Homelessness in Indiana (2024)

Abstract

Over the past six years, rising eviction rates, stagnant state minimum wage, and a statewide shortage of affordable housing have impacted Hoosiers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal funding alleviated some effects of housing instability and homelessness. Without meaningful intervention and prevention, Indiana is at risk of worsening racial discrimination in the housing market, increasing the homeless population, and neglecting those affected by chronic homelessness. Housing instability and homelessness may also lead to new problems, including increases in continuously unhoused youth and incarceration stemming from discriminatory policies related to panhandling, loitering, and vagrancy. Research shows that targeting tenant rights, legal representation, minimum wage, and affordable housing effectively addresses housing problems and homelessness statewide.