In our goal to support community learning about cooperative housing communities and affordable housing options in Indiana, we would like to provide several valuable resources specifically for Hoosiers. We’ve compiled these resources to help you navigate the sometimes complex world of housing cooperatives, community land trusts, and other affordable housing models. These resources are Indiana-specific and can be wonderful resource or resources to learn more about the housing landscape in our state.
Indiana Housing Dashboard
The Indiana Housing Dashboard is an excellent starting point for anyone researching housing trends and affordability within Indiana. This interactive tool provides up-to-date data on housing costs, availability, and affordability metrics across different counties and regions in Indiana, including La Porte County. The dashboard is helpful in building an understanding of housing challenges in specific communities and identifying areas where cooperative housing might be most beneficial.
Link: Indiana Housing Dashboard
Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA)
The IHCDA, or Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, website offers comprehensive information about affordable housing programs throughout Indiana. It provides resources specifically about cooperative housing models, eligibility requirements for various housing assistance programs, and funding opportunities for community-based housing initiatives. The resource library includes guides on how cooperative housing works within Indiana’s legal framework.
The Ten 2030 Report
The Ten 2030 Report, authored by the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte County, represents an innovative approach to community development that includes housing as a central component. This strategic initiative aims to make LaPorte one of the 10 healthiest communities in Indiana by 2030. The plan includes specific housing goals and resources for creating affordable, cooperative housing options in LaPorte County. Their website provides information about grant opportunities, community partnerships, and implementation strategies that can serve as a valuable model for other Indiana communities interested in developing cooperative housing initiatives with a health-focused approach.
Bloomington Cooperative Living (BCL)
While focused on the Bloomington area, the BCL website provides an excellent model of Indiana housing cooperatives’ function. We had the opportunity to tour several of their cooperatives late last month. Their resources section includes information about the benefits of cooperative living, how to start a housing cooperative in Indiana, and the legal requirements specific to the state. The website also offers virtual tours of existing cooperatives to give you a better understanding of what cooperative living looks like in practice.
Link: Bloomington Cooperative Living
Indiana Cooperative Development Center
The Indiana Cooperative Development Center specializes in helping communities establish various types of cooperatives, including housing cooperatives. Their website features Indiana-specific guides on cooperative formation, governance structures that comply with state regulations, and case studies of successful housing cooperatives across Indiana. They also offer consulting services for groups interested in establishing new housing cooperatives.
Link: Indiana Cooperative Development Center
Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP)
INHP offers resources about various affordable housing options in the Indianapolis area, including cooperative housing. Their educational materials explain how Indiana residents can access affordable housing through different models and programs specific to the state.
Link: Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership
Prosperity Indiana
Prosperity Indiana offers Indiana-specific toolkits for housing cooperatives, connects organizations with potential funding sources, and provides technical assistance tailored to Indiana’s unique economic landscape. Their member network creates valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing among cooperative housing advocates throughout the state, and their annual summit brings together stakeholders from across Indiana to discuss innovative approaches to community development.
Strong Towns
Strong Towns is the only national nonprofit organization on our list today. We’ve included it because this resource provides valuable insights for Indiana communities looking to build financially resilient neighborhoods. They take a look at traditional neighborhood development and look at innovative ways to develop. Their information on zoning policies is particularly insightful.Their extensive resource library includes studies, articles, and podcasts that explore how cooperative living arrangements can strengthen local economies and create more sustainable communities.
A Starting Point:
We hope that these Indiana-specific resources provide valuable guidance in learning about cooperative communities and affordable housing tailored to our state’s unique housing landscape. By starting with these resources, there is the ability to build a better understanding of how cooperative and affordable housing works in Indiana.
