Housing Help in Allen County, Indiana

Last Updated: August 2026

If you’re struggling to find or keep affordable housing in Allen County, several local organizations can help with housing searches, homelessness prevention, rent assistance, subsidized housing and emergency shelter. The best program depends on whether you’re currently housed, facing eviction or already homeless.

Quick Answer

If you’re homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, a good place to start is:

Brightpoint Coordinated Entry
Phone: 260-423-3546 ext. 332

Coordinated Entry helps connect Allen County residents with available shelter and housing programs.

View Fort Wayne Homelessness Prevention Resources

For subsidized and affordable housing:

Fort Wayne Housing Authority
7315 Hanna Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46816
Phone: 260-267-9300

Visit Fort Wayne Housing Authority

Fort Wayne Housing Authority

The Fort Wayne Housing Authority (FWHA) administers affordable-housing programs for qualifying low-income households in Fort Wayne and Allen County.

Programs may include:

  • Housing Choice Vouchers

  • Public housing

  • Affordable rental housing

  • Family housing

  • Senior housing

  • Housing for people with disabilities

  • Self-sufficiency programs

Fort Wayne Housing Authority
7315 Hanna Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46816
Phone: 260-267-9300

Visit Fort Wayne Housing Authority

Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly called Section 8, helps qualifying households pay rent in privately owned housing.

Participants generally pay a portion of their income toward rent, while the housing program pays an approved subsidy directly to the landlord.

Voucher waiting lists can be closed when demand exceeds available funding.

Check Fort Wayne Housing Authority Programs

Don’t assume applications are always being accepted. Check the current waiting-list status before applying.

Affordable Housing

Even if you don’t have a Housing Choice Voucher, you may be able to find housing with income-based or reduced rents.

Affordable housing may be available through:

  • Fort Wayne Housing Authority

  • Privately owned subsidized apartment communities

  • Senior housing

  • Disability housing

  • Tax-credit apartment communities

  • Nonprofit housing organizations

Ask each property whether it has:

  • Income restrictions

  • A waiting list

  • Available units

  • Application fees

  • Security-deposit requirements

Facing Eviction?

If you’ve received an eviction notice or are behind on rent, start looking for help immediately.

Possible assistance may include:

  • Rent assistance

  • Legal help

  • Homelessness-prevention programs

  • Utility assistance

  • Negotiation with your landlord

  • Emergency housing referrals

Find Rent Assistance in Allen County

Don’t wait until the day you’re required to leave before contacting assistance programs. Funding and appointments may take time.

Brightpoint Housing Assistance

Brightpoint provides several programs for people experiencing housing instability in northeast Indiana.

Services may include:

  • Homelessness prevention

  • Coordinated Entry

  • Rapid Rehousing

  • Permanent Supportive Housing

  • Utility assistance

  • Referrals to other housing programs

Brightpoint
227 E. Washington Boulevard
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-423-3546

Visit Brightpoint

If you’re homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness, ask specifically about Coordinated Entry.

What Is Coordinated Entry?

Coordinated Entry is the local system used to connect people experiencing homelessness with available housing resources.

Instead of trying to contact every housing program individually, Coordinated Entry helps determine:

  • Your current housing situation

  • Your household needs

  • Which programs you may qualify for

  • Whether an appropriate housing program is available

Brightpoint Coordinated Entry: 260-423-3546 ext. 332

Coordinated Entry doesn’t guarantee immediate housing, but it’s an important entry point into Allen County’s homeless-housing system.

Vincent Village

Vincent Village works specifically with families experiencing homelessness or serious housing instability.

Vincent Village
2827 Holton Avenue
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
Phone: 260-456-4172

Programs include:

  • Transitional housing

  • Affordable rental housing

  • Case management

  • Employment support

  • Financial education

  • Family support

Visit Vincent Village

Call to ask about current eligibility and housing availability.

Just Neighbors

Just Neighbors provides emergency shelter and support for families with children experiencing homelessness.

Just Neighbors
2925 E. State Boulevard
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Phone: 260-458-9772

Get Help From Just Neighbors

Families generally need to be pregnant or have a minor child in their care to qualify for its family shelter programs.

Need Emergency Shelter?

If you have nowhere safe to stay tonight, don’t limit your search to long-term housing programs.

Allen County has shelters serving:

  • Single men

  • Single women

  • Women with children

  • Families

  • Veterans

  • Pregnant women

  • People fleeing domestic violence

Find Homeless Shelters & Resources in Allen County

You can also dial 211 for current shelter information.

Domestic Violence Housing Help

If you need housing because you’re fleeing domestic violence, contact YWCA Northeast Indiana.

24/7 Crisis Line: 800-441-4073

YWCA provides emergency shelter, safety planning, advocacy and assistance finding longer-term resources.

Domestic Violence Help in Allen County

If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.

Housing Help for Veterans

Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability may qualify for specialized programs, including VA-supported housing.

When contacting Coordinated Entry or 211, tell them you’re a veteran.

You can also find additional local assistance here:

Allen County Veteran Support

Housing for Seniors

Older adults may qualify for:

  • Subsidized senior apartments

  • Income-based housing

  • Housing Choice Vouchers

  • Supportive housing

  • In-home assistance

Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana can help older residents and caregivers identify available resources.

Phone: 260-745-1200

Visit Aging & In-Home Services

Housing for People With Disabilities

People with disabilities may qualify for housing programs through the Fort Wayne Housing Authority and other local organizations.

When applying, ask whether the property or program offers:

  • Accessible units

  • Income-based rent

  • Disability-specific housing

  • Reasonable accommodations

  • Supportive services

Don’t assume a standard waiting list is your only option. Ask whether there are programs specifically designed for your situation.

Need Help Paying Utilities?

Housing instability is sometimes caused by a utility shutoff rather than unpaid rent.

Allen County residents may qualify for assistance with:

  • Electric bills

  • Natural gas

  • Heating costs

  • Utility shutoff prevention

Find Utility Help in Allen County

If you already have a shutoff notice, mention the shutoff date when you call.

Need Help With a Security Deposit?

Some housing programs may be able to help with expenses such as:

  • Security deposits

  • First month’s rent

  • Application fees

  • Utility deposits

  • Moving costs

Availability depends heavily on current funding.

Ask Brightpoint, Coordinated Entry or 211 specifically:

“Is there any help available with a security deposit or move-in costs?”

Finding an Affordable Apartment

When searching for affordable housing:

  • Apply to more than one property.

  • Ask about waiting lists.

  • Ask whether rent is income-based.

  • Ask what utilities are included.

  • Ask about application fees.

  • Ask how much the security deposit is.

  • Keep copies of applications.

  • Keep your phone number and mailing address updated with every waiting list.

If your contact information changes and a housing provider can’t reach you, you could lose your place on a waiting list.

What to Bring When Applying

Housing programs may request:

  • Photo ID

  • Social Security cards

  • Birth certificates

  • Proof of household income

  • Bank information

  • Benefit letters

  • Rental history

  • Landlord information

  • Eviction paperwork

  • Disability documentation when relevant

Requirements vary by program.

If you don’t have everything, call anyway and ask what is actually required.

Indiana 211

If you’re unsure which housing program fits your situation, dial:

2-1-1

Tell the specialist exactly what’s happening.

For example:

“I’m behind on rent and received an eviction notice.”

or:

“I need an affordable apartment and I’m on a fixed income.”

or:

“My family has nowhere to stay tonight.”

Those situations may lead to completely different resources.

Search Indiana 211

Before You Apply

Housing assistance often has waiting lists and limited funding.

Before applying:

  • Confirm applications are open.

  • Ask about eligibility.

  • Ask how long the waiting list may be.

  • Find out what documents are required.

  • Apply to multiple appropriate programs.

  • Keep your contact information current.

Don’t pay anyone who promises to guarantee you a Section 8 voucher or move you to the top of a government housing waiting list.

Local Tip

Be very specific when asking for housing help.

Instead of simply saying “I need housing,” explain whether you’re:

  • Behind on rent

  • Facing eviction

  • Already homeless

  • Staying temporarily with someone

  • Living in a vehicle

  • Looking for income-based housing

  • A senior

  • Disabled

  • A veteran

  • A family with children

That information can make a big difference in which Allen County programs you may qualify for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get housing help in Allen County?

Start with Brightpoint, Fort Wayne Housing Authority or Indiana 211, depending on whether you need emergency assistance, homelessness prevention or long-term affordable housing.

How do I apply for Section 8 in Fort Wayne?

Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally through the Fort Wayne Housing Authority. Check FWHA for the current waiting-list and application status.

What if the Section 8 waiting list is closed?

Look for other affordable and income-restricted housing while continuing to monitor the Housing Authority for future waiting-list openings.

What if I’m about to be evicted?

Contact housing and rent-assistance programs as soon as possible. Brightpoint and Indiana 211 are good starting points.

Where can a homeless family get help?

Families can contact Just Neighbors, Vincent Village and Brightpoint Coordinated Entry. You can also use the Allen County Homeless Resources page to find shelters appropriate for your household.

Related Pages

Official Resources

Summary

Allen County residents can find help with affordable housing, eviction prevention, homelessness and subsidized housing through several local programs. Contact the Fort Wayne Housing Authority for affordable-housing programs, or Brightpoint Coordinated Entry at 260-423-3546 ext. 332 if you’re homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. If you’re not sure which program you need, dial 211 for current local housing resources.