INDIANAPOLIS (Indianapolis Recorder) — Horizon House will participate in the 17th Indiana Supportive Housing Institute alongside the Englewood Community Development Corporation (Englewood CDC).
The Indy-based homeless service and resource organization announced its selection for the Indiana Supportive Housing Institute on Feb. 13. According to a press release, the competitive four-month long program gives local organizations like Horizon House technical assistance “designed to accelerate affordable and supportive housing development.”
“We are honored to be selected for this program,” Jeff Rode, COO of Horizon House, said in a statement. “This initiative will empower us to expand our impact and provide much-needed housing solutions for vulnerable individuals in our community. Through this opportunity, we aim to develop a sustainable, person-centered supportive housing project that fosters stability, dignity and long-term success for those we serve.”
Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) co-lead Indiana Supportive Housing Institute based on CSH national institute curriculum, according to the press release.
Rode said supportive housing is a data-driven model that not only increases the supply of affordable homes but creates jobs, stimulates local economies and improves community safety. Children, families and older adults with stable housing also have better health outcomes and educational stability.
As one of five teams selected across the state, Horizon House will undergo intensive interactive workshops to learn strategies for “navigating the complex barriers to development and funding,” — including restrictive zoning laws, high land and construction costs, regulatory hurdles and delivering high-quality support services.
“IHCDA welcomes Horizon House to the 17th Supportive Housing Institute,” Jake Sipe, executive director of IHCDA, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to be working alongside them in developing dynamic solutions to advance supportive housing in the state.”
Lori Phillips-Steele, Indiana Director at CSH, said the state of Indiana “critically needs affordable housing and services to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home” and congratulated Horizon House on being selected for their “thoughtful approaches to affordable housing and wraparound services.”
After completing the Indiana Supportive Housing Institute, Horizon House will be eligible to apply for additional funding as well as the CSH Quality Supportive Housing Endorsement with the goal of breaking ground in late 2026 or early 2027.
