Indiana Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Indiana.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 6.8 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 6,285 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- Unsheltered Population: Around 1,477 individuals considered "unsheltered" (2024)
- Major Urban Centers: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Bloomington
- Primary Challenges: Affordable housing shortages, mental health service gaps, substance use disorders
Emergency Contact Numbers
Indiana Crisis Hotline
(800) 273-8255
Available 24/7
Indiana 211
Dial 211
Available 24/7
Mental Health Support
(800) 662-4357
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
Available 24/7
Indiana Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Indiana:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
Indiana's laws regarding camping and sleeping in public spaces have been evolving. In early 2025, House Bill 1662 was introduced that would make it a Class C misdemeanor to "camp, sleep, or use for long term shelter land owned by the state or a political subdivision, unless the land has been authorized for that use by law."
This legislation has faced significant opposition from homeless advocates who argue it would criminalize homelessness rather than address root causes. The legal landscape continues to develop, with several municipalities having their own ordinances regarding camping in public spaces.
Vehicle Dwelling
Regulations on living in vehicles vary significantly by municipality across Indiana. Some cities have specific ordinances prohibiting sleeping in vehicles overnight, particularly in residential areas, while others have created safe parking programs for those experiencing vehicular homelessness.
In Indianapolis, there are designated areas where overnight parking may be permitted for those living in their vehicles, but restrictions apply. Always check local ordinances before staying in a vehicle overnight.
Panhandling
In Indiana, panhandling laws have faced legal challenges based on First Amendment considerations. Previous attempts to broadly restrict panhandling have been found unconstitutional. However, many municipalities maintain ordinances that restrict "aggressive" panhandling or solicitation in specific locations or manners.
It's important to understand the specific regulations in each city, as they can vary significantly.
Property Rights & Seizure
Individuals experiencing homelessness maintain certain property rights even when living in public spaces. Law enforcement and city officials are generally required to provide notice before clearing encampments and must follow specific procedures for handling personal property.
Immediate disposal of personal property may violate constitutional rights, and many cities have established protocols for storing belongings for later retrieval.
Housing Rights
Indiana has several laws regarding tenant protections, though they are generally considered less comprehensive than some other states. Landlords must provide safe and habitable housing and follow specific procedures for evictions.
State law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin, though local ordinances may provide additional protections.
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Indiana, the following organizations can help:
Indiana Legal Services
Provides free civil legal services for low-income Hoosiers, including housing issues, benefits, and more.
Phone: (844) 243-8570
Website: indianalegalservices.org
ACLU of Indiana
Works to defend civil liberties and constitutional rights, including those of people experiencing homelessness.
Phone: (317) 635-4059
Website: aclu-in.org
Indianapolis Legal Aid Society
Provides free legal services to low-income individuals in the Indianapolis area.
Phone: (317) 635-9538
Website: indylas.org
Indiana Coalition for Court Access
Helps connect low-income Hoosiers with legal resources and self-help materials.
Website: indianalegalhelp.org
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Indiana. Select a county to view specific information:
Marion County
County Seat: Indianapolis
Population: 977,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 1,619 people experiencing homelessness (2023)
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Indianapolis has ordinances restricting camping in public parks and on sidewalks. However, enforcement has varied based on shelter capacity and other factors.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Technically restricted in residential areas, though enforcement is often complaint-driven.
- Panhandling: Aggressive panhandling is prohibited, but peacefully asking for money is generally protected speech.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed, though permits may be required for large-scale distribution in parks.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Marion County:
St. Joseph County
County Seat: South Bend
Population: 272,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 469 people experiencing homelessness (2022)
Local Ordinances
- Camping: South Bend restricts camping in city parks and on public property; however, the city has taken a more service-oriented approach in recent years.
- Panhandling: Ordinances prohibit aggressive panhandling, especially in downtown areas and near businesses.
- Weather Amnesty: During extreme weather conditions, the city has programs to provide temporary shelter.
County Resources
Key resources specific to St. Joseph County:
Monroe County
County Seat: Bloomington
Population: 139,000
Homelessness Statistics: Higher-than-average rate for county size, influenced by being a college town and regional hub
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Bloomington has restrictions on camping in public spaces, but has also worked to create alternative solutions.
- Encampments: The city has taken varied approaches to encampments, with some being permitted for periods of time.
- Outreach: Bloomington has invested in street outreach teams as an alternative to law enforcement responses.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Monroe County:
Allen County
County Seat: Fort Wayne
Population: 385,000
Homelessness Statistics: Growing concern in Indiana's second-largest city
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Fort Wayne has ordinances against camping on public property, including parks and sidewalks.
- Panhandling: Restrictions exist on aggressive panhandling, especially in commercial areas.
- Enforcement: The city has periodically conducted sweeps of encampments, though with advance notice.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Allen County:
Vanderburgh County
County Seat: Evansville
Population: 180,000
Homelessness Statistics: Significant challenge in southwestern Indiana
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Evansville prohibits camping or sleeping on public property without permission.
- Loitering: Ordinances exist against loitering in certain public areas, though enforcement varies.
- Property Storage: The city has protocols for handling personal property during encampment clearings.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Vanderburgh County:
Success Stories from Indiana
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Indiana:
Thomas's Journey
After serving in the military, Thomas struggled with PTSD and eventually lost his housing in Indianapolis. Through HVAF of Indiana (Helping Veterans and Families), he was connected to housing, mental health services, and job training. Today, Thomas works as a peer support specialist for other veterans experiencing homelessness.
"When I was on the streets, I felt forgotten. HVAF reminded me that my service mattered and that I mattered. Now I get to do the same for others who served our country."
Resources that helped: Veteran-specific housing, mental health care, employment services
Sarah's Journey
Sarah and her two children became homeless after fleeing domestic violence in South Bend. Through the Center for the Homeless family program, they found safe shelter and comprehensive support. Sarah completed her GED while in the program and has since secured stable housing and employment in healthcare.
"Having a safe place for my children made all the difference. The staff believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself, and now we have our own apartment and I have a career path."
Resources that helped: Family shelter, education support, childcare, domestic violence services
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Indiana have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Indiana to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Indiana Balance of State Continuum of Care
Type: Coordinated Service System
Eligibility: Varies by specific program and region
Benefits: Coordinates homeless services across 91 of Indiana's 92 counties (excluding Marion County)
How to Apply: Contact your county's local coordinated entry point or call 211
Indiana Supportive Housing Institute
Type: Housing Development
Eligibility: Developers and service providers creating permanent supportive housing
Benefits: Training and technical assistance to develop high-quality supportive housing for homeless individuals
How to Apply: Annual application process through IHCDA
Rapid Re-Housing Program
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness
Benefits: Temporary rental assistance, housing search assistance, case management
How to Apply: Through local Continuum of Care access points or by calling 211
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Indiana based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners