Community is more than just a location – it’s shaped by the people, resources and values that define it. However, when resources are scarce, how do you restore them? The Indy Health District is on a mission to answer this question. Established in 2024, the nonprofit aims to enhance community well-being for anyone who works, lives or plays in Indianapolis. Its mission centers on improving access to affordable housing, quality education and nutritious food options, as well as workforce development, mental health services and green spaces throughout its 1,500-acre focus area.

On Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2024, the second installment of the Community Meeting Series was held, highlighting food accessibility and housing needs in Indianapolis. The event, hosted at the Center for Leadership Development, brought together local leaders and residents for a conversation about what can be done to shape the district’s future. A recording of the event can be found below the following synopsis of our discussions.

Food Accessibility

The afternoon’s first topic focused on the limited access to healthy, fresh food options in the community. Nearly half of Marion County residents live in food deserts, meaning they are more than half a mile away from a grocery store. Within the Indy Health District, Cleo’s Bodega, a food justice initiative located on the Flanner House campus, is currently the only grocery store available. The discussion was led by Ashley Gurvitz and Brandon Cosby, two strong advocates for underserved communities, who shared their insights on addressing this critical issue.

The community’s primary request for a grocery store is no surprise, but the question remains: How did food access become so limited in the first place? According to Brandon Cosby, CEO of Flanner House, food access has been restricted by issues of affordability, a consequence of historical redlining. He suggests that by focusing on justice, we can rebuild a more sustainable and affordable food system. Ashley Gurvitz, a public and community affairs strategist, supports this view, emphasizing that, “All progress moves at the speed of trust.” She explains that food is a guiding force that can help sustain future initiatives. To truly address the problem, the community must not only have affordable access to food but also challenge the external systems that control supply chains. Ultimately, creating a sustainable food ecosystem is key to long-term progress.

What can the community continue doing to drive change? The call is for innovation and the inclusion of resident voices in the conversation. Every opinion, whether positive or negative, needs to be heard. Currently, those voices are resonating loudly. Flanner House is actively working to attract a developer to build a local grocery store. While the conversation is ongoing, they encourage everyone to remain engaged and participate in the process, ensuring that the community’s needs are met.

Housing Needs and Developments

The second key topic of the afternoon was housing. Five panelists joined moderator Shannon Stahley from Citizens Energy Group to explore this issue: Vincent Ash from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Nick Campbell from Near North Development Corporation, Joe Hanson from the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, Stephanie Quick from Intend Indiana and Megan Vukusich from the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development. Despite representing different organizations, all panelists shared commonalities in community development, bringing knowledge and perspective to the discussion.

One of the guiding principles of the Indy Health District is the creation of a dense, walkable community that integrates smart land use, diverse housing options, transportation alternatives, employment opportunities and amenities. The panelists collaborated to offer valuable insights on the questions outlined below, shedding light on how these elements can work in tandem to strengthen the community.

1. Describe the housing needs in the Indy Health District.

The housing market is strong, and the needs are high, but prices are skewed, with many rental properties owned by out-of-state investors, affecting quality and driving up rent without proper maintenance.

2. Can you define what “affordable housing” means and clarify the difference between affordable, workforce and low-income housing?

Affordable housing is no longer defined by the traditional 30% of gross income standard. It often requires deep subsidies and is often reported as affordable by the media, though this definition is evolving.

3. What are some of the key reasons affordable housing is in short supply in our community?

Limited availability of credits for affordable housing projects, leading to insufficient support for demand. High costs and challenges, compounded by the impact of COVID-19, have widened the gap.

4. How does the availability (or lack) of housing, affordable housing in particular, impact the community’s overall economic health and stability?

A lack of affordable housing leads to homelessness and worsens social health outcomes. The Department of Metropolitan Development is working on solutions like the “Housing First” initiative and a master leasing program starting in 2025. The IEDC recognizes the need for housing to attract and retain talent.

5. What gaps do you see in what exists now and in terms of what could be?

There is a need for greater community engagement, transparency and a variety of housing types. Improved connectivity between housing and food access is essential for meeting community needs.

6. How will some of the large commercial developments positively impact this area in years to come?

Large commercial developments in and around the Indy Health District – most notably, IU Health’s new downtown Indianapolis hospital campus – are crucial investments that will provide jobs and transform the area through community input and development planning.

7. How can we make sure a good mix of housing options benefits the community as intended and meets local needs?

Collaboration through partnerships, community input and intentionality are key to creating a balanced mix of affordable, workforce, market and low-income housing to meet local needs.

What’s Next?

As we move forward, residents are encouraged to continue sharing their voices, perspectives and participation in shaping the future of the Indy Health District. The conversations and efforts will be ongoing until the district has successfully improved the well-being of the entire community, including accessibility to housing and food options for all.

The next Indy Health District Community Meeting Series event will be held in Spring 2025. More information will be shared on our social media and website – stay tuned!