Focus areas
Prevention
Prevention
"I'm one paycheck away from homelessness."
A whopping 41% of households in Vanderburgh County struggle to pay for basic necessities. Just one obstacle—a health crisis, job loss or even a major car repair—can produce a ripple effect that leads to homelessness.
Examples of local prevention efforts include:
- Affordable child care
- Legal assistance, including landlord mediation services
Diversion
“I’m getting evicted at the end of the month.”
Considered to be the “front door” of the homelessness system, diversion services offer alternatives to an individual or family who need immediate action to remain housed and gain greater stability.
Examples of local diversion efforts include:
- Landlord conflict resolution
- Utility payment negotiation
- Rent payment assistance
- Transportation assistance
Emergency Shelter
“I have no place to sleep tonight.”
Individuals and families who lose their own housing often end up in temporary shelters, staying on someone’s couch, or living on the streets. Our local shelter organizations work together daily to provide these folks with temporary stability in emergency situations.
Examples of local prevention efforts include:
- Night shelters for men, women and families
- White Flag nights that guarantee a bed when temperatures drop below 32 degrees
- Connection to vital resources, such as food, clothing, job placement, and substance abuse and mental health services
Permanent Supportive Housing
“It’s difficult to find housing I can afford.”
Permanent supportive housing (PSH) programs help homeless individuals and families emerge from homelessness and achieve long-term independence.
Examples of our prevention efforts include:
- Direct access to available affordable housing
- Financial assistance with rent and deposits
- Utility connection assistance
- Connection to supportive resources such as health care, jobs and life skills training
