Indiana 211
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Indiana.
Official page: in211.org
Find Help Near You in Indiana
Free, private help lines for Indiana, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Indiana who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local DFR office. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety at 317 327 4291 can tell you about help with rent and bills.
Official page: in211.org, indy.gov/agency/office-of-public-health-and-safety
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Indiana Legal Help connects residents to legal aid offices across Indiana, such as Indiana Legal Services at 844 243 8570.
Official page: indianalegalhelp.org, indianalegalservices.org/apply
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. The Energy Assistance Program helps qualified households pay heating bills. Dial 211 or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: in.gov/ihcda/homeowners-and-renters/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Indiana Civil Rights Commission takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: in.gov/icrc
How do I find my local DFR office?
Dial 211, or use the office finder on the DFR website. The Indiana Division of Family Resources has offices serving all 92 counties.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can help your visit or call go smoothly. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Indiana
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Your local DFR office (Indiana Division of Family Resources)
The Indiana Division of Family Resources has offices serving all 92 counties for SNAP, TANF cash help and other support.
Official page: in.gov/fssa/dfr/snap-food-assistance
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
Help paying home heating and cooling bills for qualified households, run by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority through local agencies in every county. Apply through your local agency.
Official page: in.gov/ihcda/homeowners-and-renters/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
Indiana Legal Help
Statewide legal information, forms and referrals to civil legal aid across Indiana.
Official page: indianalegalhelp.org
Indiana Legal Services
Civil legal help for qualified low income residents across Indiana, including housing and eviction support. The Indianapolis office is at 317 631 9410.
Official page: indianalegalservices.org/apply, indianalegalservices.org/locations
Indiana Civil Rights Commission
State office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints. Visit the website to learn how to file.
Official page: in.gov/icrc
Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA)
Information for renters and homeowners in Indiana, including rental help, vouchers and energy help. You can also search rentals on its housing search site.
Official page: in.gov/ihcda/homeowners-and-renters
Indiana community action agencies
Local community action agencies serve every Indiana county. They help with energy bills, emergency needs, job support and Head Start. Ask for your local agency when you dial 211.
Official page: in.gov/ihcda/homeowners-and-renters
Indianapolis Housing Agency
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Indianapolis and Marion County.
Official page: indyhousing.org
Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety
City programs for Indianapolis residents, including homeless services and community referrals.
Official page: indy.gov/agency/office-of-public-health-and-safety
City of Fort Wayne
City programs, community services and referrals for Fort Wayne residents.
Official page: cityoffortwayne.org
Evansville Housing Authority
Help and community referrals for people in Evansville.
Official page: evansvillehousing.org
City of Evansville
Help and community referrals for people in Evansville.
Official page: evansvillegov.org/city/department/division.php?structureid=23
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say you're behind on rent in Bloomington
You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call the DFR Contact Center at 800 403 0864 or visit your local office and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact a legal aid office if you received court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign a new lease, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 26, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Indiana
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.