Judge Kimberly Bacon of the Lawrence Township Small Claims Court warned that Indianapolis’ free eviction‑diversion program lacks sufficient funds to operate fully in 2027. The court, which oversees the county‑wide effort that provides legal aid and resource referrals, described the shortfall as “woefully short.”
Program background and 2026 funding
In early 2026, the city’s Office of Public Health and Safety merged its eviction assistance program with the Lawrence Township court’s similar initiative. The combined effort includes attorneys and court navigators who help residents understand the legal process and connect them to food, rent and housing assistance. The city assumed responsibility for funding the merged program.
For 2026, the Eviction Diversion Program received $1.5 million, half of which came from a last‑minute funding package. The 2027 city budget currently allocates $750,000, leaving a substantial gap.
Officials seek additional resources
Andrew Merkley, director of the Office of Public Health and Safety, said he is working with Judge Bacon to locate other funding sources, including philanthropic contributions. Merkley also requested $2 million for eviction prevention in the 2027 budget, but the request has not been fully approved by the mayor’s office and City‑County Council.
“Unfortunately when you have a budget, sometimes you have to make challenging decisions,” Merkley said.
Mayor’s response
Mayor Joe Hogsett declined an interview, but a spokesperson released a statement noting that the mayor’s office continues to partner with OPHS to identify additional funding, including any underspend, to support the eviction‑diversion legal aid efforts in 2027.
Impact on on‑the‑ground staff
Without additional money, court navigators could be reduced or eliminated. Navigators John‑Paul Cosgrove and Rachel O’Bryant, who assist residents with housing, food and other needs, expressed concern that their positions may not exist next year.
“Most people coming to me are going through one of the toughest times of their life,” Cosgrove said. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed.”
Community need
In the first nine months of 2026, landlords filed more than 18,000 eviction actions in Indianapolis, underscoring the critical need for continued legal assistance and resource navigation.
The program’s future hinges on whether the city can secure the additional $750,000 needed to match the 2026 level of service.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
