Allen County and Fort Wayne homeless prevention assistance programs.
Three groups of people in Allen County Indiana can benefit from the regional homeless prevention programs. They include tenants facing eviction, homeowners behind on their mortgage, and the currently homeless. All of these groups can request support, and the assistance given can include legal aid, government grants, short term housing, and much more. Agencies include the City of Fort Wayne, St. Joseph Missions, Just Neighbors/The Lutheran Foundation, Brightpoint and others.
The primary goal is drive down the number of homeless individuals as well as families in the community. This goal is for everyone from veterans to single moms or dads, senior citizens, and the mentally or physically disabled. Really anyone that needs a place to live, or help staying in their home/apartment, may be qualified.
Tenant eviction help
The cost of rent continues to increase in Fort Wayne as well as Allen County. Often the rate is faster than income growth. This presents challenges for most tenants who live check to check. As a job loss, unexpected bill, or cut back in hours can lead to missed rent or utility bill payments.
Homeless prevention can help these struggling tenants. There are various solutions that may be used, and each application is assessed on a case by case basis. Any type of financial aid is limited and goes quickly on the first cone-served basis. Possible solutions for tenants facing eviction may be.
- -ESG grants to pay for rental arrears, utility or water bills, and related housing costs.
- -Legal aid is another part of homeless prevention, and attorneys can represent the client in housing court. There are a number of free lawyers in Indiana for housing needs..
- -Mediation is arranged between landlord and renters.
- -Veterans can get help from HUD programs including SSVF.
- -The mentally disabled facing eviction can apply for Supportive Housing Program (SHP).
The City of Fort Wayne Indiana is allocating ESG grants to many groups, including the United Way, Brightpoint and others. Tenants may be eligible for both short term, emergency homeless prevention as well as ongoing support. As once the crisis has been resolved, non-profits in Allen County Indiana want to ensure the family is stable in the future. This is a key component of the eviction prevention services in the region.
Homeowner foreclosure assistance in Allen County
Any family that owns their home, or has a mortgage they pay to a lender, can also seek assistance if/when needed as part of foreclosure and homeless prevention programs. Note any type of financial aid for a homeowner is very limited (when it exists period). As making a payment on a home can be expensive, so funds are very limited.
Rather the foreclosure prevention in Fort Wayne that is part of homeless prevention involved non-monetary aid. The most common solution is a loan modification. Professionals will work with the homeowner and the lender to find a solution. This can be interest rate reduction, payment plans, or (rarely) principal reduction. Other solutions range from free legal advice to mediation or information on government backed programs.
Homeless prevention from people that need a home or apartment
Sometimes the Allen County Indiana homeless prevention programs do not work. Or the applicant is not qualified. So maybe a family or individuals is already homeless, living on the streets, in a car or in a family/friends basement. In these cases the Allen County rehousing service is used, including women shelters at Brightpoint, Just Neighbors, and others. All this, and more (including motel vouchers) are part of rapid rehousing in Allen County.
If the applicant is not fiscally stable, or if they have other issues that are preventing stable housing (DV, disability, substance abuse, underemployment, etc.) then that underlying issue needs to be dealt with first. This can be done by partners in the community, whether it is a job center or substance abuse housing.
Once somewhat stable, then homeless prevention and rapid rehousing in Allen County will place the client into a shelter or transitional housing unit. During this stay there will be requirements around work, saving money, and general fiscal stability. It will be a goal based case management process. Read more on housing first programs.
After goals have been met, there may be some grant money to pay for everything from security deposits to moving costs, lease application fees, and utility connection costs. This financial aid is also part of homeless prevention, and it can be very beneficial for a low income family.
Applying for programs
For more details on these eviction and foreclosure programs, dial the City of Fort Wayne center at 260-427-1127 or try the United Way at 211. Referrals and more information is given.
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