IHCDA COVID-19 update: A message from Jake
Throughout the month of February, I have used my weekly notes to highlight Indiana organizations who are committed to both preserving and advancing human and civil rights in celebration of Black History Month. Since this will be my last note in February, I wanted to change things up a bit and highlight an individual who has had a profound impact on me both personally and professionally. In fact, I am proud to call her one of my mentors.
Kimberly Wize is the Indiana Field Office Director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She is a leader within the state and country as it relates to providing housing opportunities for low-to-moderate income households.
Her ascension to this vital role within HUD was made through a combination of long hours, hard work, and a true passion for helping others. She just so happens to be African American.
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Growing up in a small town, I was rarely faced with the topic of race. So, I have leaned on friends and colleagues like Kimberly over the years to help in my personal development and understanding of how to promote and ensure equal access and opportunities. This has allowed me, and by extension IHCDA, to live up to HUD’s longstanding goal of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 which is to “affirmatively further fair housing.”
I would like to publicly thank Kimberly for her leadership, support, and service to our state. She is a wonderful example for many of us at IHCDA as well as others working in the affordable housing and community development industry in Indiana.
Speaking of affordable housing, the 2021 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Awards were approved by the IHCDA Board of Directors yesterday. In total, over $190 million in housing tax credits were awarded to 19 developments to create or preserve 929 affordable units.
These units will help to support individuals, families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Lastly, I want to update everyone briefly on the Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance (IERA) program. We received updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury earlier this week. As a result, we are planning to begin accepting applications next week.
I encourage anyone interested in this program, if they have not already, to sign-up and receive updates at www.indianahousingnow.org. We will notify individuals subscribed to this list when the application portal is open.
Thank you to everyone for your continued partnership and support. Please continue to contact me, or any member of the IHCDA team, if we can do anything to help you and your organization. We are #INthistogether.
 J. Jacob Sipe
Executive Director
 
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