Vigo County, in western Indiana, where the city of Terre Haute sits, has some of the highest rates of families and individuals receiving welfare and food stamps throughout the state, according to the Kids Count Data Center. This is merely one fact that highlights the need for housing assistance programs in Terre Haute and nearby cities. Fortunately, you have several options, whether you need monetary assistance to pay rent or are trying to find a roof to put over your head.
Housing Authority
The Terre Haute Housing Authority (no website; 2001 N. 19th St., Terre Haute; 812-232-1381) administers public housing programs like Section 8. Rental assistance can be obtained largely through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which subsidizes rent based on your income and other factors. You generally pay about 30 percent to 40 percent of your income to rent using the voucher program. Terre Haute Housing Authority also administers supportive housing programs for veterans, households and individuals in danger of becoming homeless.
Other Rental Assistance
Grants, subsidies or credits from the government are available to landlords who to rent to low-income individuals. This affords those seeking affordable housing more options. Some rentals, as with housing authorities, may have income restrictions. Central Eastside Housing (no website; 1450 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute) constructs rental homes for low-income individuals and households, and also offers low-income apartment units. Providence Housing Corporation, an organization formed by the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (spsmw.org), provides affordable housing options for low-income residents of Terre Haute: they run Guerin Woods and The Meadows, housing options for the eldery with limited incomes; they also operate group homes for boys and girls, and Guerin House, providing furnished apartments to homeless families and families reuniting with children in foster care.
Homeownership Assistance
The Wabash Valley Habitat for Humanity (wvh4h.org) offers interest-free mortgages to families living in substandard and subsidized housing. Eligible individuals must meet income guidelines and pay "sweat equity" by working a certain number of hours on the construction of their new home. Also, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (in.gov/ihcda) runs the "First Home" and "First Home Plus" programs, offering first-time home buyers low, fixed-interest rate loans and assistance with down payment and closing costs. The IHCDA also offers the Mortgage Credit Certificate program in which homeowners receive a tax credit for the duration of their mortgage when filing federal taxes.
Emergency Shelters
The Council on Domestic Abuse (codaterrehaute.org) in Terre Haute provides abused individuals, especially women and their minor children, a domestic violence shelter. The CODA also operates a 24-hour crisis line (800-566-2632). The Light House Mission Ministries (thlhm.org) offers an emergency shelter and services to the homeless, emotionally troubled and low-income families. They also provide transitional apartments to men who have been through the Mission's substance abuse-recovery program, and a shelter for teen girls between the ages of 12 and 21. Run by the Vigo County government (vigocounty.in.gov), Homes for Children consists of group homes for emotionally and/or physically abused and neglected children as well as juvenile delinquents. Children stay in the homes around six months, on average, and treatment includes life skills training and counseling.
Charities
Catholic Charities in Terre Haute (archindy.org/cc) operates the Bethany House (no website; 1402 Locust St., Terre Haute; 812-232-4978), a center that provides shelter, meals and clothing to poor and homeless families and individuals. Catholic Charities also runs a household exchange program that donates used goods like furniture, televisions and bedding to needy families.The Salvation Army of Terre Haute (corps.salvationarmyindiana.org/terrehaute) serves Vigo County families and individuals, and provides emergency financial assistance, such as rent, mortgage and utility bill assistance.
Tags: Terre Haute, families individuals, Housing Authority, Vigo County, affordable housing, also offers