Community Resources for Families in Need: Support You Can Count On (Part 2)

At Family Ties Haven, we understand that many families face hardships that can feel overwhelming—from keeping the lights on to making sure children have the supplies they need for school. That’s why we’ve compiled a helpful list of trusted community resources offering support in the areas of food, housing, utilities, school readiness, and more. Whether you’re a family in need or a case manager searching for support options, these organizations are here to help.

🎒 School Supplies & Back-to-School Support

Every child deserves to start the school year prepared and confident. These organizations offer free backpacks, school supplies, and sometimes even clothing:

• Backpack Attack Indy: Annual school supply drive that distributes thousands of backpacks to students in need. ➤ backpackattackindy.org
  

• Salvation Army – Central Indiana: Offers school supplies and uniform assistance during their seasonal outreach programs. ➤ centralusa.salvationarmy.org
  

• United Way of Central Indiana: Partners with community groups to provide school readiness resources across the region. ➤ uwci.org
  

• Local School Districts & Title I Schools: Reach out to your school social worker or counselor to inquire about in-school supplies and support programs.

💡 Help with Utilities

If you’re struggling to keep the lights on or heat your home, these resources may provide direct assistance or connect you with programs that can help:

• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Federally funded help with heating and cooling bills. ➤ ihcda.in.gov
  

• Township Trustee Offices: Each township in Indiana provides emergency aid for utilities and basic needs. ➤ indianatownshipassoc.org
  

• Local Utility Companies (Duke Energy, NIPSCO, Indiana Michigan Power): Offer payment plans, assistance grants, and crisis support.

🏠 Rent, Mortgage & Housing Help

Housing instability is one of the most stressful challenges a family can face. These programs can help:

• Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program (IERA): Offers financial help with back rent and utilities. ➤ indianahousingnow.org
  

• Catholic Charities of Indianapolis: Provides emergency financial help for rent, mortgage, and other essentials. ➤ archindy.org/cc
  

• Township Trustees: A first stop for emergency shelter support and rent assistance.

🥫 Food Pantries & Meal Assistance

No family should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. The following resources ensure no one goes hungry:

• Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana: Distributes groceries and fresh produce via pantry partners and mobile food trucks. ➤ gleaners.org
  

• Midwest Food Bank – Indianapolis: Provides food boxes to individuals and families through local agencies. ➤ midwestfoodbank.org
  

• Community Churches and Centers: Many churches and neighborhood centers maintain food pantries open weekly.

🧼 Other Essentials (Diapers, Clothing, Hygiene Items)

These items may seem small, but they make a huge difference in a family’s daily comfort and dignity:

• Indiana Diaper Bank: Free diapers for families experiencing hardship. ➤ indianadiaperbank.org
  

• Dress for Success Indianapolis: Clothing for job seekers and working women. ➤ indydfs.org
  

• The Julian Center: Provides hygiene kits, clothing, and safe housing for survivors of domestic violence. ➤ juliancenter.org

🚗  Transportation Assistance

Getting to work, school, or doctor’s appointments shouldn’t be a barrier:

• IndyGo Public Transit: Offers half-fare programs for low-income residents. ➤ indygo.net
  

• St. Vincent de Paul Indy: May assist with gas cards, bus passes, and car repairs in special circumstances. ➤ svdpindy.org

🌍  Find More Resources by County

For personalized support, you can use these directories to search by zip code and service type:

• 2-1-1 Indiana: Call 2-1-1 or visit in211.org
  

• FindHelp.org: Enter your ZIP code for a list of local programs. ➤ findhelp.org
  

• Love INC (Love In the Name of Christ): Connects churches and families to needs in their community. ➤ loveinc.org
  

• Community Action Agencies: Offer wraparound services based on your county. ➤ incap.org

At Family Ties Haven, we believe no family should have to face life’s toughest moments alone. If you or someone you know needs help navigating these resources—or if you’re a case manager looking for collaborative support—we’re here to walk alongside you. Reach out to us directly for referrals, support, or guidance.

You are not alone. Help is available. Hope is real.