Even though Indianapolis likely will have a warmer and drier winter this year thanks to El Niño, that doesn’t mean families couldn’t use some help with warm coats and gloves and heating and rental assistance.
There’s a real need. About 16% of Indianapolis residents are living in poverty, according to census data.
Here are some local resources.
Rent assistance
The Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance program, which was paid for with federal pandemic-relief money and began in 2021, has morphed into the newer IERA2 program, which began taking applications in March 2023.
However, renters living in Marion County can only apply for IERA2 funds under certain circumstances, according to the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority.
If renters face eviction in Marion County — and both the tenant and landlord have agreed to participate in the Indiana Supreme Court’s pre-eviction diversion program — renters can then apply to the IERA2 program. The diversion program advises tenants of emergency rental aid, legal assistance and free tenant-landlord settlement conferences. More information is available online.
To apply for the program for the first time, call 211 and mention “rental assistance” to the operator. New or returning applicants with questions about eligibility or payments can visit IndianaHousingNow.org, call 317-800-6000 or email IERA@ihcda.in.gov.
Utility bills
According to the Indiana Community Action Association, the federal Energy Assistance Program can help low-income Hoosiers pay energy bills.
Indiana households that make up to 60% of the state’s median income can qualify. The program assists more than 100,000 Indiana families each year.
Residents can apply online or call 211 for assistance. For more help, visit the Community Action of Greater Indianapolis office from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 3266 N. Meridian St. or contact client services manager Dana Nash at dnash@cagi-in.org or 317-524-6852.
Applications for the one-time annual benefit can help if you are facing disconnection and will be accepted until 5 p.m. May 20, 2024. Applications can be submitted to the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority via the online portal or by calling 211.
The development authority says it can take up to four months from the date of a benefit approval until a payment is mailed, so you should still pay utility bills in the meantime.
Utilities offer help, too
If facing disconnection, you can contact a utility provider directly about a payment plan. You can also call 211 for a referral to other resources available.
Citizens Energy offers information on its website on additional discounts or credits for gas and wastewater bills offered to those approved for Energy Assistance Program funds. The utility also offers information on payment extensions as well as its Warm Heart Warm Home grants to help customers keep their service. Call 317-924-3311 to learn more.
AES Indiana offers short-term extensions of a few days to help customers pay their bills as well as longer-term extensions. Learn more by calling 888-261-822 or visiting the electric utility’s website.
Winter Assistance Fund
Marion County residents who don’t qualify for the Energy Assistance Program but still need help paying their utility bills can learn more about the United Way of Central Indiana’s Winter Assistance Fund. The program runs from January to May 2024. Visit the United Way’s website or call 211 to learn more.
Housing voucher program
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program covers a portion of monthly rent, with the tenant paying generally 30-40% of their adjusted gross income for rent and utilities. Eligibility is based on a family’s household income. Contact the Indianapolis Housing Agency or Community Action of Greater Indianapolis to learn more.
Moratorium on utility disconnections during the winter
Indiana law prevents disconnections of electric or gas service during the coldest months of the year. From Dec. 1 through March 15, a utility may not shut off residential utility service to anyone who is eligible for the Emergency Assistance Program and has applied for such assistance.
Free winter clothing
Assistance League Indianapolis provides new school uniform clothing, athletic shoes and supplies to underserved children through its Operation School Bell program. Call 317-872-1010 or visit the website.
Lambswear is an Indianapolis nonprofit that distributes free, gently used clothing to children from newborns through youth size 16. Call 317-721-1664 or visit the website.
Horizon House accepts donations of blankets, thermal underwear, coats and other items at its location at 1033 E. Washington St. to help people who are homeless. Call 317-423-8909 or visit the website.
The Catholic Charities Indianapolis Crisis Office provides free clothing and other assistance to low-income Hoosiers. Call 317-236-1512.
Township trustee offices also have information on places that offer free clothing and other assistance, and many local churches and ministries collect and distribute free used clothing.
Dwight Adams is a contributor for Mirror Indy. Contact him at hdadams0621@gmail.com.
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