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Region III-A was among the first organizations to respond to the State of Indiana’s reallocation of Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds in 1990. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) was created at that time to direct more resources towards the housing issues faced by the State’s low- to moderate-income residents.
Region III-A responded by establishing a focused approach to capture these federal funds and reinvest in the region’s housing stock. Over $1.8 million has been invested in low- to moderate-income owner-occupied housing preservation throughout the five-county region. More importantly, the lives of over 161 area families have been touched through substantial and lasting improvements to their living conditions. Individual housing preservation projects may be as high as $15,000, provided through a forgivable loan. Improvements may include roofs, siding, windows, doors, and furnaces.
As is the case with all state and federal funding programs, up-to-date research, analysis and planning is required to insure eligibility for continued grant eligibility. To that end, Region III-A has recently completed Housing Needs Assessments for Huntington, Noble, Steuben and Whitley counties. These reports are a thorough evaluation of the existing housing conditions in each county with a series of recommendations to improve upon those conditions. The reports are then shared with county stakeholders, including county and municipal governments, and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. The reports have proved to be a valuable tool at both, the local and state level.
The most recent venture for Region III-A’s housing program has been the construction, ownership and managment of a 28-unit senior housing development within the City of Ligonier. This project has been a partnership by the City of Ligonier, Region III-A, developer and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. The product is a beautiful, new development offering affordable rents, and clean safe living for area seniors. This project has been so well received by the community, Region III-A is presently working with the Town of Roanoke for a similar 35-unit senior project.