Section
Breadcrumbs
Programming for Elderly and Persons with Disabilities
IHCDA is proud to administer a variety of programs that provide housing opportunities, promote self-sufficiency, and strengthen Indiana communities. Almost all of these programs have an impact on improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations in our state, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. For the purpose of this summary, persons with disabilities include individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities, as well as those with mental illness and addiction. Below is a summary of a few of the key programs and initiatives that serve these target populations.
Rental Housing Tax Credits
The Rental Housing Tax Credit (RHTC) program allocates over $15.5M of federal tax credits annually to for-profit and non-profit developers for the construction or rehabilitation of affordable rental housing. All units created through the RHTC program must be rented to households at or below 60% of area median income. IHCDA ensures that the program is utilized to assist vulnerable populations through set-asides in the Qualified Action Plan (QAP).
Indiana Supportive Housing Institute
In 2008, IHCDA and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) launched the Indiana Permanent Supportive Housing Initiative (IPSHI), a public/private partnership designed to reduce chronic and long-term homelessness. To date 48 teams have completed the Institute, resulting in the creation of 37 developments containing 1023 units of supportive housing. Due to its overwhelming success, IHCDA and CSH have continued the Institute.
Rental Assistance Programs
* Housing Choice Voucher Program - provides rental assistance to very low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities so that they can afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
* Shelter Plus Care / Permanent Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities - provides rental assistance in connection with supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
* Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program - provides rental assistance and related supportive assistance to specifically benefit low-income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS to reduce the risk of homelessness.
Emergency Solutions Grant
The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program is designed to identify sheltered and unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness, as well as those at risk of homeless, and provide assistance so that those persons quickly regain stability in permanent housing. Of the 10,945 individuals served through ESG in 2016, 17.4% are elderly or persons with disabilities.
Ramp Up Indiana
In March 2016, IHCDA announced that it was making $300,000 of its remaining CDBG Disaster funds available for a new initiative entitled Ramp Up Indiana. Through Ramp Up, local units of government or non-profit organizations can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to build ramps for homeowners at or below 80% of area median income that needs a ramp to improve accessibility into and out of their home.
Partnership with Back Home in Indiana Alliance
IHCDA enjoys a strong partnership with the Back Home in Indiana Alliance (Back Home). Back Home, a project of the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities is a council comprised of representatives from federal, state, and local housing, advocacy, and disability-related organizations. IHCDA works with Back Home to actively seek input into program policies to ensure the programs are as inclusive as possible for persons with disabilities.
Click here to view a one-page overview of these programs.
Additional Resources for Seniors
Federal resources are available to provide improvements to owner-occupied homes. Seniors may benefit from repairs that address health and safety, accessibility needs, and energy consumption for your home. Please click here for more information on owner-occupied rehabilitation opportunities.
Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging http://www.iaaaa.org/
The Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging (IAAAA) advocates for quality programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities on behalf of Indiana's 16 Area Agencies on Aging.
Indiana State AARP office http://states.aarp.org/category/indiana/
The Resources for Aging Individuals and Persons with Disability in Indiana is a resource guide for senior Indiana residents or for persons with disabilities to assist with identifying associations and organizations that provide services geared to the aging and disability populations.Rental Housing for Seniors
Rental Housing For Seniors
IHCDA sponsors a free rental search website called IndianaHousingNow.org. This site allows potential renters to search with specific criteria, including senior-friendly accommodations. Visit http://www.indianahousingnow.org/ for more information.