IHCDA Announces New Partnerships For Statewide Renter Services

Indiana Community Action Association, Inc. and Indiana Bar Foundation, Inc. to provide housing stability, legal services to Hoosiers in need

Indianapolis (Jan. 6, 2022) – The Board of Directors for the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) announced partnerships with two organizations to provide housing stability services to Indiana renters under the Emergency Rental Assistance 2 (ERA2) program. IHCDA will allocate funds to Indiana Community Action Association, Inc. for housing counseling and case management services and to the Indiana Bar Foundation, Inc. for legal services.

“These partnerships will further our mission of preventing homelessness and promoting housing stability,” said Jacob Sipe, Executive Director of IHCDA and a member of the Eviction Task Force. “I’m proud of the collaboration happening statewide to keep Hoosiers in their homes and look forward to the programs these organizations create and implement to promote housing stability.”

Indiana Bar Foundation, Inc. responded to a Request for Proposals (RFP) and was awarded $13.1M to provide legal services to Hoosier renters regarding eviction prevention and mediation between landlords and tenants. Services include legal advice and representation, along with referrals. Additionally, IBF plans to install “legal kiosks” in courtrooms and offices of community-based organizations.  Legal kiosks will provide computers with specialized software and printers to allow clients to connect with legal navigators, complete forms and receive virtual legal guidance.

“The Foundation is uniquely qualified and positioned to administer this critical program,” said Charles Dunlap, Indiana Bar Foundation President and CEO.  “Our network of dedicated and hard-working legal aid providers around the state will be our partners in delivering these services. Together we look forward to the successful implementation of ERA2 and reaching Hoosiers eligible for the services we will be facilitating.”

Indiana Community Action Association, Inc. responded to an RFP and was awarded $15M to provide housing counseling and case management services. This includes housing navigation services to assist individuals who have already been evicted, are in process of being evicted, or are experiencing homelessness to find new rental housing options and to apply for IERA rental assistance. IN-CAA will also establish a statewide network of nonprofit service providers.

“As an organization of 22 Community Action Agencies focused on addressing community needs and poverty, the Indiana Community Action Association (IN-CAA) is grateful to IHCDA for awarding us these funds that will be used to promote housing stability,” said Ed Gerardot, Executive Director of IN-CAA. “IN-CAA will work closely with Prosperity Indiana to implement case management programs serving all 92 Indiana counties.”

IHCDA released the two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in October 2021.