IBLC condemns end of emergency housing program

The state of Indiana recently announced that the Indiana Emergency Rental Program (IERA) has been cut six months ahead of schedule, despite federal funding still being available. The fund, created during the COVID-19 pandemic to address housing instability, was funded through the U.S. Treasury and was set to expire in September of this year.

The program offered rental assistance and assistance for utility bills. While the state's housing crisis worsened throughout the pandemic, Indiana still faces a housing crisis. A recent report found an 11% increase in homelessness over the past several years, and there are only 34 affordable and available home for every 100 low-income renter households.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement on behalf of the IBLC:

"Over the last couple of years, we've seen decreases in homeownership, especially among Black Hoosiers, and we continue to see rising rates of evictions throughout the state. As a state, we engage in a social contract with our constituents to ensure they have the tools they need to thrive. Ending a program designed to help people stay in their homes – especially when funding is still available – is a direct violation of that contract.

"This unnecessary action by the state will harm Hoosiers, especially African American, Hispanic and marginalized individuals. Not only does this change block Hoosiers in need from applying for assistance; those on the waiting list are not getting status updates and will likely not get the help they need.

"True government efficiency requires us to help people stay on their feet and give them the tools they need to get to a point where they can stand alone. Stable housing is a crucial part of that process. Ending this program prematurely will have dire consequences for many Hoosiers and for the state itself.

"There is still time – albeit limited – to fix the problem. We in the IBLC are calling on the Republican majority to set aside dollars in the biennial state budget to replace these federal funds. This is a necessary step in preventing our housing crisis from getting worse and helping our fellow Hoosiers stay in their homes."