Help in Indiana
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 26 places in Indiana, most of them in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Evansville, plus 13 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (14) and leaving homelessness (14).
Indiana 211
Free statewide referral line run by FSSA that points Hoosiers to shelter, food, utility help, treatment, and peer recovery support. Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to be matched with resources near you.
Older Youth Services (Collaborative Care, Chafee ETV, Voluntary Services)
DCS runs Indiana's extended foster care (Collaborative Care, ages 18 to 21), independent living services from age 16, Chafee Education and Training Vouchers, and Voluntary Services up to the day before your 23rd birthday. Questions go to the Older Youth Initiatives team by phone or email.
Foster Success
Indianapolis nonprofit that backs teens and young adults leaving foster care through the Education and Training Voucher program, Opportunity Passport matched savings, vital document help, dorm funding, career coaching, and the Indiana Foster Youth Alliance. Applications are submitted through the programs page.
Indiana Legal Services
Free civil legal aid for low-income Hoosiers statewide, including expungements and specialized driving privileges but not criminal defense. Apply by phone Monday through Thursday from 10 to 2 or online around the clock on weekdays.
Indiana Division of Vital Records
Issues certified Indiana birth certificates by mail, phone, or online; there is no state walk-in counter, so the fastest route is the local health department in the county where you were born. A birth certificate costs $10 and requires photo ID or two secondary documents such as a DOC ID card and Social Security card.
Indiana BMV Identification Card
State photo ID for Indiana residents who do not hold a driver's license. The fee is $9, and it is waived for U.S. citizens 18 or older who are eligible to vote. Bring proof of identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and two proofs of Indiana residency to any branch.
FSSA Benefits Portal (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF)
Indiana's single online application for SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF cash assistance, run by the Division of Family Resources. Apply at the portal or at a local DFR office; the benefits information line answers questions about existing cases.
National lines that work in Indiana
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.