State of Indiana Renters’ Emergency Assistance Program
This assistance can be used to pay for past-due rent, future rent, and current utility costs. The Emergency Rental Assistance program accepts applications from applicants who had been adversely affected by COVID-19. If you’ve received assistance in the past, you may still apply but approval is not guaranteed.
Emergency Rental Assistance has been allocated to the following areas:
- Fort Wayne
- Indianapolis
- Elkhart County
- Hamilton County
- Lake County
- St. Joseph County
The Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Charities will take applications starting on Monday, February 21st at 10 a.m. through the online application portal linked below, as well as by appointment with either organization. The requirements for the program have changed from previous rounds.
In order to qualify for help, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Rent a home inside Fort Wayne; have a household income that is less than 80% of the region’s median ($57,500 for a family of four);
Checklist for COVID-19 Rental Assistance in Case of Emergency
Your application will be incomplete unless you submit the necessary documents. Please keep in mind that applications that are not completely completed will not be processed and will be returned to you for completion.
- Proof of identification (utility bill, bank letter, SNAP, HUD, school letter, etc. ) or
- Current valid driver’s license or state-issued ID card, or
- A current and signed lease agreement
- Proof of income for all adults in the home (utility bill, bank letter, SNAP, HUD, school letter, etc.)
- Proof of citizenship (passport, green card, refugee resettlement ID, work permit, military ID, or consular passport)
Income can be demonstrated in the following ways:
- W2s for 2018 tax returns will be issued in 2020 and 2020-21.
- Paystubs over the previous 60 days (with gross amount)
- Social Security notices are sent out every month (including monies received for minor dependents living in the household)
- Proof of unemployment, accompanied by weekly pay
- Child support documentation that is due to be paid
- Individuals who have had no source of income for the previous 60 days should complete this form.
- The landlord has signed and completed the Landlord Attestation Form.
- Lease Agreement (Required: 1) Rental property address; 2) Tenant/s name; 3) Landlord name; 4) Lease period; 5) Signature page)
- Instability in one’s residence or a significant reduction in income.
- Utility Bills- input the number from a utility bill or account (If you are requesting assistance with utilities).Applicants who require in-person support can reach out to the following individuals:
Phone: 260-422-5625, extension 247
Paper applications are no longer accepted by Allen County (260-969-3348) or Fort Wayne (260-901-5480). Dates and locations can be found on the Intake Calendar.
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Denise Madison, age 34, is an expert in housing policy and rental assistance. Denise earned her Master’s in Public Administration from McGill University, focusing her thesis on the effectiveness of rental assistance programs in major Canadian cities. After graduation, she worked with the Canadian government before transitioning to a consulting role in the United States, aiding in the enhancement of federal housing policies and programs. Denise is known for her practical workshops and seminars aimed at landlords and tenants, fostering better understanding and compliance with housing laws. When not at work, Denise cherishes time with her husband and their three young children, exploring the outdoors and teaching them about the importance of community involvement.
