Indianapolis Campus

Areas Where IvyCares Can Help You!

• Bear Necessities Food Pantry

  The Bear Necessities Food Pantry is here to support Ivy Tech students by providing access to food and basic needs resources.

  Fall 2026 Pantry Hours

  Fall Semester Opening Date:
  Monday, August 31, 2026

  Fall Semester Closing Date:
  Monday, December 7, 2026

  Pantry Hours:
  Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
  10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  The pantry is open during scheduled class sessions and may be closed during campus breaks, holidays, or when classes are not in session.

  Eligibility Requirements

  To use the Bear Necessities Food Pantry, you must be a currently enrolled Ivy Tech student.

  Please bring:

  • Your Ivy Tech Student ID Card
  • Your cellphone with access to your MyIvy account to verify current enrollment
  • Your Ivy Tech Student ID Number (C#)

  Having these items ready helps us serve students more quickly.

  What to Expect During Your Visit

  Please note:

  • Pantry services are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Students are assisted by one person at a time to protect privacy and ensure everyone receives quality service.

  1. Check In: Visit the Bear Necessities table and let a staff member know you would like to visit the food pantry.
  2. Sign In & Complete an application: Sign in upon arrival. Complete a pantry application (Note: a new application is required for each academic year). No financial information is required.
  3. Verify Your Enrollment: A staff member will review your MyIvy account to verify you are currently enrolled.
  4. Select Your Grocery Items: You will receive a grocery selection sheet showing the items available that day. You will be able to select items based on the following limits:
     • Frozen meat: up to 2 items
     • Canned items: up to 8 items
     • Personal Hygiene items: up to 2 items
     • Household Cleaning items: up to 2 items
     • Other Staples: Select from available items such as pasta, cereal, rice, condiments, and other pantry staples.
  5. We Prepare Your Grocery Order: Return your completed grocery selection sheet to a staff member. Our team will gather the items you requested based on available inventory.
  6. Pick Up Your Groceries: A staff member will provide your groceries when your order is ready. You may visit the Bear Necessities Food Pantry again after two weeks.

  Helpful Tips Before You Visit

  • Have your Ivy Tech Student ID ready.
  • Have your MyIvy account open on your cellphone.
  • Bring reusable bags if you have them.
  • Be patient as we assist each student individually.
  • Inventory changes daily based on availability.
• Childcare Voucher Referral

  The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), a federally funded program that provides childcare assistance to eligible low-income families, issues electronic vouchers that pay, in whole or in part, for an eligible family’s childcare expenses directly to the childcare provider.
  
  To apply for assistance, you may apply online: 

  https://earlyedconnect.fssa.in.gov/onlineApp/home
  
  To learn more about income eligibility requirements, please visit: 

  https://brighterfuturesindiana.org/earlyed/income-eligibility-guidelines
  
  Fall 2026: IvyCares Statewide can provide 100 referrals for Ivy Tech students enrolled in Fall 2026 classes who want CCDF vouchers. A referral from Ivy Tech will allow you to move up the CCDF voucher waiting list. If you are seeking a referral from IvyCares, email Indianapolis-IvyCares@ivytech.edu to schedule an appointment.

• IvyAssist

  Ivy Assist is a fantastic website with local options to help Ivy Tech students connect with resources. Use this website to search for services available in your local area. Ivy Assist can connect you with organizations that provide food assistance, housing needs, transportation, health resources, financial assistance, education options, legal services, and so much more. To check out what is offered, visit ivyassist.auntbertha.com

• IvyCares Community Resource Fair - October 7, 2026

  Connect with Community Resources. Win Great Prizes.

  Need help with food, housing, transportation, healthcare, employment, childcare, financial assistance, or other basic needs? The IvyCares Community Resource Fair brings together local organizations that are ready to help.

  Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  Time: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Location: IFC Bowman Commons Lounge

  Meet Community Agencies

  Visit with approximately 30 community agencies serving the Indianapolis area. Representatives will be available to answer your questions, explain their services, and help you connect with resources that can support you during your time at Ivy Tech.

  Resources may include:

  • Food assistance
  • Housing and homelessness resources
  • Utility assistance
  • Healthcare and mental health services
  • Childcare resources
  • Employment and workforce services
  • Financial counseling
  • Transportation assistance
  • Legal and other community support services

  Whether you're facing an immediate challenge or simply want to learn about the resources available, this is a great opportunity to connect directly with organizations that can help.

  Prize Drawings Every Hour!

  Visit 70% of the participating vendors to be entered into our hourly prize drawings.

  Prize giveaways include:

  • Amazon Tool Kit
  • 790-piece LEGO® Set
  • Two ELEGOO UNO R3 Smart Robot Car Kits

  Drawing Times:

  • 11:30 a.m.
  • 12:30 p.m.
  • 1:30 p.m.
  • 2:30 p.m.

  You must be present to win.

  How to Participate

  1. Check in at the IvyCares table to receive your vendor bingo card.
  2. Visit at least 70% of the participating agencies.
  3. Return your completed bingo card to IvyCares.
  4. Stay for the hourly prize drawings—you must be present when your name is called.

  Don't miss this opportunity to discover valuable community resources, enjoy free popcorn, build connections, and win exciting prizes!

• Koda’s Closet – Free Clothing Closet for Ivy Tech Students, Faculty & Staff

  Need some everyday clothing, professional attire, or clothing for your children? Love thrift shopping? Visit Koda’s Closet, IvyCares’ free clothing closet!

  Thanks to the generosity of the Ivy Tech community, clothing donations have been collected to support students, faculty, and staff. Our goal is to make sure that anyone who may need clothing has access to clean, gently used items at no cost.

  Fall 2026 Temporary Location & Hours

  Location:
  C4 Building – First Floor Lobby
  2820 N. Meridian Street
  Indianapolis, IN 46208

  When:
  Koda’s Closet will be available on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month during Fall 2026.

  Stop by the table located to the right of the front doors of the C4 Building.

  Who Can Shop at Koda’s Closet?

  Koda’s Closet is available to:

  • Ivy Tech students
  • Ivy Tech faculty
  • Ivy Tech staff

  How It Works

  1. Check in with the Ivy Tech staff member at the Koda’s Closet table.
  2. Provide your:
  • Name
  • C#
  • Zip code
  3. Sign in on the registration sheet.
  4. Browse the available clothing and select items that work for you.

  Each visitor may take up to 8 items per visit.

  Please bring your own bag to carry your items.

  Available clothing may include:

  • Adult clothing
  • Children’s clothing
  • Everyday wear
  • Professional clothing

  Please note: Koda’s Closet is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Clothing sizes, styles, and selections will vary based on current donations and availability.

  Want to Donate to Koda’s Closet?

  We appreciate donations from the Ivy Tech community!

  Donations can be dropped off at:

  IvyCares – IFC Room 166
  Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

  We ask that all donated items are:

  • New or gently used
  • Clean
  • In good condition

  Questions?

  For questions about Koda’s Closet, please email:
  indianapolis-ivycares@ivytech.edu

• Places to Volunteer

  Community opportunities for volunteering

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
    https://www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer/

  • Catholic Charities
    https://helpcreatehope.org/crisis-office

  • Christamore House
    https://www.christamorehouse.org/volunteer-index-impact

  • Damien Center
    https://damien.org/volunteer

  • Dress for Success
    https://indydfs.org/volunteer-opportunities/

  • Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis
    https://www.fpgi.org/copy-of-careers

  • Flanner House
    https://www.flannerhouse.org/volunteer

  • Gleaners
    https://www.gleaners.org/volunteer/

  • Horizon House
    https://horizonhouse.cc/get-involved/volunteer/

  • Immigrant Welcome Center
    https://immigrantwelcomecenter.org/volunteer/

  • Indy Reads
    https://indyreads.org/get-involved/volunteer/

  • IndyHumane
    https://indyhumane.org/get-involved/volunteer/

  • John Boner Neighborhood Center
    https://jbncenters.formstack.com/forms/volunteer

  • Julian Center
    https://www.juliancenter.org/volunteer/

  • Mary Rigg
    https://www.maryrigg.org/volunteer/

  • MLK Center
    https://www.mlkcenterindy.org/support/get-involved/volunteer

  • Outreach Indiana
    https://www.outreachindiana.org/volunteer

  • PACE
    https://paceindy.org/volunteer

  • Second Helpings
    https://www.secondhelpings.org/volunteer/

  • St. Vincent de Paul
    https://www.svdpindy.org/volunteer/

  • United Way
    https://www.uwci.org/volunteer

  • Westminster
    https://www.westmin.org/volunteer-sign-up

   

   

• Student Emergency Aid Fund

  Students experiencing an unforeseen circumstance and need assistance can reach out to the IvyCares Resource Coach. The Resource Coach will assist students identifying community resources to assist the student financially through the crisis . The Resource Coach can help the students organize the materials and complete applications for assistances in addition to finding financial support.

  View Form

• Technology

  The IvyCares Loaner Technology Program ended after the Summer 2026 semester and is no longer available. As a result, IvyCares can no longer provide loaner laptops or mobile hotspots.

  If you need a computer, the following resources may help:

  • PCs for People – Low-cost computers for eligible individuals.
  • Computers with Causes – Provides computers to qualifying applicants based on availability.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later Options with local retail stores
  • TAG Mobile Lifeline Program – Free or discounted phone service for eligible individuals.

  To ensure you select the right device for your program, please review our Laptop Specifications guide below.

  LAPTOP SPECIFICATIONS GUIDE

• Transportation

  Students can purchase a 31-day IndyGo Bus pass for $47.50 (half price) through the Bursar’s office.  The Bursar’s office is located in IFC room 134.  To purchase a bus pass, you must be an Ivy Tech student in good financial standing with the college.

  Students must have cash money to purchase the bus pass. 

  Ivy Cares may be able to assist with a ONE-TIME emergency bus pass if an emergency transportation issue occurs. Use the link to complete an emergency IvyCares transportation request.

  IVYCARES EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION APPLICATION