Celebrating 60 Years of Community Action
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are local, private and public non-profit organizations that promote self-sufficiency and work to reduce the causes and conditions of poverty. They help individuals and families with aging, financial literacy, food insecurity, early education, healthcare and mental health support.
There are 22 designated CAAs in Indiana to serve income-eligible Hoosiers in all 92 counties across the state. To find the CAA serving your county, click HERE. Each Friday in May, we will highlight CAAs who are helping Hoosiers thrive in communities around the state.
In today’s complex financial landscape, the importance of financial literacy cannot be overstated. It is a fundamental skill that empowers individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions, plan for the future, and achieve economic stability. Recognizing this, CAAs across Indiana are working diligently to promote financial literacy and ensure that these vital services are accessible to all, regardless of background or location.
Community Action of Greater Indianapolis (CAGI)
CAGI serves diverse populations across Boone, Hendricks, Hamilton, and Marion counties, recognizing the unique needs of each community. Their approach to promoting financial literacy involves extensive collaboration with local organizations, including financial institutions and counseling professionals, and the availability of Individual Development Accounts. Through strategic partnerships and targeted outreach efforts, CAGI ensures that individuals from all backgrounds have access to essential financial education resources.
Community Action of Southern Indiana (CASI)
CASI’s commitment to financial literacy extends to underserved communities, including low-income and Hispanic families. Through outreach strategies such as mail-lists, social media campaigns, and bilingual flyers, CASI ensures that their financial literacy programs are accessible and inclusive. Specifically, CASI’s Empower Southern Indiana program is offered to residents of Clark, Floyd and Harrison Counties. CASI also offers Individual Development Accounts. By co-locating programs, CASI enhances convenience for participants, facilitating their engagement in workshops and educational initiatives.
Lincoln Hills Development Corporation (LHDC)
Operating in a rural setting, LHDC recognizes the importance of tailored outreach efforts to reach individuals from diverse backgrounds. By participating in community-based meetings and leveraging internal referral systems, LHDC promotes financial literacy services to underserved populations primarily through Individual Development Accounts. As clients enter this program, their need for other LHDC programs can be identified, including Head Start, Housing Choice Voucher and many others.
The work of CAAs in Indiana emphasize a shared commitment to promoting financial literacy and economic empowerment. IHCDA proudly partners with these agencies, recognizing their invaluable contributions in advancing the mission of financial literacy. Through collaborative partnerships, innovative outreach strategies, and client-centered services, these agencies are making meaningful strides in addressing financial challenges and building stronger, more resilient communities. As they continue to engage with individuals and communities, their efforts will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter, more financially secure future for all Hoosiers.
Click HERE to learn more about CAAs in Indiana.
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Indiana Supportive Housing Institute
In 2023, IHCDA partnered with Thomas P. Miller and Associates to conduct a study of supportive housing projects produced through the Indiana Supportive Housing Institute.
The primary objective of the study was twofold: firstly, to gauge the efficacy of supportive housing projects in reaching the most vulnerable households experiencing homelessness within their respective communities, and secondly, to assess the adequacy of supportive services in meeting the needs of these households.
Some key findings from this study are below:
The needs of tenants at PSH sites vary greatly based on the site’s location and regional factors. For example, PSH sites that serve veteran populations may have different needs than PSH sites that focus on individuals affected by substance abuse. Many PSH staff participants reported a need for discretionary spending to best align services with the needs of their tenants.
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According to tenant survey responses, residents highlighted satisfaction with PSH staff, describing them as knowledgeable, compassionate, and helpful. Residents reported that food assistance, mental health treatment, transportation, and substance use treatment were the most used services. Residents also noted transportation as the largest barrier to accessing services, highlighting an ongoing need for enhanced connectivity to public transit or site-based options.
Stakeholders reported that IHCDA provides strong informational support to PSH developers and service providers. IHCDA provides strong training opportunities for staff, particularly via the PSH Institute. Stakeholders noted that PSH sites experience high staff turnover, generally because of high caseloads. Many study participants also reported difficulty projecting budgets as a result of unforeseen costs, in particular the need for security.
PSH sites operate with the objective of ensuring tenants can maintain their housing. Stakeholders reported that tenant eviction is typically avoided at all costs and is only pursued in extreme circumstances. Many study participants felt stronger relationships with community partners could help tenants establish themselves in communities and connect tenants with resources needed to maintain housing.
Individuals who have multiple mental and physical health conditions tend to stay in PSH longer than others, with each additional condition contributing approximately 38 additional days of enrollment. These populations can benefit from additional support services to overcome barriers and maintain long-term housing stability.
Read the full findings from the study HERE.
My Community, My Vision
We recently celebrated the success of the 2024 My Community, My Vision (MCMV) program in Auburn, Indiana. MCMV is a youth-driven placemaking partnership between IHCDA and Patronicity connecting young people in Indiana to the places they live and allowing them the opportunity to make a positive impact in their communities.
This year, students from Junior Auburn Main Street developed the concept for a public space to honor veterans. In March, the group launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Dekalb County Veterans Memorial. |
The memorial will be ADA accessible and include the names of service members etched on beautiful stone pillars with benches surrounding. The memorial will provide a space for relaxation and meditation on the sacrifices of our service men and women. It will also provide a place for the community to gather and hold ceremonies.
The project crowdfunded $50,295 from 213 community patrons. By reaching their campaign goal, the project unlocked a matching grant of $50,000 IHCDA. We look forward to seeing the finished project in the coming months!
Eligible groups to participate in MCMV include AIM Mayor’s Youth Councils, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance Foundation Youth Councils, Junior Main Streets, and established high school groups who have a governmental or 501(c)3/(c)4 sponsor. The first informational webinar for the upcoming program year is Wednesday, May 15th from 1-2:30 pm EST.
To join the webinar and learn how to get involved, email mheber@ihcda.in.gov. |
Kentland Ribbon Cutting
On Saturday the Town of Kentland cut the ribbon on two town parks that leveraged IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program. They had a great turn out that celebrated their community pride and the hard work of their volunteers. Congratulations, Kentland!
The Site Visit
A BIG thank you to Erik who shared this with me: “That is Boonville Senior Lofts on N 9th Street in Booneville (Warrick County). I live about two blocks from the property and have watched its progress over the past year. A great asset for Boonville!”
Boonville Senior Lofts is home to 28 one-bedroom units and 17 two-bedroom units for a total of 45 affordable units located within a two-story building with an elevator. The modern design and open floor plan offer fully loaded energy-efficient appliances (refrigerator, oven/range, dishwasher), double bowl sink with sprayer & disposals, pantry, and breakfast bar/island. The common amenities include a fitness room, covered outdoor shelter with tables and grill, and a dog park.
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We are enjoying some spring showers for this week’s Site Visit. It’s also a twofer: an affordable housing property adjacent to a CreatINg Places project. This city is the county seat with tagline: “Artistically Inspired Innovation.” On June 8th they will unveil their 2024 sculptures and hosting a sculpture tour.
If you can identify the name of this week’s Site Visit (pictured below), location, any personal story, memory, or significant contribution it is making to its community, please feel free to email at jsipe@ihcda.in.gov.
CreatINg Places Madison Street Plaza (pictures below):
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