Benefits · Emergency Aid
How to apply for Lake County Township Trustee Poor Relief + Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination (Lake County)
Lake County's elected Township Trustees + Northwest Indiana Community Action (NWICA) — Area 1 Agency on Aging + community organizations — coordinated emergency aid framework
Who it's for
Lake County emergency aid: (1) DISTINCTIVE to Indiana — each elected Township Trustee provides 'poor relief' (township assistance): emergency help with rent / eviction prevention, utility shutoff, food, clothing, medical needs, and burial expenses for residents of that township. Lake County has 11 townships (Calumet, Cedar Creek, Center, Eagle Creek, Hanover, Hobart, North, Ross, St. John, West Creek, Winfield); find yours through the county trustee offices. (2) Northwest Indiana Community Action (NWICA) — Area 1 Agency on Aging for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (219-794-1829). (3) Northwest Indiana Community Action (NWICA) for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities. (6) Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.
Lake: Indiana's township-trustee poor-relief system is the front-line emergency aid — each township has an elected Trustee providing rent/utility/food help. Layered with the AAA, EAP, hospital FAP, and 211.
What you'll need
- Proof of Lake County township residency
- Proof of all household income
- Photo identification
- Documentation of the emergency need (eviction notice, shutoff notice, etc.)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 211
Renewals
as-needed
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.