Indy Rent program expands and distributes more than $70 million

Indianapolis’ rental assistance program is now over a year old and tens of millions have been distributed to help renters impacted by the pandemic. The program has also been able to expand the length of payment up to a year for renters. 

More than $70 million has been given to pay tenant rent. The Indy Rent program kicked off in the summer of 2020 as federal COVID relief funding started rolling in.

First came more than $33 million from the CARES Act.  Then another $29 million was distributed through CARES Act 2.  

The city is now spending state money allocated from the American Rescue Plan and has been able to expand the length of payment up to a year. More than $90 million has been set aside to pay rent in Marion County.

The city is also working with seven out of nine township courts to provide legal assistance for people facing eviction and informing them of the rental assistance program.

Indy Rent has reached more than 30,000 households.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.