additional-NIPSCO-Energy-Assistance-Programs)* programs can provide up to 400; Citizens Energy Group auto‑applies gas and wastewater discounts for EAP customers through warm months; AES Indiana payment assistance lists deposit waivers, payment options, and links to apply. These savings can free up money for household purchases not covered by vouchers. (investors.duke-energy.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your community action agency—like Brightpoint in NE Indiana or Area IV in the Lafayette region—for a crisis appointment and a landlord/utility hold letter; then call your trustee for a bridge voucher while you wait for the EAP posting; document every call. (lucy.mybrightpoint.org)

Baby and child-specific supplies (free or low-cost)

For infants, use the safe-sleep pipeline: hospitals and health departments partnering with Cribs for Kids, such as Parkview Health’s Safe Slumber and Vanderburgh County’s safe-sleep classes; look for events like “Safe Sleep Trade-In” via county calendars maintained by State of Indiana events; ask your clinic or WIC coordinator listed on Indiana WIC for Pack ’n Play referral sites. (cribsforkids.org)

If you’re in St. Joseph County, SVDP’s Sweet Dreams provides new mattresses and bedding for children 3–17; ask for an online application and pickup schedule; for Twin beds outside St. Joe, apply to Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapters; for clothing and household goods, SVDP has voucher programs with Goodwill of Michiana that renew about every six months per household. (svdpsb.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your pediatrician to note “no safe sleep surface” or “child sleeping on floor” to strengthen referrals; then contact 211 and ask for a “cribette” partner; check SHP Evansville or your nearest chapter for the next delivery window; if you’re near Indianapolis, ask SVDP about a bed voucher or contact Mustard Seed of Central Indiana via a church or case manager. (shpbeds.org)

Local organizations, charities, churches, and support groups

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for a letter from any of the above confirming need and wait times; take it to your township trustee and request a bridge voucher; share the letter with Mustard Seed of Central Indiana or your regional SVDP to get prioritized when items come in. (mustardseedindy.org)

Diverse Communities — tailored paths to furniture and household basics

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask 211 for inclusive agencies and DV programs; YWCA Northeast Indiana serves all genders and partners across six counties, and many SVDP conferences help regardless of faith; ask for safety planning and affirming referrals; when needed, use the national hotlines posted by Pokagon Band crisis resource list, and ask your caseworker to annotate name/preferred pronouns on referrals. (ywcanein.org)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: When you call Indiana 211, request ADA accommodations and a referral to a furniture bank that can prioritize accessibility; FSSA posts ADA assistance language, and many agencies offer large‑print forms or TTY access; for example, Brightpoint lists a TDD/TTY line and can coordinate EAP crisis appointments that help free cash for household goods. (in.gov)

Veteran single mothers: Contact SSVF providers like InteCare Veterans Services (call 1-855-896-4345) for move‑in costs, deposits, and household goods; ask your local Elks lodge about Elks “Welcome Home” kits reimbursed up to 400–400–600 with a bed; in Indianapolis, HVAF of Indiana partners to provide essential kits for veterans exiting homelessness; for cash help on utilities or rent, ask the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs about MFRF and GVS programs. (intecarevets.org)

Immigrant/refugee single moms: Reach out to Exodus Refugee (Indy/Bloomington) or Catholic Charities Refugee & Immigrant Services; they provide furnishings for newly resettled households and help connect you to SNAP/TANF/WIC through FSSA DFR; explain any language needs and ask for an interpreter or translated materials. (exodusrefugee.org)

Tribal-specific resources: If you’re a citizen of the Pokagon Band (service area includes LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Starke, Marshall, and Kosciusko in Indiana), contact the Pokagon Department of Housing & Community Development about rental help and programs like Homeowner’s Assistance (HAF) and Emergency/Homeless Prevention; the service county list is defined by federal law posted on Congress.gov. (pokagonband-nsn.gov)

Rural single moms with limited access: Ask 211 for mobile deliveries; many SVDP conferences deliver within parish boundaries; check nearby counties for Mustard Seed Fort Wayne or Love INC furniture ministries; for utilities and weatherization, contact your nearest community action via IN-CAA’s directory to request in‑home appointments if travel is a barrier. (mustardseedfortwayne.com)

Single fathers: Most programs serve all caregivers; ask SVDP or Mustard Seed to note you’re a single dad; for cribs/beds, use SHP and Cribs for Kids partners; for EAP and trustee assistance, the same rules apply via IHCDA EAP and your county trustee listings. (shpbeds.org)

Language access and accessibility notes: Ask for translated forms and interpreter services; FSSA/Indiana 211 provides accommodations and can route you to agencies with language lines; request large‑print applications or TTY access (for example, Brightpoint’s TDD/TTY line), and ask for curbside pickup or delivery when mobility is limited. (in.gov)

Resources by region

Use this section to find the quickest options in your area. If one program is full, use the Plan B listed.

Indianapolis/Marion County and surrounding

Start with a referral to Mustard Seed of Central Indiana (delivery in nine central counties) and call the SVdP Indy Help Line at 1-317-687-0169 for vouchers; for utilities, check AES Indiana assistance and Citizens Energy Group discounts, and use United Way’s Winter Assistance Fund if you’re over EAP limits. (mustardseedindy.org)

Plan B: Ask your township trustee for a voucher (search via your county pages), and browse Habitat ReStore Indy locations for low‑cost items; if you have kids without beds, apply at a nearby SHP chapter. (indyhabitat.org)

Fort Wayne/Allen County and NE Indiana

Call Mustard Seed Furniture Bank of Fort Wayne at 1-260-471-5802 for furniture; SVDP Fort Wayne offers vouchers via 1-260-456-3561; for EAP, use Brightpoint’s intake; ask Parkview about Safe Slumber crib classes. (mustardseedfortwayne.com)

Plan B: Request trustee help via county listings like Madison Township/Allen County, and post requests on Freecycle and Nextdoor. (in.gov)

Evansville/Vanderburgh and SW Indiana

Use SVDP and Salvation Army stores listed by 211; for safe sleep, the Vanderburgh County Health Department provides classes with Pack ’n Plays; for energy, use CenterPoint’s Customer Assistance Fund and EAP via your local CAA. (vanderburghhealth.org)

Plan B: Ask your trustee via the county directory like Knight Township’s phone list, and apply for a kids’ bed through SHP Evansville. (knighttownship.com)

South Bend/St. Joseph–Elkhart area

Check SVDP St. Joseph County for household vouchers redeemable at Goodwill and Sweet Dreams bed program; for tribal citizens in this region, contact the Pokagon Band Housing Department; for SHP beds, look up chapters in Elkhart County. (svdpsb.org)

Plan B: Call your trustee (see Penn Township resource page) and post requests on Freecycle. (penntownship-sjcin.org)

Bloomington/Monroe and South Central Indiana

Use SVdP Bloomington contacts and ask about houseware/furniture support through parish conferences; for infant items, check with local WIC clinics using Indiana WIC; for utility help, apply to EAP through your local CAA listed on IN-CAA’s directory. (svdpbloomington.org)

Plan B: Ask your trustee for a store voucher, and use Nextdoor and Buy Nothing to source gently used items. (start.nextdoor.com)

Lafayette/Tippecanoe and West Central

Call SVDP through your parish or 211; for EAP and local referrals, contact Area IV Agency; ask about donated furniture leads and any weatherization that can reduce bills through IHCDA Wx partners. (areaivagency.org)

Plan B: Ask your trustee via Tippecanoe’s directory, and check Habitat ReStore locations nearby. (tippecanoe.in.gov)

Common mistakes to avoid

Reality check — funding limits and wait times

  • Expect waitlists and item limits: Mustard Seed and SVDP rely on donations; you may get a couch and table now, but wait for dressers; programs like SVDP St. Joseph County vouchers limit frequency (e.g., once per six months) and may run out near month‑end. (svdpsb.org)
  • EAP processing is not instant: Per IHCDA, your agency can take up to 55 days to decide and utilities can take ~30 days to post; ask your utility for a payment plan while benefits are pending. (in.gov)
  • Not every area has a furniture bank: Use 211 to find a nearby county that delivers or use Freecycle/Nextdoor to bridge the gap while you wait. (freecycle.org)

Quick reference cheat sheet

Program or step What it does How to contact Typical timeline
Indiana 211 Statewide referral to furniture banks, SVDP, trustees 1-866-211-9966 or text ZIP to 898-211 Callback usually within 1–3 business days
Mustard Seed (Central Indiana) Free furniture by referral; delivery in nine counties Ask case manager to refer; 1-317-572-5724 1–3 weeks typical, varies by donations
Mustard Seed (Fort Wayne) Free furniture post‑crisis by agency referral 1-260-471-5802 1–3 weeks typical, varies by donations
SVDP Indy Vouchers and distribution center 1-317-687-0169 Help Line 1–2 weeks after home visit
EAP (IHCDA) Utility help and winter protection Apply online or via local CAA 55 days to process + ~30 days posting

EAP dates and moratorium windows in the table are based on IHCDA’s posted 2025 calendar; verify dates each season at the IHCDA EAP page. (in.gov)

Application checklist (screenshot‑friendly)

Tables you can use quickly

Indiana utilities — where to ask for help

Utility Key programs Where to apply/contact
AES Indiana EAP protection, Power of Change grants, payment plans 1-317-261-8222; email proof of EAP app per AES page
Duke Energy Indiana Share the Light Fund (up to $300), CAA referrals Call CAA via IN-CAA directory
NIPSCO Hardship/SERV/SILVER (up to ~$400) Apply per NIPSCO notice; call 211
Citizens Energy Group Gas discount + wastewater credit for EAP customers 1-317-924-3311; EAP proof required

Programs and windows change by season; verify with your utility and the Indiana OUCC moratorium FAQ. (investors.duke-energy.com)

Furniture banks and voucher sources by region (snapshot)

Region Primary source Notes
Central Indiana Mustard Seed of Central Indiana Referral only; delivery in nine counties
Fort Wayne/Allen Mustard Seed FW and SVdP FW vouchers Call for intake; vouchers redeemed at SVDP store
South Bend area SVDP St. Joseph Co vouchers Goodwill voucher partnership; Sweet Dreams beds
Statewide Salvation Army Family Stores Ask corps about local voucher policies
Statewide Love INC furniture ministries Active in several counties; call your local office

Always call first; many programs require a referral noted by Indiana 211. (in.gov)

Baby sleep support

Need Where to go What you get
Infant safe sleep Cribs for Kids partners Education + Pack ’n Play for eligible families
Fort Wayne Parkview Safe Slumber Free class; portable crib for those who qualify
Evansville Vanderburgh Safe Sleep Virtual class + Pack ’n Play for qualifying caregivers

Confirm availability before you go; programs may pause when inventory is low. (parkview.com)

EAP processing and protection dates (PY2025)

Date What happens
Oct 1, 2024 EAP applications open statewide via IHCDA portal
Nov 1, 2024 Benefits begin posting to utilities
Dec 1, 2024 Winter moratorium begins for EAP households
Mar 15, 2025 Moratorium ends
Apr 14, 2025 EAP deadline for PY2025

Timelines posted by IHCDA; check the site for PY2026 updates in October. (in.gov)

Township assistance — what to take

Item Why it matters Where to verify
ID + proof of address Confirms residency Your county’s trustee page, e.g., Tippecanoe
Proof of crisis Fire/police report, move‑in doc Indiana 211 can annotate case
Proof of other attempts EAP receipt, 211 referral # See IHCDA EAP

Trustees must act promptly; see examples and contacts on county trustee directories. (portercountyin.gov)

County-specific variations to know

How to apply for groceries and basics so you can spend cash on household items

Apply for SNAP and TANF through the FSSA Benefits Portal; ask your local office at 1-800-403-0864 for expedited SNAP if you qualify; for formula and nutrition, apply to Indiana WIC (Medicaid/SNAP/TANF recipients are income‑eligible) using the WIC clinic locator and appointment checklist on IDOH’s site; freeing up grocery money helps you buy cleaning supplies or replace missing housewares while you wait for vouchers. (in.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask a community action agency listed on IN-CAA’s directory to help complete applications; for immigrant families, request an interpreter and ask what documents are accepted. (incap.org)

How to stop utility shutoff in Indiana today — step-by-step

  1. Apply for EAP now: Submit online or through your local provider listed on IHCDA’s EAP page; keep the submission confirmation. (in.gov)
  2. Send proof to your utility: Email or upload the EAP receipt to your utility per instructions on AES payment assistance or your utility portal; this triggers moratorium protections if within the window specified by OUCC. (aesindiana.com)
  3. Ask for a plan and local funds: Request a 6–12 month plan and check hardship funds: Duke Share the Light, NIPSCO hardship/SERV/SILVER, or Citizens assistance. (investors.duke-energy.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Get a medical certification to postpone disconnection 10 days per OUCC guidance and call your trustee for emergency help. (in.gov)

Troubleshooting — if your application gets denied

  • Furniture bank referral denied: Ask 211 for a different partner (e.g., SVDP or Love INC) to submit a referral; use a denial letter to strengthen your trustees’ voucher request; show online “free” postings you tried via Freecycle or Nextdoor. (freecycle.org)
  • EAP denied: Apply to the United Way Winter Assistance Fund if you’re over‑income and live in Marion County; check utility hardship funds like Duke’s fund and NIPSCO programs, and ask your trustee for a one‑time pledge. (uwci.org)
  • Trustee denied: Request the written decision and appeal steps; bring it to 211/SVDP to ask for a voucher; call your county’s community action via IN-CAA to ask for crisis funds or landlord letters. (incap.org)

Real-world examples

FAQs (Indiana‑specific)

  1. How fast can I get a bed for my child: SHP often delivers within 1–3 weeks depending on chapter; apply via the SHP chapter tool and answer calls; some counties also offer SVDP bed programs like Sweet Dreams for St. Joseph County. (shpbeds.org)
  2. Do furniture banks deliver: Mustard Seed of Central Indiana delivers in its nine counties; others require pickup or partner delivery like SVDP FW; ask at referral. (mustardseedindy.org)
  3. What documentation do I need: ID and proof of address, referral letter, and proof of crisis; see examples on trustee pages such as Tippecanoe County’s list and agency instructions via Indiana 211. (tippecanoe.in.gov)
  4. How do I find my local community action agency: Use IN-CAA’s directory; examples include Brightpoint and Area IV. (incap.org)
  5. Will EAP stop my shutoff immediately: Not automatically; you must submit proof of application to your utility; rules and the Dec 1–Mar 15 window are on OUCC’s moratorium FAQ and AES guidance. (in.gov)
  6. Can I get a free Pack ’n Play: Yes, through safe-sleep partners like Cribs for Kids via hospitals or county health departments (e.g., Vanderburgh); expect to attend a short class. (cribsforkids.org)
  7. Are there programs for veterans: Contact InteCare SSVF and ask about move‑in kits and temporary financial assistance; check Elks “Welcome Home” kits and MFRF funds via IDVA. (intecarevets.org)
  8. What if I can’t drive to pick up items: Ask SVDP if delivery is available through volunteers; in Central Indiana, Mustard Seed offers delivery; post for help on Nextdoor with the pickup address and time. (mustardseedindy.org)
  9. Can tribal citizens in Indiana get help: Yes, if you’re Pokagon, contact Housing & Community Development and LIHEAP/social services; service counties are set by federal law on Congress.gov. (pokagonband-nsn.gov)
  10. I need help tonight: Call Indiana 211 for shelters and emergency supplies; if you are in danger, call 911; for DV services, call YWCA Northeast Indiana at 1-800-441-4073 and ask about emergency household setup resources. (in.gov)

What to do if it still isn’t working

  • Escalate your 211 case: Ask for a supervisor callback and add “no bed/crib” and “move-in date” to your file; request a direct referral to SVDP or Mustard Seed. Use Indiana 211’s ADA accommodations if needed. (in.gov)
  • File for township assistance: Submit in person if possible; bring your denial letters from furniture banks and EAP; use your trustee’s contact page like Tippecanoe’s for phone and hours. (tippecanoe.in.gov)
  • Leverage community platforms: Post on Freecycle and Nextdoor with clear pickup windows; ask moderators to boost urgent posts. (freecycle.org)

Spanish summary — Resumen en español

Esta guía le ayuda a conseguir muebles gratis, camas y artículos del hogar en Indiana. Para empezar, llame a Indiana 211 (1-866-211-9966) y pida referencias para bancos de muebles como Mustard Seed of Central Indiana o Mustard Seed Fort Wayne, y vales de San Vicente de Paúl (SVDP). Para evitar cortes de servicios, solicite la ayuda de energía de IHCDA (EAP/LIHEAP) y envíe prueba a su empresa de servicios; revise programas como AES Indiana y Duke Energy. Para cunas/Pack ’n Play, pregunte por Cribs for Kids o la salud pública del condado como Vanderburgh. Esta traducción fue creada usando herramientas de IA; confirme todos los detalles con los enlaces oficiales. (in.gov)

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance in Indiana and does not replace advice from your caseworker, lawyer, or a government agency. Program rules change and vary by county, season, and funding; always confirm availability and dates directly with IHCDA, Indiana 211, your utility, or your township trustee. Benefits and approvals are not guaranteed. (in.gov)

Final tips

  • Document every call: Keep timestamps, names, and case numbers from Indiana 211 and your utility; this speeds trustee help. (in.gov)
  • Verify wait times: EAP has defined windows posted by IHCDA; ask if a “crisis appointment” is possible when disconnection is imminent. (in.gov)
  • Use two tracks: While you wait for a furniture bank referral, post on Freecycle and Nextdoor; when the voucher arrives, fill the gaps. (freecycle.org)

Good luck—get your referral in today, email proof to your utility, and keep the 211 line open for callbacks.

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