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Last updated on Thursday, September 27, 2018
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) today presented the 2018 Excellence in Affordable Housing Awards at the Indiana Housing Conference. The awards are presented to the most outstanding new properties in four categories and celebrate the best in Indiana affordable housing development.
"Safe, decent and affordable housing is imperative to move this state, and the Hoosiers who call it home, to the Next Level," said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, who serves as board chair of IHCDA. "These developments have and will continue to make a profound impact within their communities."
This year's award winners are:
RURAL - Development is located within the corporate limits of a City or Town with a population less than 14,999 or the development is located in an unincorporated area of a county that is located beyond 2 miles of the city or town's jurisdiction.
Award Winner: The Mercantile (Alexandria)
About the Development: Based on innovative funding round criteria, creating a mix-use housing/retail development allowed for a project that would deliver maximum community impact. Market studies supported the need and potential sustainability for both businesses. Saving an iconic downtown building has contributed significantly to maintaining Alexandria's cultural and historical identity. This project has been transformational, providing access to healthy food and affordable housing downtown, and providing solutions to real needs as well as a significant economic boost.
SENIOR - Development specifically designed for use by elderly tenants.
Award Winner: North Harrison Senior Apartments (Shelbyville)
About the Development: North Harrison Senior Apartments was created to provide proper senior housing with lower monthly rent and utility costs while creating an inviting atmosphere where friends socialize and help each other out. This community is located in a walkable area to other necessities, provides educational opportunities for both work and personal enrichment, and assists in finding necessary social services to help the residents live independently for as long as possible.
SPECIAL NEEDS - Development specifically designed for use by special needs populations: persons developmental or development disabilities, persons with mental impairments, single parent households, victims of domestic violence, abused children, persons with chemical addictions and/or homeless persons.
Award Winner: Oliver Apartments (South Bend)
About the Development: The development location for Oliver Apartments was selected after considering 10 potential sites and several existing buildings. The South Bend Heritage board and staff also attended numerous neighborhood meetings and community forums to ensure they garnered feedback from stakeholders. What has resulted is a development that houses 32 formerly homeless individuals (both male and female) while at the same time achieving an Emerald Level Energy rating from the National Green Building Council.
URBAN - Development is located within a metropolitan area with a population greater than 15,000.
Award Winner: South Bend Mutual Homes (South Bend)
About the Development: In partnership with Neighborhood Development Associates, South Bend Heritage built 24 new single family homes as part of a special funding round by IHCDA the encouraged "innovative" development. South Bend Mutual Homes offers a unique opportunity for those with lower incomes to live in brand new housing. These homes are located in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood, just west of downtown South Bend.
IHCDA accepted nominations for affordable housing developments that were placed in service between July 1, 2016 and July 1, 2018. The nominations were evaluated by a panel of judges who looked at the location, services, unique features, community impact and financing structure to make their determinations.
Other awards presented at the conference include:
OUTSTANDING RESIDENT VOLUNTEER AWARD
Award Winner: Lottie Shaffer, Resident, Jackson Street Commons (Kokomo)
Presented by IHCDA and the Indiana Affordable Housing Council (IAHC)
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Award Winner: Darrell Mitchell, Founder of Indiana Affiliation of Recovery Residences and CEO of Progress House
Presented by the IAHC
COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD
Award Winner: Yolanda Davis, CRA, Horizon Bank
Presented by Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI)
The Indiana Housing Conference is Indiana's must-attend conference for affordable housing professionals. The conference, which annually draws more than 500 attendees, is presented by IHCDA and the IAHC.
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