Indianapolis Resources
The Basic Needs Program serves as a gateway for students seeking off-campus resources for food assistance, housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare and technology. To find the resources that best fit your needs, use the filters to select your enrollment type, campus location, residency, and the type of support you're seeking.
Please note that these resources are intended for students located on Purdue University’s Indianapolis campus. Students enrolled in West Lafayette or through Purdue Online may find some information helpful, but not all resources are available outside of Indianapolis. Similarly, students of Purdue Global who are residents of Indiana may find some information helpful, but not all resources will be available to them. Information on resources specific to West Lafayette can be found here. For more information, please contact us.
Search for Resources
Below you can search for resources availble to specific categories. If a resource is available at any enrollemnt level, residency, or campus location, it will only appear when "Any" is selected. If a resource is only available to a specific category, it will appear when filtered.
Community Compass (Indy Hunger Network)
Location: In-Person
Assistance type: Pathway / Food Resource Navigation Tool
Website: https://www.indyhunger.org/communitycompass/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Community Compass is a free online and mobile tool created by the Indy Hunger Network that helps users find nearby food pantries, meal sites, SNAP and WIC resources, and other nutrition assistance programs. It also helps users understand potential eligibility for federal food benefits.
Southeast Community Services Inc. – Food Pantry
Location: In-Person
Assistance type: Food
Website: https://southeastindy.org/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Open to community members in need. Pantry registration may be required, but income documentation is generally not a barrier. Southeast Community Services operates a neighborhood food pantry providing fresh produce and pantry staples. The organization also offers financial coaching, employment support, benefits navigation, and education assistance to help families build long-term stability.
Catholic Charities Indianapolis
Location: In-Person
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://helpcreatehope.org/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Primarily serves low-income individuals and families in Central Indiana. Some programs require an intake or assessment. Services are provided regardless of religious affiliation.
Brief Description: Catholic Charities Indianapolis provides crisis assistance, housing support, food access, family and mental health services, refugee and immigrant support, senior services, and case management to help individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
Indianapolis Urban League – On Campus / Urban League Programs
Location: In-Person
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://www.indplsul.org/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Varies by program. Generally serves residents of Indianapolis and Central Indiana. Youth programs such as Project Ready serve high school students, while workforce programs are for unemployed or underemployed adults. Brief Description: The Indianapolis Urban League is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering African Americans and underserved individuals through education, job training, career services, entrepreneurship support, housing assistance, and advocacy. They also host community events and occasional food distributions.
Findhelp
Location: Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://findhelp.org/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.
Indiana 211
Location: Phone and Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://in211.communityos.org/Phone: 211
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Use the preselected categories to search for resources in the Indiana 211 database. For immediate help and access to essential community resources, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-211-9966 to connect to resources in your community.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Location: Phone & Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://988lifeline.org/Phone: 988
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.
WhyHunger
Location: Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://networks.whyhunger.org/organisation/42800
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Welcome to the WhyHunger database. Find community-based organizations and emergency food providers who are leading by example - actively forging new ideas, improving the health of their communities, and building the movement to end hunger and poverty.
FoodFinders
Location: Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://www.food-finders.org/find-help/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Food Finders Food Bank is here to help you and your family find food assistance. Search for a food pantry near you
Tippecanoe County Division of Family Resources
Location: In-Person & Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: The Division of Family Resources (DFR) is responsible for establishing eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits. The division also manages the timely and accurate delivery of SNAP and TANF benefits. DFR also provides employment and training services to some SNAP and TANF recipients. The division’s overarching focus is the support and preservation of families by emphasizing self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
Indiana Medicaid
Location: Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://www.in.gov/medicaid/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Welcome to Indiana Medicaid. On this site, you can learn about the different Medicaid programs and how to apply. Check out our Eligibility Guide to learn about eligibility for certain programs and see if you may qualify.
Area IV Agency
Location: Online/In-Person
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://www.areaivagency.org/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs, Inc. is committed to providing services to our communities’ most vulnerable individuals. We offer services that will address individual needs and create equal opportunities for those we serve. All services are provided without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, or status as a veteran.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Location: Online/Phone
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://www.thehotline.org
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: We are here to serve all those impacted by relationship abuse 24/7 confidentially. Due to high demand, you may experience longer wait times to connect with a live advocate. If you are unable to wait safely or aren’t ready to call, chat or text — you can search our Directory of Local Providers section anytime for resources and support in your area.
ChatGPT
Location: Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://chatgpt.com/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Coming soon!
Shepherd Community Center (Eastside)
Location: In person/Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://www.shepherdcommunity.org/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Coming soon!
SVdP Indy
Location: Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: Pathway available to all
Eligibility: https://www.svdpindy.org/
Description:
FreeFood
Location:
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: Pathway available to all
Eligibility: https://www.freefood.org/https://www.freefood.org/c/in-indianapolis?utm_source
Description:
Fresh Stop
Location: Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://www.freshstop.org/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Order fresh produce. Has information of cost and payment options and income based option.
Community Alliance of Far East Side- Café
Location: Online/Inperson
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://www.cafeindy.org/https://www.cafeindy.org/programs-services
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: CAFE Programs have been developed to strengthen and expand the impact of the Center for Working Families in partnership with neighborhood education institutions and housing complexes. Barrier busting funds have been attached to programs to assist clients with challenges that may arise while working to accomplish their goals. CAFE has a variety of programming with a focus on providing comprehensive job readiness, career development, education & skills training and career placement.
Broadwayumc
Location: Online
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://www.broadwayumc.org/resources
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Coming soon!
Christ Indianapolis United Methodist Church
Location: Online/In Person
Assistance type: Pathway
Website: https://www.christindyumc.com/
Eligibility: Pathway available to all
Description: Coming soon!
More Information
Need help navigating off-campus resources? Contact our staff for personalized support.
For information about resources available through Purdue, please visit the Office of the Dean of Students website.