IHCDA COVID-19 update: A message from Jake
Since we opened the state’s rental assistance application portal on July 13th more than 32,000 applications have been submitted. We continue to work with a network of statewide partners including Township Trustees, community action agencies, local housing authorities and other not-for-profit organizations to review these applications.
These organizations, along with members of the IHCDA team and Indiana National Guard, have helped us to review these applications and supporting documentation, determine eligibility and issue payments to participating landlords. And, to date, more than $8 million has been sent out to participating landlords.
The deadline to apply for rental assistance is Wednesday, August 26th at 11:59 pm. I am proud that we were able to keep the application portal open for 45 days.
We have worked diligently from the beginning to inform Indiana renters about this program. This included specific outreach to organizations that serve individuals from underrepresented and underserved populations and communities. I would like to thank each of you for your continued support and help sharing information about this program.
I encourage any Indiana renter living outside of Marion County whose income is less now than it was on March 6th to apply now if they have not done so already. Additional information and a link to apply can be found at: www.indianahousingnow.org. A toll-free number is available for individuals that do not have Internet access or speak a language other than English or Spanish: 1-844-463-7368. This hotline is available Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Eastern.
If you are a landlord and you have questions about the program please email: RAF@ihcda.in.gov. Whether you have a tenant that has already applied for assistance, or you are interested in finding out more information, we are happy to help you.
I also want to remind everyone of the Indiana Hardest Hit Fund (HHF). Unlike the rental assistance program, this program helps Hoosier homeowners, not renters, who have fallen behind on mortgage payments or cannot make future payments. Homeowners in need of assistance should visit: www.877gethope.org or call 1-877-GET-HOPE to find out more information and see if they qualify.
With support of a network of housing counseling agencies, we have been able to help more than 10,000 Hoosier families avoid foreclosure over the last decade through Indiana’s HHF.
Lastly, I want to remind Hoosiers of the Coronavirus Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Guide. This guide contains key information and programs, like the two mentioned above, designed to help renters and homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19. We continue to update this guide as new information becomes available. It can found here: https://www.in.gov/ihcda/4464.htm.
Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, the housing industry continues to safely forge ahead here in Indiana. We spoke to affordable housing developers, realtors, along with public housing authorities, community action agencies and other local leaders, to examine how they have continued their work through the pandemic in the summer issue of IHCDA…the Magazine. I encourage you to check it out if you have not done so already (found here).
I would like to close by acknowledging our industry partners for their continued resiliency and support. They are critical not only to advancing our mission at IHCDA to provide housing opportunities, promote self-sufficiency and strengthen communities, but to getting the state back on track. Thank you. After all, as I have often said during these uncertain times, we are #INthistogether.
 J. Jacob Sipe
Executive Director
 
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