STATEHOUSE (Jan. 9, 2026) – State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) recently authored legislation to combat veteran homelessness by providing temporary housing during their rehabilitation.
"This legislation makes sure we are meeting veterans where they are and giving them a safe place to rebuild their lives," said Haggard, a Marine veteran who serves on the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "Hoosier veterans who have served their country should never be left without shelter or resources, and this initiative provides the support, dignity and help they need and deserve."
House Bill 1109 creates the Hoosier Homeless Veteran Initiative to expand access to temporary shelter and supportive services for homeless veterans, coordinated by the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs in consultation with the Indiana Department of Health. It would require larger shelters to reserve beds for veterans, provide state grants to participating shelters and ensure veterans don't have to pass a drug or alcohol test to be placed in a shelter. Veterans receiving services would have to meet certain requirements to maintain eligibility in the program.
Haggard said that according to Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana, approximately 500 Hoosier veterans experience homelessness every year. The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found more than 35,000 veterans nationally experienced homelessness on a single night in January.
HB 1109 was referred to the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. If passed by the committee, it will move to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
To learn more about HB 1109 and other bills this session, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) represents House District 57,
which includes portions of Hendricks, Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
