McKinney-Vento

Laundry Ministry provides free laundry assistance at Northside Cleaners the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

37 Parkmoor Dr, Huntington, IN 46750

260-305-9274

Loads of Love provides free laundry assistance at JJ's Washroom.  Call United with Love at 260-356-0933 to schedule a time to have a machine activated

JJ's Washroom

 531 W Park Dr, Huntington, IN 46750

Exodus provides comprehensive support services to refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers in Indiana, including many families who may experience housing instability during resettlement. Services include case management, employment assistance, English language instruction, cultural orientation, housing support, and connection to community resources. Exodus helps newcomers navigate complex systems and build stable, self-sufficient lives in Indiana.

exodusrefugee.org

Indiana offers specialized programs and services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Veterans Affairs (VA) provides emergency housing assistance through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, VA health care enrollment, benefits counseling, and connections to permanent housing. Veterans can also access employment services, mental health support, and other resources tailored to their unique needs.

VA Emergency Housing Hotline:  1-877-424-3838

va.gov

Indiana's Homeless Prevention Program assists individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless by providing financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other housing-related expenses. The program aims to prevent homelessness before it occurs through short-term financial support and case management services that help households achieve housing stability.

Contact your local Community Action Agency for assistance.

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) is the state's housing finance agency, providing a wide range of housing programs and services:

• Indiana Balance of State Continuum of Care: Coordinates homeless services in 91 of Indiana's 92 counties
• Housing First Program: Permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness
• Homeless Youth Program: Resources and support specifically for youth and young adults (ages 13-30) experiencing housing instability
• Energy Assistance Program (EAP): Help with heating and electric bills
• Homeownership Programs: Down payment assistance and affordable mortgage options
• Rental Assistance Programs: Including emergency assistance and Housing Choice Vouchers

IHCDA serves as the collaborative applicant for the Indiana Balance of State Continuum of Care and works with community partners to prevent and end homelessness throughout Indiana.

Phone:  317-232-7777

in.gov/ihcda
 

Indiana Housing Now is a comprehensive resource connecting Hoosiers with available housing opportunities and assistance programs across the state. The platform provides information about affordable housing units, rental assistance programs, housing counseling services, and homelessness prevention resources. Users can search for housing by location and access information about eligibility requirements and application processes.

indianahousingnow.org

The Salvation Army operates programs throughout Indiana providing emergency shelter, food assistance, rental and utility assistance, case management, substance abuse treatment, transitional housing, and other supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or crisis. The Salvation Army also offers after-school programs, summer camps, and youth development activities. Services vary by location.

National Hotline:  1-800-SAL-ARMY

salvationarmy.org
 

Volunteers of America is a national nonprofit organization with a presence in Indiana, providing a wide range of services including affordable housing, homeless services, mental health programs, substance abuse treatment, re-entry services for formerly incarcerated individuals, and support for veterans. Volunteers of America operates emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and permanent supportive housing for vulnerable populations.

voa.org

Indiana 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service connecting Hoosiers with essential community resources including food assistance, emergency shelter, housing support, health care services, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, and more. Trained specialists are available 24/7 to help individuals and families find the services they need. Simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone or visit the website to search for resources by location.

Dial:  2-1-1 (24/7)

indiana211.org

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles issues state identification cards and driver's licenses, which are essential documents for accessing many services, enrolling in school, applying for jobs, and securing housing. Individuals experiencing homelessness can work with McKinney-Vento liaisons and social service providers to obtain the documentation needed for BMV services. Some assistance programs may help cover the cost of obtaining identification.

in.gov/bmv

The Indiana Department of Health maintains vital records including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records. Birth certificates are often required for school enrollment, but under McKinney-Vento, students can enroll immediately without this documentation. The McKinney-Vento liaison can assist families in obtaining birth certificates and other vital records after enrollment. Fee waivers may be available for families experiencing financial hardship.

Phone:  317-233-2700

in.gov/health

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and local housing authorities administer various housing support programs including rental assistance, affordable housing development, and homeownership programs. These offices can provide information about available housing resources, waiting lists, and application processes for housing assistance programs in your area.

hud.gov/states/indiana

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) provides employment services, job training programs, unemployment insurance, and assistance with obtaining a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma through the GED or HiSET exam. WorkOne Career Centers throughout Indiana offer career counseling, resume assistance, job search support, skills training, and connections to employers. HSE preparation classes and testing are available for individuals who did not complete high school.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) administers critical public assistance programs including:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food assistance benefits for eligible low-income households
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Cash assistance and support services for families with children
• Medicaid/Hoosier Healthwise: Healthcare coverage for eligible children, pregnant women, families, elderly, and individuals with disabilities

Applications can be submitted online or at local FSSA offices.
 

Indiana Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services to pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. Children experiencing homelessness receive priority enrollment and can enroll without typical documentation. Services include developmentally appropriate learning activities, meals, health screenings, and parent engagement opportunities.

Head Start Locator:  1-866-763-6481

in.gov/fssa/carefinder

A Way Home America is a national youth housing justice movement and advocacy organization that transforms systems through public policy to prevent and end homelessness for Black, Indigenous, youth of color, and LGBTQIA+ youth. The organization unites homeless youth providers, advocates, researchers, government agencies, philanthropists, and young people with lived experience to address the root causes of youth homelessness. A Way Home America developed the "New Deal to End Youth Homelessness," a comprehensive policy framework, and operates the Grand Challenge program to support communities nationwide in implementing evidence-based solutions.

A Way Home America

The Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness conducts research and advocates for evidence-based policies to improve the lives of families experiencing homelessness. ICPH focuses on understanding the complex causes of family homelessness and developing solutions that address education, housing stability, child development, and family well-being. The organization produces research reports, policy briefs, and data analyses that inform practitioners, policymakers, and advocates working to prevent and end family homelessness.

icphusa.org

NAEHCY is a national membership organization dedicated to ensuring educational equity and excellence for children and youth experiencing homelessness. NAEHCY provides professional development, technical assistance, and best-practice implementation strategies to support educators, homeless liaisons, state coordinators, service providers, parents, and youth. The organization hosts an annual national conference, advocates for policies that support homeless students, monitors federal legislation, and administers scholarship programs for homeless youth pursuing higher education.

naehcy.org

The National Center for Homeless Education operates the U.S. Department of Education's technical assistance and information center for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program. NCHE provides comprehensive resources, training materials, policy guidance, and data on homeless education. The center offers a toll-free helpline, webinars, issue briefs, state-level data profiles, and tools to support state coordinators, local liaisons, educators, service providers, and families in ensuring homeless students can enroll, attend, and succeed in school.

Toll-Free Helpline: 1-800-308-2145

nche.ed.gov

The National Runaway Safeline (NRS) is a federally designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth, youth in crisis, and their families. Operating 24/7, NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local services, and support through their hotline, online chat, email, and text messaging. The organization helps young people access emergency shelter, reconnect with families when safe, and find resources for education, healthcare, and other essential needs.

Hotline:  1-800-786-2929   |  Text:  66008

1800runaway.org

SchoolHouse Connection is a national nonprofit organization working to overcome homelessness through education, from prenatal through postsecondary. The organization engages in strategic policy advocacy at federal and state levels, provides practical technical assistance and training to educators and service providers, and directly supports youth through their scholarship program. SchoolHouse Connection offers extensive resources including legal guidance, implementation tools, data analysis, and best practices for identifying and supporting students experiencing homelessness. Their Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program provides financial support and mentorship to students with lived experience of homelessness.

schoolhouseconnection.org

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonpartisan organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States through data-driven policy solutions and advocacy. The Alliance analyzes federal policies, conducts research, provides technical assistance to communities, and promotes evidence-based strategies to address homelessness. Their work includes advocating for increased funding for homeless services, supporting the development of coordinated community responses, and sharing best practices for preventing and ending homelessness for individuals and families.

endhomelessness.org

The Homeless and Housing Resource Center, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), provides resources, tools, and evidence-based practices to support healthcare providers, housing professionals, and others working to improve health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. The center offers training materials, webinars, and technical assistance on topics including behavioral health, substance use disorders, trauma-informed care, and integrated healthcare for homeless populations.

hhrctraining.org

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development leads federal efforts to address homelessness through programs including Emergency Solutions Grants, Continuum of Care funding, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), public housing, and supportive housing initiatives. HUD coordinates with local communities, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations to provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and homelessness prevention services. HUD also collects national data on homelessness through the Annual Homeless Assessment Report and provides resources for finding affordable housing opportunities.

The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness coordinates the federal response to homelessness across 19 federal member agencies. USICH develops national strategies, promotes evidence-based practices, and supports communities in implementing comprehensive approaches to prevent and end homelessness. The Council focuses on expanding housing opportunities, connecting people with services, and building system capacity to achieve measurable reductions in homelessness for individuals, families, veterans, and youth.

usich.gov

Chapin Hall provides national leadership on what works to prevent and end youth homelessness. Our integrated, multi-component research provides a deep understanding of the conditions that lead to homelessness for young people. Our partners range from government agencies, to local service providers, to the affected youth themselves. Together, we are working to end youth homelessness.

chaplinhill.org

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ+ people. HRC advocates for LGBTQ+ youth who face disproportionate rates of homelessness, often due to family rejection or discrimination. The organization provides resources for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, advocates for inclusive policies, and works to create safer environments in schools and communities. HRC also offers educational resources for families and professionals supporting LGBTQ+ young people.

hrg.org

The National Homelessness Law Center (formerly National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty) is a legal advocacy organization dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness through impact litigation, policy advocacy, and public education. The Center focuses on protecting the civil and human rights of people experiencing homelessness, addressing housing discrimination, challenging the criminalization of homelessness, and ensuring educational access for homeless children and youth. Their work includes publishing legal guides and resources on the McKinney-Vento Act and other protections for homeless students.

homelesslaw.org

The National Network for Youth leads a movement to end youth homelessness by connecting member organizations, building capacity, and advocating for policy changes. The network represents more than 1,400 agencies serving runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth across the United States. They provide training, technical assistance, and resources to youth-serving organizations, advocate for increased federal funding, and work to ensure young people have access to safe housing, education, and supportive services.

nn4youth.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 free and confidential support to survivors of domestic violence, including many who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness as a result of abuse. Trained advocates offer crisis intervention, safety planning, information about local resources, and referrals to emergency shelters and supportive services. Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for families, and the hotline serves as a critical lifeline for those seeking help to escape dangerous situations.

Hotline:  1-800-799-SAFE  | Text: "START" to 88788

thehotline.org

The Social Security Administration provides essential benefits and services that can assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including Social Security retirement and disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for low-income elderly or disabled individuals, and assistance applying for Social Security cards. Accessing these benefits can be critical for establishing identity, qualifying for other services, and achieving financial stability. Local Social Security offices can help with applications, benefit verification, and replacement documents.

National Helpline:  1-800-772-1213

ssa.gov

The U.S. Department of Education administers the Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program and provides policy guidance, funding, and oversight for implementation of the McKinney-Vento Act nationwide. The Department's website offers information about homeless education programs, federal regulations, non-regulatory guidance documents, funding allocations, and resources for students, families, and educators. The Department works with state educational agencies to ensure compliance with federal law and provides technical assistance to support homeless students' educational access and success.