Basic Needs

Our neighbors must have adequate food, housing and utilities in order to achieve self-sufficiency.

What we do

We're improving the lives of the most vulnerable people in our community by supporting efforts that provide food, clothing, shelter and services that keep them safe and healthy.

How we do it

To get there, we work with programs, partnerships and agency services that invest in information services, transitional shelters and housing, food programs and emergency assistance.

Here's what we did last year
because of your investment:

Connect2Help 2-1-1 was able to refer 91% of the 203,054 total needs to agencies that could provide help to callers

20,109 households received utility assistance through the Energy Assistance Program and Winter Assistance Fund

5,636 individuals received emergency shelter services

Basic Needs Programs

  • Energy Assistance
    Program
  • Winter Assistance
    Fund
  • United Christmas
    Service

Energy Assistance
Program

What it is

Indy EAP (Energy Assistance Program) assists individuals and families with the high costs of home energy so they can live comfortably in Central Indiana.

How it Helps

Based on household size, as well as housing income and status, eligible families receive a one-time benefit paid to the utility company to offset the high cost of winter utility bills.

What you can do

For more information about the Energy Assistance Program, dial 2-1-1 or visit indyeap.org to schedule an appointment.

Learn More

Winter Assistance
Fund

What it is

No one should have ​to endure the winter without heat or electricity. The Winter Assistance Fund helps ensure that those who need energy assistance the most have warm homes during the coldest months of the year.

How it Helps

For Marion County residents the Winter Assistance Fund runs from January to April, and helps those who can’t afford heat and electricity, but don’t qualify for the government’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program.

What you can do

If you or a loved one needs energy assistance, please dial Connect2Help’s 2-1-1 referral line – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

Donate to winter assistance fund

United Christmas
Service

What it is

Since the beginning of our United Christmas Service program in 1952, United Way of Central Indiana has made an effort to assist families in need during the holiday season. Caseworkers from our partner organizations refer to UCS qualified families who are currently engaged in their agency's services.

View FAQs

How You can help

Through your donations, families in need of limited assistance during the holidays are referred to the Direct Assistance Program. Each family receives a restricted voucher that can be used for food, clothing and/or toys based on the number of people in the family. Applicants are subject to a thorough review process.

We encourage anyone who would like to personalize their contribution by writing a note to a family in need to use the templates below.

Adult template
Child template

Seeking Assistance?

In order to be considered for assistance through United Christmas Service, you must be referred to the program through a partner organization, where you are currently engaged in services. UCS assists people living in Marion, Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, and Morgan counties. If you live in any other county and are seeking help, please contact your local 2-1-1 or local United Way.

View other holiday assistance programs

Crowe Horwath Builds Hygiene Kits for the Homeless

United Way of Central Indiana fights for every person in our community, but there’s no way we can do it alone. So when the Crowe Horwarth staff asked how they could help, we couldn’t wait to partner with them to make a bigger impact.

Read More

KAR Auction Services Assemble 2-1-1 Kits for Homeless

As part of the KAR Auction Services' United Way engagement campaign, employees at the Carmel and Woodland offices assembled 450 2-1-1 kits for people experiencing homelessness.

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Let Go and Lifted Up

Arthur knew if he was loyal to his company, his company would be loyal to him. But when the recession hit, Arthur’s philosophy was tested. And when the company had to start making cuts, Arthur, after 16 years of loyal work, was let go.

Read more

Additional Basic Needs Programs

SSVF

Supportive Services for Veteran Families grants offered by the U.S. V.A. Department support services for at-risk veterans to reduce the incidence of veteran homelessness and to rapidly re-house homeless veterans.
Our Role: Grant Administrator

Emergency Food and Shelter Program

A federal program funded through FEMA that allocates funding to local organizations to provide food and shelter assistance to hungry and homeless individuals.
Our Role: Grant Administrator

Transportation Grant

An allocation that provides local match required to leverage federal transportation funds to support transportation services for seniors in Marion County.
Our Role: Grant Administrator

Behavioral Health Court

A treatment-based diversion program offered to eligible defendants with histories of mental illness. The court focuses on providing case managed treatment and supports that lessen the likelihood that individuals will reoffend.
Our Role: Community Strategist

Homeless Targeted Initiative Fund

A fund provided by local philanthropy and supports initiatives that further Marion County’s mission to end homelessness.
Our Role: Community Strategist

Winter Contingency Fund

A plan that funds overflow emergency shelter materials to provide relief to homeless individuals and families when inclement weather poses the threat of serious harm or death during the winter months (November-March).
Our Role: Community Strategist