Indiana would reserve shelter beds for homeless veterans

Shelters would reserve at least one bed for a homeless veteran for every 25 beds they provide. This covers public and private temporary shelters serving at least 25 people. A covered veteran must be homeless and have served at least six months in the armed forces or National Guard. Fire codes and public health and safety laws would still apply. If passed, the rule would take effect July 1, 2026.

Shelters and other groups could apply to join a state program that provides temporary housing and services to veterans. Approved shelters would house participating veterans in separate living quarters. Approved shelters would provide food, housing, and other services set by the veterans' affairs department. They would provide those services until the veteran completes requirements for a federal HUD-VASH housing voucher, or for two years, whichever is shorter. Participating shelters would be eligible for grants in amounts set by the department. If passed, the program would take effect July 1, 2026.

The veterans' affairs department could approve a veteran's request to join the shelter program. A homeless veteran who is unmarried and has served at least six months in the armed forces or National Guard could ask to join. Approval would make the veteran eligible for placement. A veteran would not have to test negative for drugs or alcohol to get an initial place in a participating shelter. If passed, these rules would take effect July 1, 2026.

Participating veterans would have to meet program rules to keep their shelter placement. These rules would apply to veterans placed in participating shelters. Participating veterans would need to stay in touch with an approved counselor, provide a military service record, work or volunteer at least 10 hours each week, and qualify for Medicaid. They would also need to take part in applicable rehabilitation services, enroll in the federal HUD-VASH housing voucher program, take regular drug and alcohol tests, and file monthly statements. Noncompliance could lead to an ineligibility decision. If passed, these rules would take effect July 1, 2026. The service record would be due within 60 days of placement, and Medicaid eligibility within six weeks. A veteran found ineligible could not reapply for one year from that decision.