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.
Developer makes concessions in Fletcher Place townhome proposal
Neighbors say they’re still concerned about short-term rentals and the environmental impact.
Why Indiana homeowners insurance may pay less for roof fixes
Hail and windstorms are partly to blame for higher premiums and less coverage.
See inside the renovated housing facility for homeless vets
Manchester Apartments was heavily damaged in a fire in 2024.
Indy’s 2026 homeless count stays flat
But there was some good news. The yearly count showed fewer people were staying outside.
For young LGBTQ+ adults with nowhere to go, Trinity Haven is home
The Indy nonprofit is one of only a handful like it in the nation.
With no city plan for extreme heat, Indy’s homeless ‘find a patch of shade’
“You learn how strong a body is,” one woman said.
