Fort Wayne, IN
Community Resources
Local Resources
TRANSPORTATION
Citilink
VisitDescription:
Citilink is Fort Wayne's public transportation system, providing affordable transportation throughout the city.
What It Offers:
Fixed-route bus service, ADA transportation services, medical transportation options, and travel training.
How to Apply:
Visit the Citilink website to view routes, schedules, and transportation options.
Documents Needed:
No documents are required for regular bus service. ADA services require an eligibility application.
CHILD CARE
Bright Point
VisitDescription:
Brightpoint helps eligible families in Allen County access affordable child care and preschool programs.
What It Offers:
Child care vouchers through CCDF and assistance finding approved child care providers.
How to Apply:
Apply online or contact Brightpoint's Fort Wayne office for assistance.
Documents Needed:
Photo ID, proof of income, proof of residency, and employment or school information.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
VisitDescription:
Community Harvest Food Bank provides food assistance to individuals and families throughout Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana.
What It Offers:
Food distributions, emergency food assistance, mobile food pantries, and community food programs.
How to Apply:
Visit a food distribution site or contact Community Harvest Food Bank for assistance.
Documents Needed:
Some programs may require basic household information. Requirements vary by service.
HOUSING
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
VisitDescription:
Vincent Village helps families experiencing homelessness find stable housing and become self-sufficient.
What It Offers:
Transitional housing, case management, life skills training, childcare support, and employment assistance.
How to Apply:
Call Vincent Village or complete a shelter application online.
Documents Needed:
Photo ID and information about household members may be required during intake.
State Resources
TRANSPORTATION
SHARE Mobility - Employee Transportation Services
VisitDescription:
SHARE Mobility offers customized transportation solutions, assisting companies and job
seekers by addressing commuting challenges for shift and remote workers. This service helps
with transportation to work.
What It Offers:
Commuter shuttles, ride services, fleet optimization, and route planning for teams of all sizes.
How to Apply:
Visit the SHARE Mobility website to explore options and request information.
Documents Needed:
Contact SHARE Mobility to confirm specific requirements.
CHILD CARE
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
VisitDescription:
Indiana’s TANF program provides financial assistance and supportive services for families with
dependent children, covering essential needs and helping job seekers achieve financial
independence.
What It Offers:
Monthly cash benefits for essential expenses like food, clothing, and shelter.
How to Apply:
● Online: Apply through the FSSA Benefits Portal
● In-Person: Visit your local Division of Family Resources office
Documents Needed:
Proof of income, identity, household size, and expenses.
Hoosier Healthwise (Medicaid)
VisitDescription:
Indiana’s Medicaid program, Hoosier Healthwise, supports low-income families, pregnant
women, and children by providing healthcare coverage. As a job readiness program, it covers
critical medical services that support workforce stability.
What It Offers:
Coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and other medical services.
How to Apply:
● Online: Through FSSA Medicaid
● Phone: Call 1-800-403-0864
● In-Person: Visit your local Division of Family Resources office
Documents Needed:
Provide proof of identity, residency, income, and household size, and fill out the application.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
Description:
The WIC program offers nutrition assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and
children under 5, supporting workforce participation by ensuring that families have access to
healthy foods and nutrition guidance.
What It Offers:
Nutrition education and vouchers for healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and milk.
How to Apply:
● Online: Visit the Indiana Department of Health WIC website
● Phone: Call 1-800-522-0874 to locate a WIC clinic near you
● In-Person: Schedule an appointment at a local WIC clinic
Documents Needed:
Proof of identity, residency, income, and health or medical information as required.
On My Way Pre-K Program
Description:
Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K program offers free, high-quality preschool education to eligible
4-year-olds, supporting families by providing access to early childhood education as they pursue
work or training opportunities.
What It Offers:
Free preschool and early childcare services for qualifying families.
How to Apply:
Apply online via the FSSA On My Way Pre-K website.
Documents Needed:
Proof of child’s age, income, and Indiana residency.
YMCA Childcare Services
Description:
YMCA branches across Indiana offer affordable childcare with scholarships and financial aid
options, making them valuable resources for job seekers in Indiana who need dependable
childcare while working or training.
What It Offers:
Affordable daycare, preschool, and after-school care programs for families in need.
How to Apply:
● Apply Online: YMCA
● Contact your local YMCA branch for program details and financial assistance options.
Documents Needed:
Varies by location; contact your local YMCA for specific requirements.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Description:
Federal programs provide free early childhood education and nutrition services to low-income
families, aiding Indiana job seekers by ensuring quality care for young children.
What It Offers:
Preschool and childcare programs, along with health and nutrition support.
How to Apply:
Locate a nearby program via the Head Start Locator and contact them directly.
Documents Needed:
Proof of income, residency, and chil
FOOD ASSISTANCE
Indiana SNAP
VisitDescription:
Indiana SNAP helps low-income individuals and families buy food each month.
What It Offers:
Monthly food benefits on an EBT card that can be used at approved stores.
How to Apply:
Apply online through Indiana's Benefits Portal or visit a local DFR office.
Documents Needed:
Photo ID, proof of income, proof of residency, and Social Security numbers for household members.
HOUSING
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
VisitDescription:
The EAP helps low-income households manage heating and electric bills, contributing to
employment stability by reducing energy costs during peak demand. It’s an important part of
Indiana’s employment resources for job seekers.
What It Offers:
Financial assistance to reduce home energy costs.
How to Apply:
● Online: Visit the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) website
● In-Person: Contact your local Community Action Agency
Documents Needed:
Proof of income, identity, and utility bills.
IHCDA
VisitDescription:
IHCDA helps Indiana residents find affordable housing and housing assistance programs.
What It Offers:
Housing vouchers, rental assistance resources, affordable housing searches, and emergency housing support.
How to Apply:
Visit the IHCDA website to find available programs and apply.
Documents Needed:
Photo ID, proof of income, proof of residency, and housing information.
