IHCDA Emergency Lodging Assistance Program

As many of you are aware, Indiana was recently impacted by significant statewide storms and flooding that displaced numerous families from their homes. In coordination with the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), Hospitality Indiana is sharing important information about a temporary emergency lodging assistance program available to hotels and motels across the state.

WHAT THIS PROGRAM IS

IHCDA is offering to pay lodging expenses for eligible displaced families for up to 30 days through an Emergency Hotel Voucher. Guests approved for this assistance will present a Voucher form at check-in. This is a legitimate, state-administered program, and we want to make sure our members have the information they need to participate with confidence.

A NOTE ON PROCESS

We want to be transparent with you: this is not the standard voucher process our industry has used in the past. Historically, some emergency housing programs have relied on state-issued credit cards presented directly at the property. Given the scale of displacement from this event, IHCDA is not able to do this with every eligible family. Instead, IHCDA has moved to a direct invoice/reimbursement model, described below. While the mechanics are different, the program itself is fully legitimate and backed by the State of Indiana. We encourage you to follow the verification steps below for your own assurance and to protect your property.

HOW IT WORKS

1. A guest will present you with an IHCDA Emergency Hotel Voucher at check-in. This form will show the household size, number of rooms, and maximum number of approved nights. Click here to view an example.

2. Before finalizing the reservation, call IHCDA directly at 317-232-0118 (Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. ET) to verify the guest's eligibility and confirm the proposed room rate. If you call after hours or on the weekend, leave a message and IHCDA will return your call as soon as possible.

3. Once approved, IHCDA will send you a final, completed voucher listing the approved rate, check-in date, and last possible check-out date, along with a copy of IHCDA's tax-exempt certificate (Certificate #0002374382-001). IHCDA is exempt from Indiana Sales Tax on these stays.

4. IHCDA will cover room and pet-related lodging costs only. It will not cover damage deposits or incidentals such as food, room service, movie rentals, or recreational fees. Guests remain personally responsible for any required deposits, credit card holds for incidentals, and any damages they cause.

5. IHCDA will not approve extensions beyond the dates listed on the voucher. Any stay beyond the voucher's expiration must be paid directly by the guest.

6. At checkout, submit a detailed invoice/final folio for each guest room to DisasterRelief@ihcda.in.gov. A separate folio is required per room as supporting documentation. IHCDA has committed to timely payment upon receipt of invoices.

VERIFYING LEGITIMACY

We understand it's reasonable to be cautious about any program that departs from familiar procedures. If you want to verify this program independently before participating, you can:

• Call IHCDA directly at 317.232.0118 to confirm the program and any voucher presented to you.

• Email DisasterRelief@ihcda.in.gov with questions.

• Visit IHCDA's website at in.gov/ihcda

Click here to view the full letter from IHCDA.

We know many of you are already stretched thin helping your communities recover, and we're grateful for your willingness to open your doors to displaced families during this difficult time.

If you have questions about this program, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at Hospitality Indiana, or contact IHCDA directly using the information above.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for supporting Hoosiers in their time of need.