IHCDA COVID-19 update: A message from Jake
Yesterday we released the winter issue of IHCDA…the Magazine. I continue to be inspired by organizations across the state that have each stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finding creative ways to expand and adjust their services to meet the needs in their local communities.
I would like to share a brief story that is not in this issue of the Magazine that I learned about just this week. After last year’s mandatory statewide shutdown, Sojourner Truth House (STH) re-opened on April 21st with a modified, drive-through food pantry program that operated three days a week. Staff and volunteers placed boxes filled with food and personal items (soap and toilet paper) into vehicles to keep residents safe.
For the eight-month period between April 21st and December 24th, STH distributed 290,996 pounds of food to 25,649 people in the Gary, Ind. area. Funds for this massive operation included $20,800 in Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits that were sold. This additional funding has helped their team to better address food insecurity in Northwest Indiana. I would like to thank the STH staff and volunteers for their continued service and support.
In other news, I wanted to take a few moments to update you on the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. We will be issuing a draft program policy on Monday and accepting written feedback next week. Please be on the lookout.
The U.S. Department of Treasury has informed us that they will be revising their January 19th Frequently Asked Questions guidance very soon. Therefore, we anticipate making changes to the draft policy based on additional guidance from Treasury and your written comments.
After we review your comments and Treasury’s revised FAQ, and make the necessary changes, IHCDA will be able to launch the Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance (IERA) program later this month.
In addition to IHCDA’s IERA program, several Indiana municipalities will have their own rental assistance program using ERA funds:
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 Households living in these areas that need rental assistance will be required to apply with the local municipality and not through IHCDA’s IERA program. Renters living outside of these areas in need of rental assistance will apply through IHCDA’s IERA program at: www.indianahousingnow.org.
We are working very closely with these municipalities and will share referral information for their programs once it is available. In the meantime, we are encouraging anyone that needs rental assistance, regardless of where they live in Indiana, to subscribe and receive COVID-19 housing and utility resources here. We will update subscribers on this list with information about each of these new rental assistance programs once it becomes available.
Our entire team at IHCDA remains available to provide support and assistance to you and your organization. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time. We are #INthistogether.
 J. Jacob Sipe
Executive Director
 
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