1. (a) As used in this section, "shelter" means a facility that provides temporary emergency assistance.
2. (b) A township trustee may establish, purchase, acquire, maintain, or operate a shelter for eligible township assistance households needing temporary housing assistance.
3. (c) A township having a population of less than eight thousand (8,000) may not expend more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to implement this section without the approval of the county executive.
4. (d) A township having a population of at least eight thousand (8,000) may not expend more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) to implement this section without the approval of the county executive.

5. (e) In counties where the implementation of this section can be more efficiently and expeditiously handled in units larger than a single township, a township trustee may combine resources with other townships within a county to:

   1. (1) establish one (1) or more household shelter units; and

   2. (2) pay a pro rata share of all administrative and other costs incidental to the maintenance and operation of each shelter unit established in subdivision (1).

      IC 36-1-7-1 through IC 36-1-7-4 apply to a township electing to combine its resources with other townships under this subsection.

6. (f) A township trustee is not required to provide shelter to an individual who at the time assistance is requested is:

   1. (1) under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or

   2. (2) incapable of self-care.

      The township trustee may at no cost to the township refer an individual described in this subsection to an appropriate agency or facility located in the county or in an adjoining county that has a program or charter specifically addressing the problems of substance abuse, mental illness, or self-care.

7. (g) A township trustee may contract with a private agency offering a shelter program in order to comply with this section if the applicant or the applicant's household is not mandated by the private agency to participate, as a condition of eligibility, in religious services.

8. (h) A township trustee is not obligated to:

   1. (1) enter into a contract with; or

   2. (2) pay shelter costs to;

      a shelter that is supported by federal or state funds.

      [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 12-2-1-8.5.]

As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.51-1996, SEC.64; P.L.73-2005, SEC.82.