The Indianapolis Housing Agency is supposed to serve as a safety net for low-income renters. Instead, the agency is fueling a crisis.
And for years, Indianapolis residents have been waiting for elected officials or policymakers to intervene.
“It’s like a building that’s on fire and you’re seeing smoke coming out of all the windows, and the fire department is waiting to come and address it until it’s burned down to the ground and there’s nothing left to be done.”
— Kate Walz, associate director of litigation at the National Housing Law Project
While many of the problems plaguing the agency appear bureaucratic, the consequences of IHA’s failures are as dramatic as they are lasting.
After facing eviction in Beech Grove, a man in his 60s was left homeless, sleeping in a southside park. A woman who has chronic health problems also became homeless.
In this series, we share their stories — and the failures of the agency that is supposed to help them.
If you have any tips, comments or complaints, please reach out to Mirror Indy reporters Tyler Fenwick (317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org) and Emily Hopkins (317-790-5268 emily.hopkins@mirrorindy.org).
Sign up for Mirror Indy’s housing text group
It’s not easy to find a decent and affordable place to live in Indianapolis.
That’s why I started a free texting group to detail all the ways the city is harmful to renters, homebuyers and people who are homeless.
You can text “HOME” to 317-548-1599 to sign up, or use the form on this page.
I use the group to share my reporting with you, and you can text me directly with tips, story ideas, questions — anything you want to send my way.
From high rents to bad landlords to increasingly expensive homes, we have a lot to talk about.
More context for Indy’s housing crisis
Indianapolis has been struggling to provide residents with affordable, stable housing for a long time. Here’s some of our past coverage of housing, homelessness and the safety nets that are failing to keep up.
Indy mom preps her 3 kids for Christmas in a hotel
‘I never would’ve thought in a million years that I’d be homeless,’ she said.
Nonprofit asks for help to build tiny homes for Indy’s homeless
Sanctuary Indy is facing a funding gap of about $375,000.
City launches continuous vacancy program, hopes to bring more local homes into compliance
The city has launched a new continuous vacancy program in hopes of bringing more than 150 properties back into compliance.
Developer pulls plan to demolish 10 vacant homes in Stringtown
Brougher Developments LLC owns nearly an entire block in the westside neighborhood.
‘I’m just over the BS’: Lugar Tower residents 5 months into another IHA lawsuit
The housing agency’s CEO said being forced to provide security would lead to Lugar Tower closing.
How much do you actually know about renting in Indianapolis?
We’re known as an affordable city. How far does that go?