New projects aim to provide housing for foster youth
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The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority has unveiled four projects designed to provide affordable rental housing and support services for youth aging out of the foster care system.
The effort was spearheaded by the Indiana General Assembly’s approval of $5 million in funding in the 2023 budget session, which is being matched by the IHCDA.
The project targets individuals ages 18-23 that age out of foster care. The applicants for funding were required to consist of a team that included a not-for-profit housing developer, a qualified supportive service provider and a property management company.
The developer would develop and own the rental units, provide or hire property management, and comply with all IHCDA reporting requirements, the agency said. The qualified service provider will be required to refer eligible applicants and provide residents with services such as life skills, budgeting, mental health counseling, job coaching, and GED attainment.
“Youth exiting the foster care system are vulnerable through no fault of their own, and it is our duty to provide them a smooth transition to adulthood,” Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said in a news release. “These four housing projects represent a significant step in that direction and will ensure foster youth are given a chance to live productive, dignified and independent lives.”
The projects chosen for financial support are:
- Lacasa of Goshen Inc. and Bashor Childrens Home, for an 11-unit development in Goshen.
- Firefly Children and Family Alliance, Herron Property Management and ALK Development, for a 12-15 unit development in Indianapolis.
- New Hope Services Inc., LifeSpring Health Systems and Herron Property Management, for a 10-14 unit development in Jeffersonville.
- Building and Impacting Communities Inc., Epiphany & Company and BWI Management, for a 20-unit development in Merrillville.
Each project is eligible for up to $2.5 million in funding. The applicants must submit a full application for funding by December, which will include details such as site control, zoning, site plans, architectural drawings and final budgets.