Financial Resources for Rent & Utilities
IERA-2 Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance
As of 4.20.2023 Limited funds are available for renters that have been financially impacted by COVID19 and have not already received more than 15 months prior IERA assistance. You must be experiencing housing instability, your landlord is willing to participate in the program, have a current lease and meet financial eligibility requirements to qualify. You will be asked for income info and other documentation.
To apply to the IERA Program for the first time call 2-1-1 and make sure to mention “rental assistance” to the 2-1-1 operator. You will have the option to begin an application over the phone or be connected to the SCCAP office who will offer assistance. The SCCAP Office phone number is (812) 339-3447.
If you already have an active application you can access the applicant portal here https://in-ihcda.my.site.com/Applicant/s/login/. You are encouraged to check your email frequently for requests for additional information that may be necessary to complete documentation for your household.
More information on the IERA Program is at https://www.indianahousingnow.org/.
Township Trustee Assistance
Your Township Trustee can provide assistance with basic necessities such as food, shelter, utilities and medical care for residents within their township that meet income guidelines and other requirements.
There is an application process which requires that you provide documents for review and have an interview with a Case Investigator to determine eligibility. If you qualify for assistance, it will typically be provided as a payment made directly to your landlord or utility provider.
You can contact your Township Office for information on what services are available, how to obtain an application, financial guidelines and documentation requirements and to schedule an appointment.
If you are not sure what Township you live in, you can go to MyBloomington and type in your address the click on the green (within) or red (outside City) button and scroll down to see your Township.
Individual Township Information is listed further below for Bloomington, Perry, Van Buren & Richland Townships (based on largest # of rentals). A Township Map and Township Trustee Contact Info is available to view & download here as a .pdf
Individual Township Information
You can contact the Bloomington Township Trustee at 812-336-4976 to make an appointment for financial assistance. They are getting many requests so the quicker you can get on their schedule, the better. Their office is located at 924 W 17th St Suite C, Bloomington, IN 47404. Note: The office is currently closed to walk-in traffic so you will need to call for an appointment. Here is a link to their website for information on their application procedures and requirements: Bloomington Township Site
You can contact the Perry Township Trustee at 812-336-3713 to make an appointment for financial assistance. They are getting many requests so the quicker you can get on their schedule, the better. Their office is located at 1010 S Walnut St. #A Bloomington, IN 47414. Note: The office is currently closed to walk-in traffic so you will need to call for an appointment. Here is a link to their website for information on their application procedures and requirements: Perry Township Site.
You can contact the Van Buren Township Trustee at 812-825-4490 to make an appointment. They are located at 2123 S Kirby Rd. Bloomington, IN 47403 and here is a link to their website for info on their requirements and application info: Van Buren Township Site.
You can contact the Richland Township Trustee at 812-876-2509 to make an appointment. They are located at 416 S. Park St. Ellettsvile, IN 47429 and here is a link to their website for info on their requirements and application info: Richland Township Site.
Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM):
MCUM offers emergency assistance for overdue rent or utility bills and requires that you have met with your Township Trustee before applying for assistance. More information is on their website MCUM Site.
Here is the link to apply online: MCUM Application Form or you can complete a paper application at MCUM’s Self-Sufficiency Center located at 827 West 14th Court Bloomington, IN 47404 between noon-4pm M/Tu/Th/Fri (closed Wednesdays). For questions or to request for an appointment contact Erin evaughn@mcum.org or 812-339-3429 ext. 15.
If the online application notes “We have exhausted all emergency funds for the month” please check back after the first weekday of the next month or whatever date is noted.
A list of churches providing possible assistance can be found on MCUM’s brochure.
Shalom Center/Beacon Inc.:
Beacon has temporary funding for rental arrears and security deposit assistance for those that qualify. Shalom Center is a day shelter located at 620 South Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN 47401 with breakfast 8am-9am, lunch 12-1:30pm, restrooms, and walk-in case management available 9am-3pm Monday through Friday on a first come, first serve basis. The phone# is (812) 334-5728 and their Outreach Coordinator can be reached at x121 (this extension is street outreach for people already unhoused). The Shalom Center phone# is (812) 334-5728 with services provided in-person or through street outreach for people that are currently unhoused.
St. Vincent de Paul Society:
SVdP may be able to provide short term financial assistance towards rent, utilities and medical copays. They ask that if possible you see your Township Trustee first before meeting with their financial aid volunteers. You can send your request through their St. Vincent de Paul Society Form or calling 812-961-1510 Ext 2 and leave a message. Someone will attempt to call you back usually within 24 hrs. More information is available on their website St. Vincent de Paul Society
Salvation Army:
Salvation Army requires that you have met with your Township Trustee Office in the past 2 months and provide a copy of the Trustee’s letter documenting what assistance is/is not being provided. Note that emergency assistance funds are limited and typically no more than $150. Call 812-336-4310 10am-5pm M-F to make an appointment with the Director of Social Services.