Housing Programs
Region 3-A is experienced in assisting with housing programs related to owner-occupied rehabilitation, tax credit developments, and regional housing needs assessments.
Homeowner Assistance
Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation
The Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation program assists low-to-moderate income homeowners by offering grants and deferred loans for vital residential repairs. This initiative preserves housing quality across Northeast Indiana while enabling residents to remain safely in their homes.
Funding focuses on addressing energy efficiency, health, and safety needs rather than cosmetic upgrades. Eligible scope items include roof replacements, foundation repairs, heating and electrical upgrades, plumbing improvements, window and insulation enhancements, ADA accessibility modifications, and lead paint or asbestos abatement.
Financed by IHCDA, the CDBG Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation program enables non-profit organizations and local units of government to apply for grant funding on behalf of local homeowners. Approved projects receive up to $25,000 per home to remediate conditions that would otherwise jeopardize the occupants' quality of life.
Because individual homeowners cannot apply directly, local units of government must pursue funding through a competitive annual application cycle. Region 3-A assists member communities throughout this process, offering guidance to enhance proposal competitiveness, such as leveraging local matching grants, and managing administration through project completion once awarded. Region 3-A manages these owner rehabilitation efforts for member communities using HOME and CDBG funds.
Developer Assistance
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Projects
As the primary federal mechanism for financing affordable rental housing, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program offers federal tax credits to incentivize private equity investment in affordable housing developments. These credits are administered by state housing finance agencies, with each state receiving a fixed allocation based on its population. Region 3-A supports housing developers throughout this process by offering assistance with site selection, market analysis, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) applications, and securing community letters of support.
Eligibility
- For-profit and nonprofit housing developers
- Projects serving households at 30%, 50%, and 60% of Area Median Income
- New construction and substantial rehabilitation of rental housing
- Projects in communities with documented housing need
How It Works
Region 3-A supports LIHTC applications by delivering market studies and housing needs assessments. We guide developers through local zoning and permitting processes, facilitate connections with community stakeholders, and assist in drafting support letters from local officials. Our housing studies serve as accepted supporting documentation for IHCDA. By creating affordable options, these initiatives expand available housing within communities. We partner with localities where residents need assistance, managing the process from application submission through full grant administration and project completion.
Regional Planning
Housing Studies
Grasping local housing market dynamics is crucial for crafting sound policies and guiding strategic investments. Region 3-A conducts comprehensive housing studies and needs assessments across member counties and communities. These evaluations identify existing housing inventory, highlight community-specific needs, and analyze key factors such as housing stock conditions, affordability challenges, demographic patterns, and workforce housing requirements.
Eligibility
- Member counties and municipalities
- Economic development organizations requiring housing data for employer recruitment
- Developers and lenders evaluating market feasibility
- State and federal agencies requiring housing needs documentation
How It Works
Our housing studies include primary data collection through surveys and stakeholder interviews, analysis of U.S. Census and American Community Survey data, housing cost burden analysis, gap analysis by income level, and actionable recommendations. Reports are formatted for use in grant applications and policy documents.
Need help with a project?
Our team is ready to assist with planning, funding, and project administration.