GENERAL ASSISTANCE
Click on the button to find charities, churches, and government assistance programs in Hamilton County. Agencies provide one time emergency rent or energy bill help, or maybe a free box of food from a pantry. There are also free community clinics for medical needs, back to school supplies for children, emergency cash based assistance programs, and government benefits as well as financial assistance programs and resources.
Client Assistance
Good Samaritan Network (GSN) is the umbrella organization that coordinates and develops opportunities and various events for our clients with consistent programming and services that can assist and empower families in building better lives. Good Samaritan Network only serves those who live, work, or attend school in Hamilton County, Indiana.
In a typical needs assessment process assistance normally begins with a Township Trustee (or with Primelife Enrichment or Shepherd's Center of Hamilton County for seniors and disabled). If a referral is not made a letter of denial is provided by the trustee. Upon receiving either one (a referral or denial) a contact should be made to GSN for next step options.
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Financial Assistance
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Holiday Assistance (Thanksgiving / Christmas)
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Energy Assistance (EAP)
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BABE Store
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Food Insecurities / Summer Lunch / Food Back Sack
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REHAB Equipment
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Housing / Shelter
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Referrals / Household
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Back To School / Kids Coats
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Job Fair / Training
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Pet Food
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COAD / Disasters
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Medical / Emergency / Prescription Related
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Special Events
We are persistently researching available resource streams that will help fund client financial assistance for: gas utility, electric utility, water utility, rent, limited medical - including small medical equipment, prescription, cancer-related assistance, and limited car repair. It is compulsory that the client participates in financial ownership along with the application process.
Further, we are constantly working within the collaborative efforts of the Network to provide referrals for essential life needs - typically brought about by life crisis or emergencies - often including, but not limited to, small appliances, basic furnishings, clothing, household goods, etc.
Notice: Depending on federal, state, and/or local government mandates and/or emergencies, shelter-in-place orders, etc.; we may alter and update our client programs, process, and application criteria at any time with or without notice.
Contact our office to confirm assistance availability. A hard-copy application in advance of your appointment will save time or you may complete one upon your arrival. Client assistance is available by appointment only (317-842-2603, x200).
Hamilton County Resource Link
Search Your Zip Code - for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more. Click here:
Client Assistance Appointments Required
317-842-2603, x200
Normal Hours:
M-F
9am-4:30pm
Closed All Holidays
GSN CLIENT ASSISTANCE is currently handled directly by phone contact only (317-842-2603, x200) and appointments are required - please wear a face-mask. Please leave only ONE message! If you receive an appointment, follow posted directions upon arrival.
HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE
Holiday Client Assistance
Applications available by mid-June annually.
GSN's signature holiday assistance program significantly impacts thousands of families every year. GSN clients are always able to receive food baskets for both Thanksgiving and/or Christmas if needed. Additionally, our clients may be able to receive new or gently used toys and clothing that they use during the Christmas season.
Everyone who applies will receive some form of assistance from only ONE Hamilton County agency or source. No one will receive assistance without submitting an application annually (digitally/online or hard copy/mail). All names requesting assistance will be cleared through our computer system/process.
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Thanksgiving Distribution - Nov. 18
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Thanksgiving Meal - Nov. 23
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Share Days - Dec. (TBA)
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Christmas Distribution - Dec. 9
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Christmas Eve Meal - Dec. 24
Click on "Holiday Assistance Info/Application" button for complete details concerning the process and or to apply for Holiday Assistance ONLINE.
Before applying for Holiday Assistance online, be reminded a primary applicant will need to provide valid information: address, email, phone number, etc.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Hamilton County Energy Assistance Program
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General questions - Hamilton County EAP Email: eap@gsnlive.org
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating season. Click on ENERGY ASSISTANCE DETAILS button for more information and an application.
Indiana's Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating season. During cold winter months, this program helps prevent utility companies from shutting off home heating service to low-income families. During hot summer months, the Energy Assistance Program provides limited funds for the purchase of fans, distributed at the local level.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a United States federal social services program first established in 1981 and funded annually through Congressional appropriations.
Homeowners and renters including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent can apply. Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member,18 years of age or older.
Being qualified for LIHEAP does not guarantee that you will receive help. This depends on how much LIHEAP funds are available for the year. On average, about 20% of households that are qualified for LIHEAP receive benefits. When LIHEAP funds run out for the year, no more benefits can be given out until more funds are made available by Congress.
PET FOOD
GSN FREE Pet Food Wednesdays
CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
CURRENTLY THE PET FOOD WEDNESDAY PROGRAM IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. However, sometimes we do have a limited availability of pet food and pet food items. Your best option is to contact our office (317-842-2603, x200) on an as needed basis at your earliest convenience. Securing adequate pet food, and/or funding to purchase pet food, has become increasingly difficult. At this point we don't know when, or if, we will be able to re-open this program.
When this program is active and available, GSN, in collaboration with various organizations, including the HUMANE SOCIETY for HAMILTON COUNTY, is pleased to provide FREE PET FOOD to Hamilton County Residents.
CURRENT for ASSISTANCE:
Crossroads Church / Westfield
19201 Grassy Branch Road | Westfield IN 46074
Various Dog and Cat Food and Accessories.
Type varies. All product as is and no client choice.
Availability: FIRST SATURDAY MONTHLY
TESTIMONIALS
“I didn’t know how I was going to bring in enough money for food and pay for my medication, then I heard about GSN.”
Client Assistance
“Our drivers were so touched by the Holiday work and the hope you gave to the community.”
Gleaners
“We hope to be a part of your organization and make a difference in someone else's life-like you have in ours.”
Financial Assistance