As the housing shortage continues to challenge communities nationwide, Executive Director Jason Icenbice and Housing Services Administration (HSA) Manager Christine Sommer of MCHA have been tirelessly working to address the growing demand for affordable housing. THE ROLE OF MCHA IN MARION COUNTY The MCHA operates as a public housing authority, which, as Icenbice describes, makes it a “public corporation” or, in essence, a government body. “Housing authorities are special that way. I always joke that we’re like the post office or like NASA,” Icenbice remarks, highlighting the unique position of MCHA within the governmental landscape. MCHA’s primary mission is to provide affordable housing through the HUD-based Housing Choice Voucher program, which accounts for most of the authority’s funding—approximately $11.7 million annually.The program enables low-income residents to rent private market-rate housing by subsidizing the difference between the rent and 30% of the tenant’s income. However, the success of this program has been historically hindered by a shortage of suitable rental housing in the area. HOUSING SHORTAGES The housing shortage has reached critical levels nationwide in recent years, and Marion County is no exception. “One of the big challenges has been the shortage of good, decent rental housing,” Icenbice notes. Yet, a glimmer of hope is on the horizon as new market-rate apartment developments alleviate some pressure. When Sommer started managing the voucher program, the success rate was alarmingly low, with only 27% of voucher holders finding suitable housing. “That success rate now is well over 50%,” Sommer shares with optimism, noting that its goal is to reach a 70% success rate. The increase is a significant improvement and a testament to the efforts of the MCHA team in navigating a tight rental market. ECONOMIC CHALLENGES The pandemic exacerbated the housing crisis, stalling market rates and affordable housing developments. Icenbice explains, “COVID did put our state behind not only in market-rate development but affordable housing development as well.” The challenge is to catch up and continue to meet the growing demand. One of the largest hurdles in developing affordable housing is securing state and federal funds, which can be long and complex.“To build an affordable housing 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09 THE MARION COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY
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