While winter is a beautiful time of the year, there are many unexpected challenges that can emerge from it. View some local resources below that can help navigate through winter.
Need assistance with utility bills or rent? View some local resources below:
UWCI Winter Assistance Fund:
The program is targeted to help Indianapolis residents who struggle to afford increased utility costs but don’t qualify for the government’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. It runs from November to May.
View more information here: www.uwci.org/waf
Family Promise of Hendricks County is currently accepting applications for this fund. View their information below:
238 N Vine Street, Plainfield, IN. 46218
(317) 296-3742
Indy EAP (Emergency Assistance Program)
The Indy home energy assistance program has expanded to Hendricks County for low-income individuals. Qualified Hendricks County residents seeking assistance this winter with home energy bills can apply. LIHEAP provides assistance to those at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, a four-person household making less than $36,900 or an individual with an income less than $18,096 would meet the income criteria.
Visit INDYEAP.org for more information or to apply.
Duke Energy Share the Light Program
If you’re worried about keeping the power on, Share the Light Fund may be able to offer financial assistance. Duke Energy works with agencies to distribute funds to qualifying customers in order to pay energy bills, deposits and reconnection/connection charges up to $300.
Contact (765) 447-7683 to learn more
AES Indiana Power of Change (Formerly IPL)
Power of Change is a program aimed at helping income-qualified customers with a one-time grant to help with electric bill payments. The Winter Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is a federally funded, one-time annual benefit program with eligibility requirements that runs from October 3, 2022 through May 15, 2023.Funds are available on a first come, first served basis.
People interested can apply by clicking here.
Hendricks County Salvation Army:
When resources exist in Hendricks County from the Eagle Creek Salvation Army, there may be items including baby formula, free non-perishable food donations, energy bill or rent help, shelters, free school supplies or Christmas gift and diapers. All of this, and more, may be offered at Family Services locations by the Salvation Army.
Learn more about this by calling (317) 299-4454
Christian Support Center
Offers financial assistance to eligible persons for short-term, emergency situations. Possible types of assistance include rent, utility, gas cards, and stranded traveler assistance. Help is provided on a case-by-case basis and depends on availability of funds.
Call for more information: 317-296-3742
Trustees:
This information applies to all trustees. * Trustees may be able to assist persons in need with needs such as: *food *rent/mortgage *medical care/insulin *utilities *household goods *fuel oil/propane/coal *clothing *burial expenses *work transportation Assistance is at the discretion of the trustee. Denials of assistance can be appealed to the County Commissioner; information on appealing is included in the denial letter.
- BROWN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 7455 East County Road 1000 North, Brownsburg, IN 46112 (317) 852-0899
- CENTER TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 17 West Marion Street, Danville, IN 46122 (317) 745-2813
- CLAY TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 5190 Broadway Street, Coatesville, IN 46121 (765) 386-2049
- EEL RIVER TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 101 West Pearl Street, North Salem, IN 46165 (765) 676-6333
- FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 3944 West 900 South, Stilesville, IN 46180 (317) 539-2667
- GUILFORD TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 1500 South Center Street, Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 838-0564
- LIBERTY TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 177 West County Road 1000 South, Clayton, IN 46118 (317) 539-7944
- LINCOLN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 55 East Main Street, Brownsburg, IN 46122 (317) 852-8745
- MARION TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 21 South State Road 75, Danville, IN 46122 (317) 539-4024
- MIDDLE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 20 East Main Street, Pittsboro, IN 46167 (317) 892-5000
- UNION TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 104 Church Street, Lizton, IN 46149 (317) 994-5506
- WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, 311 Production Drive, Avon, IN 46123 (317) 272-1835
Need a place to stay? View some local resources below:
Family Promise of Hendricks County
Family Promise fights homelessness in Hendricks County by coordinating immediate shelter and needs assistance programs alongside longer term compassionate support services for families in all areas of life. This programs providing housing, meals, social services, and transportation to participating families.
If you are in need of an immediate place to stay, call (317)296-3742
Need food?
View a map of several food pantries here: Hendricks County Food Pantry Map
View a list of the food pantries here: Hendricks County Food Pantry List
Need clothing or items?
Abundant Life's Clothing and Home Goods Closet
Provides donated clothing, small household items, personal hygiene items, and more to persons living in Hendricks County. Available items based on donations received.
Call 317-745-2257 for more information, or walk-in on the 2nd Thurs of the month from 5pm-7pm. Seniors 55 or older may come between 12-PM-2pm.
Hendricks County Salvation Army:
When resources exist in Hendricks County from the Eagle Creek Salvation Army, there may be items including baby formula, free non-perishable food donations, energy bill or rent help, shelters, free school supplies or Christmas gift and diapers. All of this, and more, may be offered at Family Services locations by the Salvation Army.
Learn more about this by calling (317) 299-4454
New Beginning Clothing Ministry:
Have clothing for all from infant to adult, some shoes, some household items. Located at the South end of Danville Friends Church, 45 N. Co. Rd. 200 E., Danville.
Call 317-696-0962 for more information.
Winter Resources, Tips, and Preparedness: |
This section contains additional educational resources that are useful for having a safe winter. Click on the categories of interest below to learn more.
Tips for Saving Energy/money during winter
When the weather gets colder, utility bills often increase. There are several things you can do to save energy, reduce your bill, and stay warm at the same time. View some tips from AES Indiana below:
You can help reduce heating cost by doing the following:
3. Change or clean your furnace air filter once a month. Dust and dirt make your unit work harder.
4. Vacuum registers and vents regularly.
5. Don't let furniture and draperies block heating airflow.
6. Have your fireplace chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.
7. When using the fireplace, turn down the temperature in other rooms. Otherwise, warm air from those rooms will go right up the chimney – along with your money.
8. Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation can help make your home more comfortable, more energy efficient and provide up to 10% savings on your annual energy bills.
9. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let the warm sun in.
10. Keep curtains and blinds closed at night to keep cold air out.
Learn more tips by clicking on the links below
You can help reduce heating cost by doing the following:
- Set your thermostat back at least 8 degrees each day – when you are not at home and/or sleeping. The more you turn it down, the more you'll save!
3. Change or clean your furnace air filter once a month. Dust and dirt make your unit work harder.
4. Vacuum registers and vents regularly.
5. Don't let furniture and draperies block heating airflow.
6. Have your fireplace chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.
7. When using the fireplace, turn down the temperature in other rooms. Otherwise, warm air from those rooms will go right up the chimney – along with your money.
8. Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation can help make your home more comfortable, more energy efficient and provide up to 10% savings on your annual energy bills.
9. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let the warm sun in.
10. Keep curtains and blinds closed at night to keep cold air out.
Learn more tips by clicking on the links below
Preparing Your House for winter
Staying inside is no guarantee of safety during winter months--especially if there is a winter storm. Take these steps from the CDC to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.
Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
2. Check your heating systems.
Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
If you do not have a working smoke detector, install one. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.
Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning emergencies.
Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check or change the battery when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
Learn more about how to prepare your house for winter by visiting the following links:
- Winterize your home.
Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
2. Check your heating systems.
Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
If you do not have a working smoke detector, install one. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.
Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning emergencies.
Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check or change the battery when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
Learn more about how to prepare your house for winter by visiting the following links:
Preparing your car for winter
Winter emergencies can often be unexpected. View these tips from the CDC below on how to prepare your vehicle for winter.
1) Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level.
2) Check your tires’ tread or, if necessary, replace tires with all-weather or snow tires.
3) Keep the gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
4) Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.
5) Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded. The kit should include: Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries; Items to stay warm, such as extra hats, coats, mittens, blankets, or sleeping bags; Food and water; Booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction); Compass and maps; Flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries; First-aid kit; and
Plastic bags (for sanitation).
Learn more winter car safety tips here:
1) Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level.
2) Check your tires’ tread or, if necessary, replace tires with all-weather or snow tires.
3) Keep the gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
4) Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.
5) Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded. The kit should include: Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries; Items to stay warm, such as extra hats, coats, mittens, blankets, or sleeping bags; Food and water; Booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction); Compass and maps; Flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries; First-aid kit; and
Plastic bags (for sanitation).
Learn more winter car safety tips here:
Preparing for winter emergencies
With often unpredictable weather, it is best to be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages. View some tips by the CDC below on how to prepare for a storm.
1)Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
2) Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.
3) When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.
4) Keep an up-to-date emergency kit pdf icon[PDF – 6.5 MB], including: Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps; Extra batteries; First-aid kit and extra medicine; Baby items; and Cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
5) Protect your family from carbon monoxide (CO) by keeping grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage. Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house. Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds, and call 911.
6) Listen to weather forecasts and check your supplies
7) Bring your pets indoors
Learn more tips about winter preparation here:
1)Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
2) Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.
3) When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.
4) Keep an up-to-date emergency kit pdf icon[PDF – 6.5 MB], including: Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps; Extra batteries; First-aid kit and extra medicine; Baby items; and Cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
5) Protect your family from carbon monoxide (CO) by keeping grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage. Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house. Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds, and call 911.
6) Listen to weather forecasts and check your supplies
7) Bring your pets indoors
Learn more tips about winter preparation here:
- CDC Preparing for Winter Emergencies
- CDC Preparing for a Winter Storm
- Ready.GOV Learn More about Winter Storms and the difference between a Winter Warnings, watch, and advisory
Preparing for traveling during winter
When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions. View the CDC recommendations below.
If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.
No one can stop the onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.
Learn more travel safety plans here:
- Avoid traveling when the National Weather Service has issued advisories.
- If you must travel, inform a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of arrival.
- Follow these safety rules if you become stranded in your vehicle.
- Make your vehicle visible to rescuers. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna, raise the hood (if it is not snowing), and turn on the inside overhead lights (when your engine is running).
- Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area. Stay with your vehicle unless safety is no more than 100 yards away.
- Keep your body warm. Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers. Huddle with other people if you can.
- Stay awake and stay moving. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems. As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve circulation and stay warmer.
- Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe—this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.
No one can stop the onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.
Learn more travel safety plans here:
Coping with seasonal depression
Have you ever experienced a short period of time every year where you feel unlike yourself, sad, or depressed? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition in which one's mood changes begin and end when the season change. People can often start to feel down when the days get shorter in the fall and winter.
For winter-pattern SAD, additional specific symptoms may include:
Symptoms of major depression may include:
If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, you are not alone and help is available. Visit our Hendricks County Mental Health Resource Guide with a list of mental health providers throughout the county.
View more information about Seasonal Affective Disorder here:
For winter-pattern SAD, additional specific symptoms may include:
- Oversleeping (hypersomnia)
- Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)
Symptoms of major depression may include:
- Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Experiencing changes in appetite or weight
- Having problems with sleep
- Feeling sluggish or agitated
- Having low energy
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide
If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, you are not alone and help is available. Visit our Hendricks County Mental Health Resource Guide with a list of mental health providers throughout the county.
View more information about Seasonal Affective Disorder here:
