Lt. Gov. Crouch, IHCDA announce statewide legal services with IBF

Local Sources – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) are partnering with the Indiana Bar Foundation, Inc. (IBF) to provide legal services for Hoosiers facing eviction. IBF responded to a request for proposal (RFP) and was awarded $13.1 million to provide legal services to Hoosier renters regarding eviction prevention and services.

In Indiana, eviction filings are a civil matter, where parties must provide their own counsel. This partnership endeavors to provide eligible low-income Hoosiers facing eviction, in all 92 counties, with the opportunity to access legal services and counsel.

“This partnership furthers IHCDA’s mission of preventing homelessness and promoting housing stability,” Crouch said. “I’m proud of the collaboration happening between IHCDA and IBF, and I hope the partnership will better the lives of Hoosiers.”

“IHCDA is pleased to participate in this first-of-a-kind partnership with IBF to enable renters to access navigation and legal services in courts across Indiana," said Jacob Sipe, Executive Director of IHCDA. "IHCDA sees this as a natural extension of our partner network to assist Hoosier renters in understanding and exercising their rights and responsibilities as tenants."

IBF has assembled a network of legal providers that will provide free legal services to Hoosier renters. IBF’s network includes trusted legal service providers throughout Indiana including:

  • Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Inc.
  • Indiana Legal Services, Inc.
  • Indianapolis Legal Aid Society, Inc.
  • Legal Aid Corporation of Tippecanoe County
  • Legal Aid Society of Evansville, Inc.
  • Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic
  • Pro Bono Indiana, Inc.

IBF’s provider network will assist with navigation services and host legal clinics across the state. This is in addition to the provision of in-court representation at eviction hearings. Later this year, legal kiosks will be installed in public spaces such as libraries and courthouses across the state. These kiosks will include computers and printers to assist renters in utilizing self-help legal resources and connecting with legal navigation services. These kiosks are provided through the legal services grant provided by IHCDA and managed by IBF. 

“The Indiana Bar Foundation appreciates this opportunity to work with IHCDA and our statewide legal provider network to expand access to civil legal services and legal information,” said IBF President & CEO Charles Dunlap. “This historic investment will deliver crucial housing stability civil legal services to Hoosiers who need help through dozens of new legal aid attorneys, non-attorney legal navigators and the deployment of 120 housing information legal kiosks around the state."

To find a clinic or legal help in your area or for more information on the kiosks, click here.