Indianapolis plans for more than 100 new units to address homelessness

An additional 104 units of permanent supportive housing will be added to Indianapolis housing stock. The city of Indianapolis was able to invest $7.8 million in four new housing projects. 

Indianapolis Deputy Mayor of Community Development Jeff Bennett said the move is part of the city’s efforts to end homelessness.

“The solution to homelessness is housing but there are other needs across the continuum of care throughout the system,” Bennett said.

One project places a 36-unit affordable housing building next door to Horizon House. The nonprofit service center provides day shelter, street outreach and other support to 200 individuals daily.

In a written statement Executive Director Teresa Wessel said plans for the development have been in the works for a year and a half.

“Neighbors experiencing homelessness will have the stability of a home and intensive case management in a thriving community where people will find dignity, belonging, personal health and well-being,” Wessel said.

Bennett said being able to house someone first and then provide continued wrap-around services is the key.

“The fact of the matter is when you can create permanent housing that is the best approach,” Bennett said.

The other three permanent supportive housing units all use similar partnership models.  The projects combine low-income housing tax credits, city grants, local community development support and private developers.

The developments

Compass on Washington – 36 Units
Located next to Horizon House Day Center on E. Washington St., Compass on Washington will add 36 one-bedroom units of supportive housing. This partnership with Horizon House, Englewood CDC, and Gratus Development received $3.5 million in CDBG-CV and $400,000 from the Housing Trust Fund from DMD. Compass on Washington expects to open in 2024.

Hanna Commons – 50 Units
In partnership with the South Indy Quality of Life Plan, UP Development LLC, Adult & Child, and Southeast Neighborhood Development Corporation, Hanna Commons aims to address homelessness through permanent, multi-family housing. DMD has awarded this project with $1.4 million composed of $1 million in HOME and $400,000 in Housing Trust Fund.

Providence Place – 8 units
Comprising one- and two-bedroom units at 4935 E. 21st St., Providence Place will provide permanent supportive housing for individuals exiting homelessness. DMD supported this project led by Englewood CDC, Living Word Baptist Church, and A Place Empowering People with $551,062 in HOME funds.

St. Lucas Lofts – 10 Units
St. Lucas Lofts will host 10 units of integrated supportive housing for individuals who are recovering from homelessness in partnership with Englewood CDC, Outreach Indiana, and Adult & Child Services. Supported with $2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds from DMD, St. Lucas Lofts is expected to open in the first quarter of 2024.

In August 2022, Mayor Hogsett launched the City’s first-ever supportive housing task force composed of affordable housing developers, service providers, funders, CHIP, and the Indianapolis Housing Agency.