2000 Best Practice Awards

2000-987 Tibbs Court
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: George V. Courtney (317) 327-5854

The City of Indianapolis provided development subsidies from its HOME, CDBG and HOPE VI Programs to Tibbs Court, L.P. and Westside Community Development Corporation (WCDC) to develop 'Tibbs Court', a mixed-finance 50 unit scattered site rental housing tax credit development that is "program-based housing" in the Haughville, Stringtown and Hawthorne neighborhoods, collectively referred to as the "Near Westside". It is one of the first efforts in the country to combine Low Income Housing Tax Credits and Public Housing development subsidy. Sponsored by WCDC, a Community Housing Development Organization, and in partnership with the Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA), the local housing authority, the project comprises both renovated and newly constructed homes for rent to public housing and low income families who agree to participate in the 'Tibbs Court Homeownership Preparedness Program', which provides the residents homeownership opportunities. This development occurred simultaneously with and reinforced the comprehensive neighborhood stabilization activities for the Near Westside including the total demolition of all 310 units at 'Concord Village' and Eagle Creek', two of the most distressed public housing communities in the City and the 'Weed and Seed Initiative', a comprehensive effort to deal with violent crime and drug trafficking. The project consists of 48 properties totaling 50 units that includes eight homes constructed by IHA; 11 rehabilitated homes, six of which were conventionally rehabilitated and five which were rehabilitated subject to historic preservation guidelines; 31 other newly constructed homes, seven of which are located in the 'Haughville Historic District' (20 of these homes were subsidized by City HOME Program funds); 19 units are public housing units and all 50 units are LIHTC-restricted. Public housing units are not dedicated but will float among all 50 units. This project is the first " mixed-finance project" for affordable housing developed in Indianapolis and one of the few like it anywhere in the United States. In an unprecedented display of cooperation and spirit of partnering, the City, IHA and WCDC have fostered an alternative project to traditional public housing that involves placing residents in new or rehabilitated homes scattered throughout the community, instead of housing them in one location. In addition, the project incorporated elements of the "New Urbanism" planning movement which advocates a return to traditional city housing and neighborhood styles.The newly developed housing is available for rent to low income families who want to eventually become homeowners. Central to this redevelopment effort are the creation of resident initiatives and economic development activities designed to produce meaningful forms of economic independence within two years, including the opportunity for homeownership. Through the combined efforts of WCDC's homeownership staff and the HOPE VI Program, residents will be assisted to build assets and create wealth. It's residents will build 'Homeownership Development Accounts' (HODA's) and be given credit and investment counseling so they can be prepared to purchase their own home. IHA through its 'Family Self-Sufficiency Program' will offer Tibbs Court residents other kinds of social service support until they can become independent. Each participating household will be required to establish clearly defined objectives relating to homeownership, higher education, employment or creating a business enterprise as a major component of the household plan for self-sufficiency.

2000-1973 Scott County Community Clearinghouse
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: Susan S. Harmless (317) 232-8911

The Scott County Community Clearinghouse is a not-for-profit organization that is a community-wide partnership of individuals, organizations and churches that help those in need. The partnership determined that a physical clearinghouse would assist them in providing a centralized location from which to provide services to families in need. They were able to build a 2,500 sq. ft. building in a central location in a single day, primarily through the labor of volunteers. There is warehouse space for food storage and distribution including refrigeration and freezer units, and a loading dock will accommodate tractor-trailer loads. Minimal waiting and office space was included for volunteers and staff to assist families with food, clothing, housing, and other crisis needs. The fact that this project was completed at a very low cost through the dedication and work of volunteers is a testament to the spirit of this community. To generate interest and excitement, the organizers held a groundbreaking event and invited the entire community through several media sources. At the groundbreaking, in addition to thanking those who had brought the project this far, they explained the concept of finishing the project through a one-day "Barn Raising". They were able to create tremendous enthusiasm and recruited nearly 200 volunteers who could donate skilled and unskilled labor to the project. The positive press generated from the groundbreaking brought additional volunteers to City Hall to sign up. Before the date for the construction of the building, a committee solicited assistance in having the site excavated and footers poured so that the actual "Barn Raising" could start on the morning of September 18, 1999. Volunteers were divided into groups with specific tasks such as framing, roofing, and serving water and food to those who worked. Others volunteered to bring food and provide entertainment throughout the day. All who were interested had a role and were able to contribute. On September 18, 1999 over 250 volunteers showed up at 6:00 a.m. or earlier to build this building. At 10:00 p.m., just as advertised, the lights were turned on.

2000-973 The Alonzo Watson Housing University
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: Katherine B. Hutcherson (317) 226-6882

The Alonzo Watson Housing University is part of the Resident Services Department of the South Bend Housing Authority. The project offers career development programs, which consists of a ten-week computer class, college tours, career preparation seminars, keyboarding to build typing confidence and skills and career assessment testing. Since the program started they have had over 386 graduates. The atmosphere is one of learning and building self-confidence. Alonzo Watson Housing University has a strong commitment to serving their students. Because of this commitment, the Housing University uses Aptitude and Interest Inventory as one of its academic assessment tools to help students begin the process of achieving their goals. this assessment and others are provided at o cost. Plato, an academic enrichment software program is a series of basic skill assignments completed on the computer. Plato is user friendly and was designed for individuals with little or no computer experience. Speech Communications is a class that gives students the courage and confidence to present topics to the class. Computer Applications include Windows 95, MS Word 97, MS Excel 97 and MS Access 97 as well as PowerPoint 97. Outreach services to their communities are an integral part of the Resident Services Department and the need for such services continue to be acute through each passing decade throughout our history. Resident Services will respond in creative and collaborative ways to provide an array of services. The goal for 2000 is to continue those successful programs and initiate new cooperative programs with other agencies and groups to improve the quality of life for the Residents of the South Bend Housing Authority. Future programs South Bend Housing Authority is working on in Resident Services include: Family Self Sufficiency Budgeting classes Investment seminars Homeownership programs

2000-159 NAACP Community Development Resource Center
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: Jeanne E. Meggs (317) 226-7237

The Community Development Resource Center provides home buyer education, consumer counseling and advocacy for clients in their dealings with lending institutions. Although anyone residing within Gary can take the class, the class is focused on the needs of low, moderate and minority Gary residents. This program provides first time home buyer education to complement the down payment assistance program that the City of Gary has developed. The city provides mortgage and pre qualification assistance as well as access to down payment assistance of up to $8,000. The workshop curriculum, which consists of four 2 hour sessions, includes (a) preparing for home ownership, (b) shopping for a home, (c) obtaining a mortgage, (d) the closing process, and (e) a post ownership workshop, and life as a homeowner workshop. This curriculum has been approved by Fannie Mae. The Community Development Resource Center has partnered with Bank one, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the city of Gary to create a one-stop shop for home buyers. The partnership with the city qualifies participants for down payment assistance. Once a participant completes a class they will receive an additional $1,000 down payment from the city. Bank One provides access to their mortgage products and in-kind and financial support. Fannie Mae provides funding, and Freddie Mac gives in-kind money to upgrade the computer system. The Center has been in operation for 2 years, and they have counseled 300 people. They have been successful in placing 60 ready to purchase residents in homes.

2000-981 Indiana Interagency Brownfields Advisory Team (IBAT)

In 1998, the IN Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) proposed the establishment of an Interagency Brownfields Task Force to provide Indiana's public and private redevelopment stakeholders with the resources for success. The Task Force is an affiliation of state and federal agencies that work to promote and encourage responsible brownfields redevelopment. IDEM serves as the lead agency and facilitator and provides staff support to schedule meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes, compile calendars of events, and forward information to the member agencies. Through the collective sharing and presentation of resources, the Task Force provides a clearinghouse for numerous brownfields redevelopment assistance programs offered through state, federal, and nonprofit organizations. The Interagency Brownfields Advisory Team (IBAT), consists of the Task Force members, and was formed a few months later. The IBAT is available to meet with public and private stakeholders expressing an interest in brownfields redevelopment. The IBAT has participated in various outreach events such as state-wide conference panel discussions and exhibit booths. To date, the IBAT has held three regional meetings and has scheduled regional "roundtable" sessions in June 2000. In December 1999, the IBAT developed and printed a "Brownfields Redevelopment Resource Guide." The Guide serves as a primer for local governments, organizations, and entities to use as they begin their brownfield projects. The Guide contains two main sections, the first of which contains a basic approach to brownfields redevelopment, covering topics of planning, remediation, and redevelopment. The second section is a compilation of all the potential available resources for a brownfields project, and consists of program information related to grants, loans, and assessments for each of the Task Force member agencies. The Guide has been made available to communities within the State, free of charge, and copies can be requested from the IDEM website. The IBAT has begun implementation of a new initiative in which they will be conducting regular one-on-one project meetings with interested communities. Applicants will submit to the IBAT, a one-page informational application related to their brownfields site and proposed project. The IBAT will review each application and determine what funding sources could be of assistance. The appropriate member agency representatives will then meet with the applicant to provide advice and guidance as to how to seek funding assistance through grants and competitive programs. It is the objective of the Team that this new approach will more effectively and efficiently address specific community brownfields concerns. A Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed to and will soon be executed by all member agencies. This document will strengthen each agency's commitment to providing technical assistance, guidance, education, and outreach on programs to assist in the redevelopment of brownfields in Indiana communities.

2000-1394 Personal Advancement and Computer Education (PACE) Center
Washington, Indiana
Contact: Linda Huffines (812) 254-6402

The PACE Center is located in Jamestown Square Apartments in Washington, IN, and is open to the entire Washington community. Presently the Center is offering Basic Computing Skills with Introduction to Windows and Microsoft Word courses. In June 2000, the Center will add Internet Skills and in July 2000, Microsoft Excel classes. The Center is also in the process of creating a class for English as a Second Language (ESL) in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.

2000-1967 Thomas Jefferson Homes
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: Stanley P. Strader (317) 226-6559

The Thomas Jefferson Homes is a homeownership initiative at the Marion Housing Authority, and in cooperation with a 501(c)3 non-profit, The Affordable Housing Corporation. The Thomas Jefferson Homes is situated on a 9 acre plot and consists of both rentals and homeownership units. At the center of the development is a park. Playground equipment was possible through a grant from a local Community Foundation. Commemorative bricks were sold as a fund-raiser to individual donors in the community and they surround the Thomas Jefferson sign. There are 24 rental units and five completed and sold homeownership units. The Marion Housing Authority have been granted funds to build and sell another five(5) units and that work is scheduled to be done during the summer of 2000.

2000-2837 Leveraging TANF Dollars and Department of Labor Dollars to Assist Residents of Multifamily Community
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: Linda L. Relford (317) 226-7301

In February 2000, HUD in conjunction with the National Congress for Community Economic Development and Health and Human Services hosted a National Satellite in reference to the billions of dollars of unspent TANF surplus. The purpose of the satellite was to encourage State TANF agencies to partner with the different resident councils and housing agencies in existence. Community Builder Linda Relford educated herself on the different funding opportunities available under TANF regulations. The process of accessing these funds varies by State. In some states, all requests must be approved by the legislature, while in others, State and County TANF agencies have greater flexibility in approving funding requests. In Indiana, for example, funds are allocated to individual counties, and counties then solicit proposals through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Community Builder Linda Relford assisted Neighborhood Networks Centers to obtain grants by encouraging center staff to develop a relationship with their County Directors. After gaining an understanding of the various requirements for accessing the funds, Relford developed an information packet for local non-profits and Neighborhood Networks Centers that were interested in applying for funds. In addition, Linda Relford established a partnership with the Indianapolis Network for Employment and Training (iNET) to bring a pilot training program on-site at Amber Woods Cooperative (a multifamily housing community located in Indianapolis, IN), utilizing Welfare-to-Work (WtW) dollars and Work Force Investment Act (WIA funds through the Department of Labor) to reimburse trainers and pay for childcare expenses and transportation for recipients.

2000-305 Gary Human Relations Commission - TGIF "Thank Goodness It's Free"
Gary, Indiana
Contact: Doris Carbins (219) 883-4151

The most important mission is our education/outreach program. The education/outreach included a seminar for the following groups: local insurance companies a title company State of Indiana Department of Insurance Health organization Other activities to aid fair, clean and affordable housing involved an insurance survey conducted during HHS health intervention outreach program and through a mass mailing of 81 residents, to determine the insurance needs of the citizens of Gary.

2000-3061 Evansville, IN PHA "Homeownership Made Easy" (HOME) Program
Evansville, Indiana
Contact: John W. Collier (812) 428-8500

The project was developed to afford homeownership opportunities to many that would not have the opportunity to experience the "American Dream". Potential owners must meet the HUD income guidelines and have earned annual income of at least $15,000. The EHA acquires and as needed rehabilitates the homes for later sale to applicants that have been educated and trained in preparation for homeownership responsibilities and benefits. Down payment assistance, a non-routine maintenance reserve, and lease to purchase, are some of the highlights of the program. The program allows the buyer to accumulate part of the down payment and/or silent second/third through a Down Payment Reserve and accumulate funds for major maintenance /systems replacement in a Maintenance Reserve. The reserve is generated through activities and participation in a training program that covers basic skills associated with homeownership, such as budgeting, routine repairs, taxes, neighbor relations, etc. Special Financing to homebuyers is arranged through a participating local bank.

2000-2151 Indiana Statewide Resident Organization
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: Lorena J. Simpson (317) 327-8138

The Indiana Statewide Resident Organization was established in 1991 to facilitate the empowerment of public housing residents throughout the State of Indiana and other participating communities. The organization was initiated through efforts of the Indianapolis Housing Agency and the Indiana State chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and is now supported by 12 public housing agencies. The Indiana Statewide Resident Organization holds bi-monthly meetings with its Board of Directors which includes two resident leaders from all Indiana public housing agencies and a Community Builder from the state HUD office. The Indiana Statewide Resident Organization holds an annual conference. Between 100 to 150 residents and other Public Housing leaders, HUD staff, commissioners and other support organizations participate in the annual conference. These conference participants attend so that they can become adequately informed about HUD initiatives and other state and local initiatives which can assist public housing residents. The organization is in the process of planning its ninth annual conference which is resident-planned and resident staffed. In addition, through the Indiana Statewide Resident Organization (ISRO), the Indianapolis Resident Training-for-Trainers (T for T) program is available to resident groups who wish to have specialized "peer to peer" training on-site. This training is tailored for each resident organization based on needs. The ISRO provides "T for T" training with the assistance of HUD staff to these groups upon request. The "T for T" training involves presentations in over 20 areas, some of which include strategic planning, HUD regulations, organizational development, community organization, economic development, housing management operations, Memorandum of Understanding Negotiation, communication skills, leadership skills and project planning. The Indiana Statewide Resident Organization has been supported by many residents throughout the state with the cooperation of their public housing agencies and the Institute of Self-Government.

2000-2493 Pest Control
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: Collins T. Collins (317) 226-7014

The Evansville Housing Authority has developed and implemented a Pest Control Program that addresses total elimination of roaches. They first conduct a visual inspection in all areas of the unit and evaluated new ways to help in the roach war. The two main areas found to concentrate on were appliances and behind kitchens cabinets. Once "clean" of visual problems and had dusted for the rest, the started baiting as well. Utilizing a crack and crevice treatment called MAX Force by DOW Chemical, it's an attractant bait that has a domino effect. Not only the roach that eats it dies but it's carcass and fecal matter is also bait tainted for eliminating nymphs (very young roaches). They alternate baits so not to let an immunity build up among the roaches, but have found that nothing survives this bait to pass on immunity genes.

2000-1262 Performance Based Employment Program
Alkhart, Indian
Contact: Michael J. Huber (219) 294-5471

Created to assist chronically unemployed and underemployed Urban Enterprise Association area residents find and maintain long-term employment. It is a three way partnership between the Elkhart Urban Enterprise Association, local zone businesses, and Goodwill Industries, the employment service provider. The program includes temporary sheltered work experience, on-the-job training, and job development activities. Once placed in long-term employment, participants receive on-going mentoring and coordinated support services (child care, transportation, addiction counseling, etc.) to shepherd the participants through six months of employment.

2000-348 The City of Anderson Fair Housing Coalition
Anderson, Indiana
Contact: Mildred J. Powell (765) 648-6135

The City of Anderson Fair Housing Coalition is a group dedicated to providing a consistent educational approach to fair housing for all citizens regardless of race, color, disability, religion, sex, familial status or national origin. The Coalition affirmatively further fair housing through a number of projects throughout the community, which includes but is not limited to: Informational forums, workshops, and seminars to share local, state and federal laws against discrimination in housing; Provide the Anderson Community with information regarding rental laws, lending information and access to homeownership opportunities; Provide a repository for fair housing information and referral; Survey (door to door) of targeted areas within the community ascertain whether persons are aware of the Fair Housing Laws and where to come to file complaints and gain information regarding housing information; and Provides targeted training and updated information to housing service providers in the area of real estate, banking, insurance, landlord, etc.

2000-2205 Welfare to Work Partnership
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: Linda L. Relford (317) 226-7301

The Welfare to Work partnership was established at Amber Woods Computer Learning Center as a pilot program. The partnership is intended to prepare participants with pre-employment work readiness, social skills, on the job training opportunities, computer training, and planning. Participants will be linked with training opportunities. Participants who qualify and who are in need of childcare, transportation and family supportive services will be linked with appropriate resources. Participants are provided with one-on-one individual success planning, case management and team projects. INET will provide the following services on-site at Amber Woods Computer Learning Center: Participants will receive pre-assessment to determine skills level. Participants who qualify for training reimbursement will be linked with Welfare-to-Work (WtW) dollars or Workforce Investment Act (WIA) dollars, whichever is appropriate to the client. Participant will be linked to childcare opportunities. Participants’ will be assessed transportation needs. Participants will be assigned a case manager.

2000-1431 Journey 2000 Computer Learning Center
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Contact: Art F. Taggart (219) 456-2157

The Journey 2000 Neighborhood Network Computer Learning Center is located in Eden Green Apartments in Fort Wayne, IN. Eden Green Apartments is 88% Section 8. The area immediately surrounding the Center has been designated an Enterprise Zone. This area has one of the highest rates of unskilled and unemployed populations within the City of Fort Wayne, IN. Journey 2000 Computer Learning Center is in the heart of this designated area. Thus, there is a need for the Journey 2000 Center to extend beyond the boundaries of the Eden Green area and the Center has already started this process. The offered services of the Center increase opportunities for residents and other persons living in the Zone area.

2000-2398 Indianapolis Mayor's Summit on Race Relations
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact: John Thomas Robinson (317) 226-6114

Fulfilling a recent election campaign promise, incoming Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson sponsored a city-wide race relations summit. In a campaign document which received wide distribution called "The Peterson Plan," Mr. Peterson advocated bringing people together to improve race relations in Indianapolis. Over the course of one day, 14 breakout sessions were held on the following topics: hate crimes, diversity in the media, police and community relations, marketing diversity, workplace diversity, the millennium culture (youth), self-esteem with today's youth, faith-based institutions, fair, safe, and affordable housing, neighborhood race relations, racially motivated crimes, diversity dialogue, communication in our schools (youth), and citizenship through sports (youth). Keynote speakers included Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Congressman Danny K. Davis, and Ben Johnson, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office on the President's Initiative for One America. Over 900 persons attended the summit.

Content Archived: April 20, 2011