Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA)

At the annual National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) Conference this fall, IHCDA was honored during the 2024 Annual Awards for Program Excellence. Our agency's dedication to creating housing options for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities (IDD) was recognized as the winner in the Housing for Persons with Special Needs Category. IHCDA recognizes the need to provide supportive housing to individuals with intellectual or development disabilities and is dedicated to growing the amount of permanent, affordable housing paired with services that help people live more stable, productive lives. IHCDA has been addressing this complex issue by setting aside a certain number of tax credit awards for developments that commit to serving people with IDD by providing affordable housing in an integrated setting. Last year, we visited three integrated developments to interview residents, family, and staff about how they have been impacted by this initiative. These interviews were used to create a short documentary highlighting IHCDA’s efforts in community integration. Watch the video to learn more about how integrated housing has been transformative to many Hoosiers with IDD: https://lnkd.in/gdbZAHuK

At the annual Indiana Housing Conference this fall, IHCDA and the Office of Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch?presented the?Excellence in Affordable Housing Awards recognizing four outstanding affordable housing developments which were funded in part with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Awards and placed in service between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024. Congratulations to North End Apartments?in Carmel, winning the award in the Special Needs Category! North End offers integrated living within the 168 apartment units (40 of which are attainable, plus 128 market rate units) and the broader neighborhood inclusive of 28,000 square feet of office and retail space, 46 townhomes and 10 single family homes, with a second phase incorporating independent senior living that will be under construction in 2025. It is adjacent to the Monon Trail and near medical care, groceries, extensive retail, public parks and vocational opportunities. Previously, Carmel had only 11 affordable housing units for seniors and families. The embedded opportunity in a city with a high median income, walkability and safety make it an optimal place for this underserved population. The need for housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) was first brought to the local developer, Old Town Companies, through community stakeholders. Integrated living at North End was nurtured with expert input including a comprehensive advisory committee made up of caregivers, service providers, local nonprofit agencies and adults with IDD to inform the elements of the development.

We recently announced the four participating groups for the My Community, My Vision (#MCMV) program, which connects high school students across Indiana to each other and to their neighborhoods, towns and cities. The student groups and their tentative project ideas are: - Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood Youth Advisory Council: collaborative fiberglass art installations - Terre Haute Mayor’s Youth Council: public aquatic feature - Union City Playground Paradise: playground improvements and equipment - Oldenburg Entrepreneurship Council: downtown beautification and revitalization The four selected cohorts of students representing communities across the state will participate in a six-month program consisting of in-person workshops and self-guided curriculum to assist them in planning and fundraising for a place-based community project. Utilizing elements of our CreatINg Places?program, student groups who successfully strategize, plan and raise a fundraising goal of between $5,000 and $25,000 towards their community project in the program’s duration will receive a matching grant from IHCDA. Youth councils, alongside their nonprofit or local unit of government sponsor, will work throughout the spring semester to determine a project, craft a budget, develop a fundraising goal and strategy, and raise the needed funds for all materials during a 30-45-day fundraising campaign. Students will attend workshops to learn about placemaking, fundraising strategies, and stakeholder engagement. At the final workshop, students will present their work and success to their peers and Indiana's community development leaders. Pictured: Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood Youth Advisory Council participated in the 2023 MCMV program, transforming a vacant lot into a pocket park with seating, landscaping, and interactive photo opportunities.

In partnership with the Office of Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, we are thrilled to announce recipients of the 2025 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (#LIHTC) program and Multifamily Bonds with the Indiana Affordable and Workforce Housing Tax Credit (#AWHTC). These programs use federal and state tax credits and tax-exempt bond financing to incentivize private developers to fund the construction, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable housing communities throughout Indiana. More than $20 million in 9% LIHTC was awarded to 16 developments to create or preserve 761 affordable units that will serve individuals, families, seniors, individuals with disabilities and individuals experiencing homelessness. IHCDA’s Board also awarded nearly $6 million in 4% LIHTC, $66 million in tax-exempt bonds, and $6 million in AWHTC for five developments that will create or preserve 520 affordable units. Find more information on the LIHTC program and the selected developments here: https://lnkd.in/gU28Y8kR

Our September Board of Directors meeting was held at the Rushville City Center. There, we were joined by local leaders and citizens to hear about some of the great developments and initiatives happening in Rushville. After the meeting, we were guided from the City Center to Campaign Flats and Campaign Quarters, learning some history behind the buildings and how they were preserved and then converted to housing. Our thanks to Rushville for hosting us, and kudos to their community for their commitment to making their city a great place for Hoosiers to live, work, stay and play!

At the annual Indiana Housing Conference this fall, IHCDA and the Office of Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch presented the?Excellence in Affordable Housing Awards, which included recognizing Helen Coleman, Outstanding Resident Volunteer of the Year.?The Outstanding Resident Volunteer Award recognizes a resident of an Indiana affordable housing development who represents those who have transformed their lives in safe, decent and affordable housing. Helen Coleman, a resident of Hopeside Senior Community in Indianapolis, was selected for the tremendous impact she has in her community. She is always present at Hopeside events, hosting many herself and donating food and beverages. She began a Resident Volunteer Committee at Hopeside and continues to serve as an ambassador to current and prospective residents. Residents often come to the property upset, hurt and down on themselves, but Helen inspires, motivates and encourages everyone she meets. Congratulations, Helen, on this well-deserved award!

Very exciting things happening in Elkhart County! We were honored to be a part of this celebration last week as Lacasa broke ground on their latest affordable and supportive housing development.

Decatur County children will soon have access to an inclusive sensory garden if this?crowdfunding campaign?reaches its goal of raising $10,000 by December 27, 2024. If successful, the project led by the?Decatur County Community Foundation?will receive a matching grant as part of our?#CreatINgPlaces program. Funds from this campaign will be used to create a sensory garden where children can learn, play and engage nature with each of their senses in a safe environment.? https://lnkd.in/efQi6bdG

Calling all #housing #advocates, local #ChangeMakers, non-profit partners and more! Interested in learning about the #data behind #housing outcomes in your community? #homeownership rates, housing affordability, and more could be easier to access than you think! Join us for next week's FH90 Hot Topics session on Thursday November 21 from 2-3:30pm ET. We will focus on 3 sources of housing-related information right at your fingertips: US Census, Indiana Housing Dashboard, and the FHCCI's very own data portal! Learn what data is out there for you to use, how to access it, and how data can be used to enhance your storytelling to inform change in your community. The training is FREE and virtual, but advanced registration is required: www.fhcci.org/events Thank you to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for making this training possible.

At the annual Indiana Housing Conference this fall, IHCDA and the Office of Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch?presented the?Excellence in Affordable Housing Awards recognizing four outstanding affordable housing developments which were funded in part with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Awards and placed in service between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024. Congratulations to Baker Flats, winning the award in the Senior Category! The Senior Category recognizes a property specifically designed for use by elderly tenants. Baker Flats, located in the Jacobsville neighborhood of Evansville, was developed by House Investments to meet the demand for senior housing in the greater Evansville area. The development created 52 new units for Hoosiers 55 and older. The location of Baker Flats was driven by its proximity to public transportation and factors such as walkability, healthcare and education. The property is situated just north of downtown Evansville. Nearby amenities include a bus stop, post office, public library, fire station, police station, retail shopping, restaurants and other local businesses.