Community organizations increase accessibility for rental assistance

IndyRent was launched just after the pandemic hit and millions of people lost their jobs. It’s a rental assistance program run by the city that uses federal relief money to help low-income renters.

Many Indianapolis families struggle to navigate accessibility issues that make the assistance seem out-of-reach. The application requires complex paperwork and, until recently, was available only in English. 

Gurinder Hohl is the director of the Immigrant Welcome Center. She says that when many immigrant communities apply for the money, the obstacles they’re met with are difficult to overcome.

“So first, the application is not in a language they understand second, highly likely to not have appropriate documentation, and also highly likely to be vulnerable,” says Hohl.

The city has also partnered with community organizations like the John Boner neighborhood center and nonprofit La Plaza to increase education and outreach for rental assistance applications. The applications are now available in Spanish.

Ruth Morales is the Director for Indianapolis’ Office of International and Latino Affairs. She says she’s focused on spreading awareness of IndyRent and encouraging people to apply.

“IndyRent is for everyone, regardless of where you may have come from,” says Morales. “If you were living in Marion County and you were impacted by COVID-19, you are eligible to apply for that assistance and for that program and go through that process.”

Marion County residents can check their eligibility for the aid at indyrent.org.