IHCDA announces rental housing for persons with substance use disorder

Each of the four selected respondents are eligible to submit a full funding application

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 18, 2024) – Hoosiers with substance use disorders will soon have greater access to affordable rental housing and supportive services at four new locations across the state. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), in partnership with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction and the Office of Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Enforcement, is awarding a total of $10,000,000 to four non-profit developers to address this critical need.

"Indiana has made significant strides in building a comprehensive statewide treatment and recovery infrastructure," said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director for drug prevention, treatment and enforcement and chairman of the Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder. "However, safe and affordable housing remains a vital missing piece for many Hoosiers working to achieve and sustain long-term recovery. This investment brings us one step closer to ensuring no one has to choose between recovery and a roof over their head."

The $10,000,000 in funding, provided through the National Opioid Settlement, will be used to develop housing specifically designed for individuals with substance use disorder.

Four non-profit developers will develop rental units and partner with a certified treatment provider or certified recovery community organization to assist the residents with supportive services, including but not limited to case management, mental health counseling, substance use services, life skills and peer recovery coaching.

"People with substance use disorder have a demonstrably difficult time finding affordable housing and supportive services," said Jake Sipe, Executive Director of IHCDA. "These four unique housing projects address that difficulty and will advance the goal of giving all Hoosiers the chance to live productive, dignified and independent lives."   

The Request for Proposal (RFP) was released in September 2024 with applications due six weeks after issuance. The RFP response identified the developer, the service provider and the location of the proposed development.

The four applicants selected are:

• Volunteers of America of Ohio and Indiana for Level III recovery housing in Indianapolis.
• YWCA Northeast Indiana and Keller Development, Inc. for permanent supportive housing in Fort Wayne.
• INCompass Healthcare, Inc. for Level II recovery housing in Brookville.
• Next Step Foundation, Inc. for transitional housing in Terre Haute.

Each of the four selected respondents are eligible to submit a full funding application in 2025 to receive up to $2,500,000 in the form of a grant to develop rental units serving the target population.