Department of Metropolitan Development Provides Update, Announces Programs for Mayor Hogsett’s Affordable Housing Plan

Programs to address displacement, suffering supply of affordable housing, homelessness in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS – Tonight, Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) Director Scarlett Andrews outlined the City's first stages of affordable housing projects and programs with the City of Indianapolis’ American Rescue Plan Act and community development funding. DMD’s presentation rolled out $6,020,000 for multi-family housing developments, anti-displacement programming, and homelessness services.

“Indianapolis, like many cities across the country, is confronting a housing crisis,” said Scarlett Andrews, director of the DMD. “Tonight, we reiterated Mayor Hogsett’s commitment to ensuring affordability in housing across Indianapolis with a clear strategy, leveraging federal dollars with state and local tools.”

Throughout the city’s planning process, DMD analyzed research and insights from the Anti-Displacement & Inclusive Growth Policy Agenda for Indianapolis, affordable housing mapping data, and community listening sessions. From mitigating racial disparities, generating permanent supportive housing units and wrap-around services to the need of affordable units on transit corridors – DMD has embedded these priorities in its strategy to address the housing crisis.

Anti-Displacement

Indy AMP

The Indianapolis Affordable Modification Program (IndyAMP) supports homeowners, in formerly redlined neighborhoods that have been negatively affected by COVID-19, to refinance mortgage debt, helping them remain in their homes, become current with their mortgages, and lower their monthly payment through Renew Indianapolis. Since its launch, IndyAMP has closed 19 loans totaling $2.6 million. Sixty-three percent of borrowers are female head of household and 32 percent identify as Black. DMD will support this affordable housing tool with $720,000 in ARPA funding.

Fair Housing

DMD and the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana have partnered to conduct investigation of tenant screening requirements, equity theft, mortgage lending, and other COVID impacted housing barriers to determine violations of fair housing laws. DMD supported this partnership with $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Creation and Preservation of Affordable Housing

Utilizing ARPA funding, DMD will use dollars to support four affordable housing development to prevent displacement and expand affordability in Marion County. DMD’s $3 million in ARPA funding will create 454 total units, with 21 dedicated to substance abuse support and 160 reserved for affordable senior living.

  • 1001 Palmer St., is a 151-unit development along IndyGo’s Red Line in Bates-Hendricks.

  • 3133 N. Central Ave. is a permanent supportive housing development with 21 units for formerly homeless participants exiting transitional living programs.

  • 2929 W. Washington St. is located along the future IndyGo Blue Line. This development will create 122 units in the Hawthorne neighborhood, reserved for those at 60% AMI or below.

  • Located at 1621 W. 86th St., this development will create 160 long-term affordable units for seniors at or below 60% AMI.

Homelessness

Additionally, DMD announced $2,000,000 in Housing Trust Fund dollars for the Housing to Recovery Fund. In 2018, the City created the Housing to Recovery Fund in partnership with Central Indiana Community Foundation with the goal of investing $10 million for supportive services for those experiencing homelessness.

“With this public-private partnership, the City and CICF will utilize funds to bolster supportive services with our partners at Pando Aspen Grove, Horizon House, and Adult & Child,” said Andrews. “This allows us to increase housing stability, drive down involvement with the criminal justice system, and provide better access to healthcare. Ultimately, we’re rising to the challenge to produce outcomes and end homelessness in Indianapolis.”

In 2021, the City-County Council voted unanimously to allocate over $50 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding for pandemic relief towards affordable housing and neighborhood initiatives. In the midst of a housing crisis, DMD is working to increase the supply of quality housing that is sustainable, accessible, and affordable for all, with the goal of enhancing and preserving diverse neighborhoods.

Eviction Prevention

Last year, the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) implemented the Tenant Advocacy Project for Indianapolis tenants facing eviction, which has been expanded in 2022 thanks to American Rescue Plan funding. In partnership with Indianapolis legal aid services, this initiative provides free legal and rental assistance navigation services at small claims courts where eviction cases are being held. Combined with the Tenant Legal Assistance Project launched in 2020, these eviction prevention efforts ensure access free legal aid as well as help applying for rental assistance. Tenants who may be facing eviction can call the tenant hotline at (317) 327-2228 to be directed to free legal assistance.

 City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development | Facebook

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About the Department of Metropolitan Development:

The Department of Metropolitan Development works to shape the city’s identity by strengthening people and places, building upon our history, and fostering visionary development. DMD envisions Indianapolis as a growing, vibrant, and beautiful city where people are businesses thrive in an inclusive, world-class community.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Hannah Thomas
(317) 775-1834 | Hannah.Thomas2@indy.gov               

MEDIA AVAILABILITY:

Scarlett Andrews, DMD Director, will be available from 2 – 3 p.m. on April 26, 2022. To schedule, please contact Hannah.Thomas2@indy.gov.

Mo McReynolds