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Crawford Apartments Wins Lt. Governor’s Award

305_crawford award_14Crawford Apartments, a 25 unit supportive housing development in Bloomington, Indiana, was recognized with the Lt. Governor's Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing and Community Development (Urban) at the Annual Statewide Conference on Housing and Community Economic Development.

Named after Mr. Frank “Road Dog” Crawford, a gentleman who passed away while experiencing homelessness in Bloomington, the development targets people who have faced chronic homelessness and multiple barriers. Among other things, LifeDesigns, the Shalom Center, Hayes-Gibson International Property Management, and their partners see this as a strong step toward never allowing another person to die on these streets.

This is a Platinum LEED certified building that offers on site services including connecting tenants to healthcare, employment, and the community at large.

The development team for Crawford Apartments attended the Indiana Permanent Supportive Housing Institute and received pre-development funding from CSH. Click here read more about the Crawford Apartments. Click here to read about the impact this development has had on one of the tenants.

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Indiana Supportive Housing Institute Finale

The 2014 Indiana Permanent Supportive Housing Institute Finale was held in Indianapolis on June 5, and included a presentation by each participating team representing the communities of Gary, Marion, Indianapolis, and Terre Haute. This Institute, including over 80 hours of training for development teams over the course of six months, was sponsored by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA)and facilitated by CSH.

305_Institute Audience_14Throughout this training series, CSH staff provided technical assistance to teams in the areas of selecting tenants, planning services, developing and operating, employing housing first and harm reduction approaches, and creating project budgets. Three teams will submit applications for tax credits in the housing first round this June and IHCDA has released a project based voucher RFP due in July for teams who have graduated from the Institute.

Rodney Stockment from the IHCDA Research and Development department, and Lori Phillips-Steele, CSH Indiana Program Directors welcomed funders, government partners, supportive housing champions, and team members to this program. A presentation was offered by Danielle Sorden with Shalom Community Center, sharing the vision behind and outcomes from Crawford Homes and Apartments in Bloomington, IN. This supportive housing development houses individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness. Please click here to view the presentation.

305_Indianapolis Team_14The team representing Indianapolis, composed of BWI Development & Management, Midtown Mental Health Partners, and Goodwill Industries, presented their vision of integrated housing. This development, Overlook At The Fairgrounds, will have 49 units with 17 supportive housing units, 30 affordable units, and 2 market rate units. Supportive housing units will be for individuals who are experiencing homelessness and have a mental illness or other chronic health condition.

305_Marion Team_14Located adjacent to the Marion VA medical campus, Chambers Park Apartments will house Veterans who are experiencing homelessness and have a disability. The development team includes Building Blocks Non-Profit Housing Corporation, Volunteers of America of Indiana, Medallion Management, Inc., Veterans Administration of Northern Indiana Health Care System, and Milner and Caringella, Inc., Martin-Riley Architects, Keller Development, Inc. and Kreig DeVault, LLP. Chambers Park Apartments will have 50 one-bedroom units, community space for recreation, training, and group meetings, and generous outdoor space for recreation, picnics, and gatherings.

Terre Haute Team_1Liberty Village, a proposed 30 unit supportive housing development in Terre Haute, will serve frequent users of emergency services and Veterans. The development team includes Mental Health America of Vigo County, Hamilton Center, Inc, TWG Development, LLC, and Indiana State University. This development will be for both individuals and families, with a breakdown of 20 one bedroom units, 8 two-bedroom units, and 2 two-bedroom units. Liberty Village will feature biometric security, on-site laundry, free tenant enrichment programs, outdoor and indoor recreational areas, community areas, a large food pantry and storage areas.

305_Gary Team_14The team representing Gary is led by Sojourner Truth House (STH), a ministry of hope and help for homeless and at-risk women and their children sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. Through hospitality, advocacy, integrative services and collaboration, participants improve their quality of life and that of the community in a safe, trusting environment. STH plans to provide 50-60 units of permanent supportive housing for families and individuals with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness. This development will follow the housing first philosophy including offering voluntary services, creative engagement, and eviction prevention, all with a harm reduction approach.

Thank you to our funders!

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Veteran Supportive Housing Opens in Kokomo, Indiana

On May 22, the Family Service Association (FSA) held the grand opening of Jackson Street Commons, a 27 unit Veteran supportive housing development near downtown Kokomo, IN. Mayor Goodnight expressed in his remarks that "This project is so good for our community in so many ways. I really do feel that it brought our community together and it infused millions of dollars into this neighborhood while creating a place for Veterans to call home."

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FSA Executive Director Judy Dennis, in her comments at the opening asked, “The question is not why they ended up homeless, it’s how did we as a society let this happen?” She went on to describe how Jackson Street Commons will address Veteran homelessness by offering 27 units of supportive housing to those who have served our country and need both affordable housing and accessible supportive services in order to be housed and remain housed.

The development team graduated from CSH's Indiana Permanent Supportive Housing Institute in 2011 and received a pre-development initiation loan from CSH. The service team includes FSA,  the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System, and Community Howard Regional Health.

Denise Deitzen, Medical Center Director of the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System, commented while touring the building that this has been a wonderful opportunity to partner with a community to end Veteran homelessness. This site targets Veterans who have experienced chronic homelessness and those with the greatest barriers.

Pete, a 53 year-old Veteran who has experienced homelessness for three and a half years, attended this opening in anticipation of moving into his own apartment the following week. "All of my adult life, until I became homeless, I used to be somebody," he stated. "I'd like to be somebody again one day and think that this place is going to give me the chance." Pete went on to share that once he gets settled, he would like to find a way to give back to the community.

305_JSC Lobby_14This development was financed with a HOME grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, and gap financing came from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, City of Kokomo, Howard County, community donations, and the VFW Post 1152.

Every room is furnished and comes stocked with kitchen and bathroom necessities including pots pans, plates, silverware, towels, hygiene items, etc. Also, a framed saying in each room honors Veterans with the following quote:

"A Veteran is someone who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for any amount, up to and including their life."

Click here to read the local press about this grand opening.

*Photo credit to Tim Bath, Kokomo Tribune

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Supportive Housing for Veterans Breaks Ground in Muncie, IN

Mayor Dennis Tyler welcomed the community to the Walnut Commons ground breaking ceremony on May 29th, and read a proclamation stating at the City of Muncie is committed to ending homelessness and sees permanent supportive housing as one of the most critical elements to a comprehensive strategy. Click here to read the full proclamation.

3D model(master)REND2-RevSKY18 (Custom)This 44 unit supportive housing development will house Veterans who are experiencing homelessness and those who are facing chronic homelessness. Daveri Development Group will develop, own and operate the building, Meridian Health Services will provide supportive services, and linkages will be made to the VA on behalf of those with military services. The development team participated in the Indiana Permanent Supportive Housing Institute that is sponsored by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and facilitated by CSH, and the project was awarded a CSH pre-development loan.

Hank Milius, President and CEO of Meridian Health Services, spoke about Meridian's commitment to providing quality primary and behavioral healthcare to tenants. Gerald Cyranowski and Susan Buckingham also spoke about Meridian's work to provide support for the most vulnerable members of the community.

305_crowd_14The development will feature a state-of-the-art energy efficient three-story building with on-site office and clinic space for supportive services and property management, as well as a community room, computer areas, laundry facility, bike storage and outdoor patio.

Walnut Commons is primarily funded through IHCDA through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. IHCDA Executive Director Jake Sipe spoke about the placement of this development into a revitalization neighborhood, and how important it is that tenants will have access to nearby amenities. The development also benefited from support from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, with operational support from the Indiana Balance of State Continuum of Care.

305_team_14Click here to read an article published in The Star Press on May 28th, 2014 about Walnut Commons.

On the left, local service providers from Bridges Community Services and Meridian Health Services pose while celebrating this much needed supportive housing development.

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CSH Works with Indianapolis to Develop Coordinated Access System

Earlier this month, CSH facilitated a two-day Charrette on Coordinated Access in Indianapolis, Indiana. Contracting with CHIP (Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention of Greater Indianapolis), CSH coordinated weekly meetings with community leaders prior to the event, which informed Charrette topics. The result was a Charrette focused on solidifying the design of a Coordinated Access System and creating a plan for implementation.

The intensive discussion process included conversations around community goals, housing models and targeting, access points and flow, prioritization, streamlining, shifting resources, and data sharing and accountability. By bringing together champions in the community, CSH condensed a discussion and decision-making process, which might have otherwise dragged on for years.

As a result of the Charrette, community leaders in Indianapolis will be moving forward with a roll-out plan for their new Coordinated Access System.

Contact Consulting and Training at consulting@csh.org to discuss how CSH can bring similar events to your community.

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South Shore Commons Opens in Gary, IN

South Shore Commons, a supportive housing apartment complex for 60 households, opened in early February in Gary, Indiana. This development will house people who have formerly experienced homelessness who have a disability, and voluntary services will be provided by Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living.

Edgewater Systems led a team through the Indiana Supportive Housing Institute and received a pre-development loan and technical assistance from CSH. The team includes UP Development LLC, Broadway Area Community Development Corporation, NSP Consultants and the City of Gary. The development received Low Income Housing Tax Credits and operational support from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.

290_ribbon cutting_140Mayor Karen Freeman Wilson expressed her strong support for this development, calling it extraordinary, and spoke at the ribbon cutting about how providing this type of support for "the least among us" will help households elevate their own status, which will elevate the rest of the community as well.

I Love Living Here - From a Tenant's Point of View

"I can tell you exactly how much I love living here. First, let me ask you what your favorite food is,” Durrell inquired as we sat in a lounge at the Crawford Apartments in Bloomington, IN. “I sincerely enjoy lasagna,” I responded. “Exactly ─ living here is like eating the best piece of lasagna. I just love it,” he reported before taking me on a tour of the building that ended with showing me his own apartment.

Crawford Apartments is a 25 unit supportive housing apartment building that opened in September of 2013. Named after Mr. Frank “Road Dog” Crawford, a gentleman who passed away while experiencing homelessness in Bloomington, the development targets people who have faced chronic homelessness and multiple barriers. Among other things, LifeDesigns, the Shalom Center, Hayes-Gibson International Property Management, and their partners see this as a strong step toward never allowing another person to die on these streets.

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Durrell was proud to show me a number of building highlights, but none more than the blanket on his bed. He disclosed that he used to curl up under it while sleeping on the sidewalk near the old court house. It remains important to him as a symbol of how far he has come.

While serving a brief prison sentence for violating his probation, Durrell learned about and followed the progress of Crawford Apartments through the newspaper. While he had cycled through jail for drinking in public, Durrell had never been to prison before. The idea of potentially living in such a beautiful apartment building with support services helped him to feel hopeful while there. After his release, an outreach worker asked if she could help him move into Crawford Apartments as he qualified for this housing opportunity. He was delighted to say yes.

On the table in his family room he displayed a poster of the Indiana University Basketball team with several autographs. A few of the players came by to play basketball with the residents recently and Durrell was eager to tell the story of scrimmaging with these athletes.

While discussing his neighbors, Durrell commented that he was unsure as to why some of them still slept outside behind the dumpster. He went on to say that he was very happy to be able to sleep inside in his own home.

Later during my visit, I met one of the gentleman Durrell had described. He explained that he kept his things nice and dry inside, and came in if it was cold or if he felt like it, but that he has spent many nights sleeping under the stars since moving in two months ago. He went on to say that he loved having a home and knowing he could come inside at anytime, though he has been sleeping outside for years and it may take a little while to fully adjust to sleeping inside.  The staff members offering support at Crawford Apartments champion his right to transition into living in his home at his own pace. After all, their harm reduction approach ensures that tenants are able to move in the direction of change as they feel comfortable doing so.

305_Durrell_13When asked if he would be willing to take a photo, Durrell said that he would be glad to do so and that it should include his brand new crock-pot, as he loves to cook. So he graciously posed in his kitchen as I imagined what it must be like to live in a place that is just as amazing as the best piece of lasagna ever made. It sounds like an ideal place to call home.

 

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NWI Veterans Village Breaks Ground

Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson applauded the North West Indiana Veteran Village development team for acting to end Veteran homelessness at a ground breaking held in Gary on Veterans Day. The development will include 44 units of supportive housing for Veterans, along with a computer room, exercise room, roof garden, and a restaurant that will be open to the public and serve as a training ground for Veterans interested in pursuing a career in culinary arts.

Broadway Area CDC is the developer of this blockbuster project, and their development team includes The Whitsett Group, LLC, Terrell Taylor Construction, Veterans Life Changing Services, the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, and the NWI Regional Planning Council. Funds were provided by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and the City of Gary; Great Lakes Capitol is the development syndicator; the construction loan was provided by BMO Harris Bank; and CSH provided a pre-development loan from the CSH Supportive Housing Solutions Fund.

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Sharron Liggins, Broadway Area CDC Board President and Representative for the Continuum of Care/Regional Planning Council, addressed the group with words inspired by an act of kindness on a New York subway. “One young stranger fell asleep on the other more mature stranger’s shoulder. The sleeping young man was allowed to remain asleep and undisturbed for over 20 minutes. When asked why he let the young man sleep on his shoulder, the gentleman said we have all been there in having a hard day, and he understood. Thus, I share NWI Veterans Village is that shoulder of comfort and that softened heart.” Ms. Liggins went on to thank all who have shared in the purposeful movement for Veterans by providing a home that will act as a shoulder of empathy for undisturbed rest and rejuvenation.

The outdoor event was held under a tent to shelter the group from a windy, cold, rainy day. It was mentioned on several occasions that if it is somewhat painful to be outside during such weather for a short period of time, no Veteran should have to endure this pain for even one night.

This team completed the Indiana Supportive Housing Institute in 2011 and has made great strides to develop a much needed apartment complex for those who have served our country and live in shelters or on the streets. Click here to read more about this development and ground breaking ceremony.

602_NWI Leaders_November_13Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson poses with members of the development team on the grounds that will host the NWI Veteran Village.

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Indiana Lt. Governor Presents YOUnity Village with Urban Affordable Housing Award

YOUnity Village, a 30 unit supportive housing development in Terre Haute, was awarded the Excellence in Affordable Housing and Community Development award by Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann at the 2013 Indiana Housing and Economic Development Annual Conference. This conference was hosted by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and the Indiana Association of Community Economic Development.

Myra Wilkey, pictured above accepting the award, is the Executive Director of Mental Health America of Vigo County and a strong supportive housing champion. She has developed a premier development that serves the most vulnerable people who had previously experienced homelessness in Terre Haute and live with a mental illness. Myra led her team, including staff from Mental Health of America Vigo County and Hamilton Center, through the Indiana Permanent Supportive Housing Institute and facilitated their progress, bringing YOUnity Village to life.

Click here to read more about this award and YOUnity Village.

2014 Indiana Permanent Supportive Housing Institute Application

CSH is excited to announce its fifth Indiana Permanent Supportive Housing Institute. The 2014 Supportive Housing Institute will exclusively address ending homelessness for Veterans, families, and those experiencing chronic homelessness. This series will help non-profits learn how to navigate the complex process of developing housing with support services and is expected to reduce the time it takes to obtain funding for homeless housing by improving the planning and application process. Consideration will be given to both integrated housing (with 25% of the housing set aside for supportive housing) and 100% supportive housing developments. Please review the application by clicking on this resource.

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