Open Today – Help Available in Allen County, Indiana
Last Updated: August 2026
Need help today with food, shelter, housing, clothing, medical care or another urgent need in Allen County? Hours and availability can change, especially for smaller programs, so call before leaving home whenever possible.
Quick Answer
If you need help today and aren’t sure where to go:
Indiana 211
Dial 2-1-1
211 can help identify services that are currently available, including food, shelter, housing, utilities and other emergency assistance.
For immediate emergency shelter, Ft Wayne Rescue Mission operates 24 hours a day at:
404 E. Washington Boulevard
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-426-7357
Need a Place to Stay Today?
If you have nowhere safe to stay tonight, start calling shelters as early in the day as possible.
The Rescue Mission
404 E. Washington Boulevard
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-426-7357
The Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter for men along with meals and other basic-needs assistance. Its main Fort Wayne location is listed as operating 24 hours a day.
Families With Children
Just Neighbors
2925 E. State Boulevard
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Phone: 260-458-9772
Just Neighbors provides emergency shelter for qualifying families with children.
Call first because shelter availability can change daily.
View More Allen County Homeless Resources
Need Food Today?
If you need food immediately, call Indiana 211 and ask:
“Where can I get food today in Allen County?”
They can help locate food pantries and meal programs based on the current day and your location.
You can also check:
The Rescue Mission
The Rescue Mission provides free community meals to people in need.
404 E. Washington Boulevard
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-426-7357
Call to confirm today’s meal schedule.
Need Emergency Financial Help Today?
In Indiana, your township trustee is an important resource for emergency assistance.
Depending on eligibility and circumstances, township assistance may help with basic necessities such as:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Food
- Shelter
- Other emergency needs
Allen County has 20 townships, so you need to contact the trustee serving the township where you live.
Find Your Allen County Township Trustee
Wayne Township Assistance
A large portion of Fort Wayne is within Wayne Township.
Wayne Township Trustee Office
320 E. Superior Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-449-7000
Regular published hours are:
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m.–Noon
If you don’t live in Wayne Township, use the Allen County trustee directory to find the correct office.
Need Housing Help Today?
If you’re homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness:
Brightpoint Coordinated Entry
Phone: 260-423-3546 ext. 332
Leave a message explaining your housing situation.
Brightpoint notes that Coordinated Entry isn’t an immediate emergency service and responses may take several business days, so if you need a place tonight, also contact shelters and 211.
Need Medical Care Today?
If you need affordable medical care but it isn’t a life-threatening emergency, Allen County has free and reduced-cost clinics.
Options include:
- Matthew 25 Health and Care
- Neighborhood Health
- Alliance Health Centers
Find Free & Low-Cost Clinics in Allen County
Call the clinic before going if you need same-day care.
If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency department.
Need Domestic Violence Help Today?
Domestic-violence assistance is available 24 hours a day through YWCA Northeast Indiana.
24/7 Crisis Line: 800-441-4073
Services include:
- Emergency shelter
- Safety planning
- Crisis support
- Advocacy
- Protection-order assistance
Allen County Domestic Violence Help
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
Need Addiction Help Today?
If you’re ready to seek treatment for alcohol or drug use, don’t feel that you need to research every program first.
Call 211 and ask for currently available substance-use treatment, or contact a local treatment provider.
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately.
Need Clothing Today?
Clothing closets often have limited distribution schedules, so call before visiting.
Find Allen County Clothing Closets
You can also dial 211 and ask:
“Is there a free clothing closet open today in Allen County?”
Utility Shutoff Today?
If your electric, gas or water service is already disconnected or scheduled for shutoff, contact your utility provider and township trustee immediately.
Brightpoint also administers energy-assistance programs, but those programs involve an application process and aren’t always able to provide same-day emergency assistance.
Call Before You Go
A program may normally be open on a particular day but still have:
- Changed hours
- Holiday closures
- Full shelter beds
- Appointment requirements
- Limited funding
- Food distributions that end when supplies run out
A quick phone call can save you an unnecessary trip.
Local Tip
For immediate help, use 211 and your township trustee together.
Dial 211 to find organizations offering the type of assistance you need, and contact your township trustee because Indiana trustees may provide emergency help with basic necessities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get help today in Allen County?
Dial 211 and explain exactly what you need. They can help identify food, shelter, housing and other resources that may be available today.
Is there a homeless shelter open 24 hours in Fort Wayne?
The Rescue Mission at 404 E. Washington Boulevard is listed as operating 24 hours a day. Call 260-426-7357 for current intake information.
Where can I get food today?
Call 211 for food distributions available today or check the Allen County Food Pantries page.
Who can help with an emergency bill?
Contact the township trustee serving your address. Township assistance can cover certain basic necessities for qualifying residents.
What if everything I call is closed?
Dial 211 for other options. For an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.
Related Pages
Official Resources
Summary
If you need help today in Allen County, dial 211 first and describe exactly what you need. For emergency financial assistance, contact the township trustee serving your address. If you need shelter tonight, contact local shelters directly because bed availability can change throughout the day. Always call ahead when possible.