Community Action of Greater Indianapolis rent help programs

Indianapolis rent help has been particularly difficult to track down. Community Action of Greater Indianapolis has been a major provider of rental assistance to Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Marion, and Tipton Counties.

Community Economic Relief Fund

The Community Economic Relief Fund (CERF) has provided tenants of Boone and Hendricks Counties with rental assistance. The program was largely put in place to prevent evictions of those who recently lost their jobs. These job losses were largely blamed on the economic downturn that affected so many local communities.

Funding was provided by many area companies and private donors, most of which was aggregated through the United Way of Central Indiana. The agency distributed over $100,000 in aid in a single year. However, this program is now in jeopardy due to a lack of ongoing funding. Your case manager can let you know if you may still be eligible for any funds as they are allocated to the program.

Emergency Food & Shelter Program

The agency is able to assist with basic household needs. Special funding from FEMA has been provided, but only for Boone County or Hendricks County residents. If you are in danger of becoming evicted, you may be matched with an emergency housing program. The agency will provide housing counseling and case management if you need it, with a goal of ultimately helping you return to a permanent housing situation.

If it is possible for you to remain in your rental home, then you could be approved for up to one rent payment’s worth of cash assistance. This rental assistance is paid directly to your landlord. The assistance is available at most once a year per household.

Housing Choice Voucher Program

This Section 8 housing program is administered for the benefit of residents in Boone County, Hamilton County, Hendricks County and Tipton County. This allows your family to benefit from subsidized rent, but without having to live in a subsidized public housing project.

The difference is that you may live just about anywhere in the four county service area, so long as the rental property is approved. Additionally, your landlord must consent to the program. A share of your rent payment is made by the agency on your behalf. Your landlord would simply redeem the voucher for the payment. You are responsible for the remainder of the rent, which typically is no more than 30% of your monthly household income.

The waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers has been lengthy. This is a program meant for individuals and families who will need to rely on public assistance on a permanent basis. If you have emergency rental assistance needs, then you will need to work with your case manager to find an alternate match.

Marion County tenants may still benefit from the case management services offered by Community Action of Greater Indianapolis. For more information about these alternatives to rental loans, call the agency at the service center closest to you:

  • Boone County (S. Meridian Street in Lebanon). Call 765-482-7018.
  • Hamilton County (S. 10th Street in Noblesville). Call 317-773-2221.
  • Hendricks County (W. Clinton Street). Call 317-745-2642.
  • Marion County (N. Meridian Street in Indianapolis). Call 317-396-1800.
  • Marion County (E. 46th Street in Indianapolis). Call 317-524-6950.