State Awards $4M to Address Worker Housing Shortage
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFour Indiana companies have been awarded $1 million each to address a housing shortage for workers. The money comes from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, which allocated $4 million towards the new Anchor Employer Workforce Housing program. That program is designed to increase workforce housing in the state.
"By participating in this new program, these organizations further prove how important housing is in attracting and retaining talent," said Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, who serves as board chair of IHCDA.
Columbia City-based Impact CNC was one of the four recipients. The Whitley County company struggles to find workers, in part, because of a housing shortage. The company says at any given time, it has five job openings.
“The housing market impacts hiring and retention,” said Jerry Busche, owner of Impact CNC. “I’m really excited about the potential this project brings and know the investment will go a long way to support skilled manufacturing workers to relocate to Columbia City.”
The other recipients are French Lick Resort, IU Health, and Warsaw-based Zimmer Biomet.
IHCDA says each recipient is required to match or exceed the $1 million in funding to develop workforce housing in their communities.
"It is essential for communities to offer a wide variety of housing options for their residents," said Jacob Sipe, Executive Director at IHCDA. "Housing that is attainable for Hoosiers of all income levels and that focuses on improving quality of life.”
In the request for proposals released in June, IHCDA asked employers to think creatively and develop a proposal tailored to the needs of the community. As part of the proposals, the companies had to show an investment plan and metrics to track success.