Homeless Prevention Program

Overview

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), enacted in 1996, replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), which provided cash assistance to families with children experiencing poverty. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides funding for short-term Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) and Homeless Prevention (HP) efforts to any nonprofit in the State of Indiana. Fort Wayne Housing Authority (FWHA) with the collaboration of IHCDA (Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority) can provide rental and utility assistance to eligible families who are either experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness.

Short-Term Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) Rapid Re-Housing, as defined by HUD, is an intervention informed by a Housing First approach. Rapid Re-Housing rapidly connects families and individuals experiencing homelessness to permanent housing through a tailored package of assistance that may include the use of time-limited financial assistance and targeted supportive services. As it pertains to the 2024-2025 TANF grant, “short-term” Rapid Re-Housing refers to assistance that does not exceed 4 months of assistance.

Homeless Prevention (HP) Homeless Prevention, as defined by HUD, is an intervention designed to prevent an individual or family from moving into an emergency shelter or living in a public or private place not meant for human habitation. Homeless Prevention is targeted towards people who are at risk of homelessness rather than people who are already homeless.

Application for Homeless Prevention Rental Assistance

FWHA has limited funds to help families with rent and utility bills to prevent homelessness. This application is open to current FWHA voucher holders and Ready to Rent program participants. If you are at risk of eviction and care for a child in your household, you may qualify for up to 4 months of assistance. Apply below.

Eligibility:

To qualify, your household must:

  • Be U.S. citizens or legal residents living in Indiana.
  • Include a parent, grandparent, or caregiver for a child under 18 (or 19 if a full-time student) or be an expectant parent.
  • Have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
  • Be at imminent risk of eviction and unable to secure ongoing housing.

Types of Assistance Available:

  • Utility Payments: Up to 4 months of assistance for gas, electric, water, and sewage bills, including arrears.
  • Rental Arrears: One-time payment for up to 4 months of back rent and late fees.
  • Rental Assistance: Up to 4 months of future rent or first month’s rent.

TANF Application
Name
Name
First
Last
Mailing Address
Mailing Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Country
Physical Address (if different)
Physical Address (if different)
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Country
Are you a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or expectant parent of a child?
Are you currently receiving FWHA services (Section 8/Ready to Rent)?
Are you at imminent risk of eviction and unable to secure ongoing housing?

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

At risk of homelessness, self-certification and acknowledgments: I certify that the information provided is true and complete and that I am at imminent risk of homelessness; at risk of eviction without resources to obtain ongoing housing. I submit this application to begin enrollment in the IHCDA TANF Program. My signature represents my agreement to enter the program.