Before COVID-19, people in Central Indiana spent a lot of time talking about their commutes to and from work. We all know someone who regularly drives from the suburbs into Indianapolis, and then back to enjoy family life in one of Indy’s “doughnut” counties.
Let’s talk about the reverse of that scenario though: What about the Hoosiers who work in the suburbs and travel from Indianapolis to reach their jobs each day? They’re the people whom we rely on to cook and serve our food, stock our favorite stores, and teach in our schools. These workers—employed by some of the lowest-paying industries—face a major problem: Indy’s surrounding counties don’t have enough safe and affordable housing, so that people can afford to live where they work.
That’s not okay, in the words of Andrea Davis, Executive Director of HAND Incorporated. Founded in 2003 as Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development Inc., HAND addresses the housing needs of low and moderate-income individuals, families and senior citizens in Indy’s northern suburbs.
Statistics show that there’s a genuine need for more affordable housing options. According to United Way of Central Indiana’s ALICE project*, 17% of Hamilton County households earn more than the federal poverty level, but less than the basic cost of living. Considering Hamilton County’s population, 17% equates to 21,000 households where families struggle to pay for their basic needs. Without affordable housing options, these families are often forced to live outside their preferred communities.
“Where we live impacts every aspect of our lives,” said Davis. “Our homes are the foundation for our health, education, safety, and economic well-being. At HAND, we believe everyone should have the chance to live in their community of choice, regardless of age, income or occupation.”
That’s a tall order in some of Indiana’s most affluent communities, where established residents have expressed concerns about the addition of lower-cost housing options. Misperceptions feed this opposition: Neighbors often assume that “affordable housing” equates to poorly constructed or aesthetically lacking developments, harkening back to ill-fated public housing projects from the middle of last century.
HAND is working to abate these concerns and promote awareness of their properties, which are thoughtfully designed to compliment existing neighborhoods. HAND currently owns seven affordable rental communities in Hamilton County and one in Boone County, with a ninth development proposed in Tipton. Each HAND-developed project is constructed with durable, high-quality materials, including stone, brick and fiber cement board. Additionally, HAND uses energy-efficient materials and appliances to keep living expenses low for residents.
To raise money for their work and promote awareness, HAND hosts a number of fun and informative events. Its annual Suburban Housing Conference is an opportunity for advocates and local partners to hear from elected officials and partnering organizations as they discuss advancements in affordable housing. In November, HAND will host its innovative “Stay Home for HAND” fundraiser, where participants support the cause financially without the obligation to attend a black-tie event. And earlier this year, the agency hosted its popular “Trivia Night” fundraiser, where supporters enjoy a fun-filled evening of food and trivia contests.
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate to HAND to fund their ongoing work to promote and deliver affordable housing options.
- Volunteer to help the cause by serving on committees or the Board of Directors. Volunteers’ time and expertise is essential to the success of HAND’s small staff.
- Advocate for HAND and for affordable housing options in your community. Tell your elected officials that it’s important to you that people who work in your community are also able to live in it.
*Study Reveals 38% of Hoosier Working Families Struggle to Afford the Basics
https://uwci.org/study-reveals-39-of-hoosier-working-families-struggle-to-afford-the-basics/