New statewide tool helps residents find local housing resources

Indiana residents seeking housing resources have a new tool they can use. Prosperity Indiana created a housing stability map that connects people to local housing resources.

The interactive map uses data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, to direct individuals to local housing counseling agencies. The agencies can provide information, advice and financial guidance to homeowners and renters.

Tonya Dinkins, housing and evaluation data manager at Prosperity Indiana, said the tool can improve housing outcomes for many Indiana residents.

“To keep people housed and to improve their finances and empower them,” Dinkins said

The map can also aid residents and homeowners in area’s like Tippecanoe County, where there is a growing need for housing stock.

“What the tool aims to provide is the ability to make Hoosiers more aware of resources and support networks that are available to them, whether that is in West Lafayette or anywhere across the state,” Dinkins said.

Housing counselors can also assist people experiencing homelessness.

Dinkins said there are over 3,000 households participating in counseling services in Indiana so far this year.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Abriana Herron at aherron@wfyi.org.