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.

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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.
 

• Financial Assistance

• Holiday Assistance (Thanksgiving / Christmas)

• Energy Assistance (EAP)

• BABE Store

• Food Insecurities / Summer Lunch / Food Back Sack 

• REHAB Equipment

• Housing / Shelter

• Referrals / Household 

• Back To School / Kids Coats

• Job Fair / Training

• Pet Food

• COAD / Disasters

• Medical / Emergency / Prescription Related

• 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.

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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: 

Search Your Zip Code

Holiday Client Assistance 

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.

• Thanksgiving Distribution - Nov. 20

• Share Days - Dec. 9-10 (TBA) 

• Christmas Distribution - Dec. 11

Click on "Holiday Assistance Info/Application" button for complete details concerning the process and or to apply for Holiday Assistance ONLINE.

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Before applying for Holiday Assistance online, be reminded a primary applicant will need to provide valid information: address, email, phone number, etc.

Hamilton County Energy Assistance Program 

• 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. 

FREE Pet Food Wednesdays

CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

• Hamilton County Residents Only

• Front Lot Parking Only

• Photo ID Required

• Sign-Out Required

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. 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.

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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. For Hamilton County residents we recommend reaching out to the Humane Society of Hamilton County (317-773-4974).
 

Various Dog/Cat food products and accessories are available. The type of food available varies from week to week. This is a first-come-first-served program for residents of Hamilton County facing pet food budgetary needs.