LEVERAGING RESOURCES FOR GREATER IMPACT One key reason IHCDA has successfully addressed housing challenges is its ability to forge strategic partnerships with various stakeholders.“We can’t do this work alone,” Sipe says.“It takes collaboration with private sector partners, nonprofit organizations, and other government agencies to make a real impact.” IHCDA’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity is a prime example of this collaboration. “Coming out of the pandemic, Habitat needed more capital to support their operations,” Sipe explains. “We partnered with Old National Bank to purchase Habitat’s mortgages and provided a loan guarantee to make it happen.That partnership infused millions of dollars into Habitat, allowing them to continue their work building affordable homes.” Another innovative partnership is IHCDA’s XBE Developer Initiative, which supports minority, women, and veteran-owned developers. “We’ve helped two first-time tax credit developers get started—one in Indianapolis and one in South Bend,” Sipe says. “It’s a program that’s been recognized nationally as a model for supporting new developers, particularly those from underrepresented groups.” These partnerships extend beyond housing development. IHCDA is also working with local governments and community organizations to improve the quality of life in Indiana’s neighborhoods. “We’re not just focused on housing—we’re focused on community development,” Sipe says. “That’s why we’re involved in placemaking initiatives like Creating Places.” CROWDFUNDING FOR COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION The Creating Places program is one of IHCDA’s most 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 INDIANA HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx