Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 27 February 2004 — Page 2

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2004

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HOUSING ► Continued from Page 1 2000, the majority of the city’s annual appropriation for community development from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - approximately $20 million—has been invested in affordable housing units. Most of these funds are targeted to various affordable housing initiatives for low-income and veiy low-income individuals in older parts of Indianapolis. As a result, in the three years from 2000 to 2002, more than 2,900 units of affordable housing were constructed rehabilitated or preserved with this funding. Included in this total unit count are rental housing projects like Oasis of Hope Apartments, The Davlan in downtown Indianapolis, the newly opened Franklin School Apartments for low-income seniors and Mozingo Place serving those with HIV/AIDS or mental illness. Amber Woods is an eastside apartment cooperative that suffered extensive damage during the tornadoes ofSeptember2002. This development received a $750,000 investment from the city to reconstruct and rehabilitate 350 units of affordable housing. I n addition to these investments, the city plays other catalytic roles for the preservation of affordable housing, such as serving as guarantor of a first mortgage on the Mozel Sanders Apartments. When the property owner failed to meet the terms of the first mortgage, it was the city’s guarantee of $400,000 that kept these affordable units from closing. “It was important to the Mayor and to the community to keep Mozel Sanders open,” said Deputy Mayor Carolyn Coleman, who guides the city’s efforts on affordable housing development. These projects and others have built momentum and laid the groundwork for additional investments in rental housing. Two examples of current projects at various stages of development are Colonial Park Apartments on the eastside and Christamore Court on the westside. With a $1.6 million city investment, Cokonial Park will provide 106 units of quality, supportive

housing for the homeless or nearhomeless. With a $600,000 city investment, Christamore Court will provide 34 new senior apartments for low-income individuals. These and many other projects total nearly $8 million of city investment in affordable rental development in the pipeline. Homeownership is also an important element of affordable housing. The Fall Creek Place Homeownership Zone and home repair programs are representative of the homeownership commitment. Fall Creek Place provided the opportunity for many first-time homebuyers to experience the benefits of homeownership. The home repair programs enable low-income individuals with financially ruinous repair needs to maintain their current residence. “Despite this investment, many challenges remain. We lack a consistent, dedicated funding source for non-federal investment in affordable housing,” Peterson said. “With more than 3,500 people experiencing homelessness on any given day; 15,000 people a year experiencing homelessness, 30 percent ofwhom are children; and 45,000 people at risk of homelessness each year, we must strive to do more.” Implementation of a 10-year plan, the Blueprint to End Homelessness, is now underway. Since January2003, the Blueprint has seen much progress: • Housing units, many supported with city investment, are in development; • Local funders are collaborating to leverage investments in housing and services; • Market rate developers are discussing affordable housing components in their projects; • The Indianapolis Housing Agency is working with the federal government to obtain more rental assistance vouchers; • Mentors are helping new neighbors, once livingon the street, understand what it requires to maintain a home; and • The corporate community is stepping up to provide financial and collateral resources. “The Blueprint lays out an ambitious course, and I am committed to reaching its goals,” Mayor Peterson said. “Success will take

WTLC ► Continued from Page 1 “I think we’ve aligned the stations pretty good as far as what we want to accomplish with them. You have to make decisions that move your product to serve the community better. I think we’ve made some pretty good advancements to our product.” Levingston says he’s aware that change of any sort is something that many people can be resistant to, but he urges them to be open-minded. “A lot of people look at things we do like Why are you braking it because it’s been done like that forever. ’ But when you look at our situation now, it makes sense in the big picture. I think the No. 1 thing that can kill you is to continue to do something just because you’ve done it like that forever.”

Women’s Fund offers pilot program for teenage girls Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, in partnership with Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL), will offer a one-day hands-on learning experience for teenage girls about the importance of philanthropy and giving back to the community. The Power of Girls program will be Saturday, March 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program is for girl's 12-15 years old, and girls should enroll with an adult female who will participate as their workshop partner. The cost of the program is $250 per adult/girl couple. All the money contributed will benefit the Julian Center and Women's Fund. The workshop will be at The Julian Center, 2011 N. Meridian St. Girls and their adult sponsors will learn about the needs of girls and women in the community, healthy relationships, and the workings of the Julian Center. To register call 631-6542, ext. 162.

“Heart of the Family” Guest speaker: Essence magazine's Susan Taylor

What: The American Heart Association and Mazola Oil are offering a free "Family at Heart" program, including:African American chefs competing in a red apron cook-off: hors d’oeuvres; health screenings: world-renowned speaker, Susan Taylor from Essence magazine; and a gospel concert by Union District Choir. Who: This is a free program open to the public. When: Sunday, February 29, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Red Apron Cook Off 5:15 p.m. ~ 5:45 p.m Keynote Speaker & Hors d'oeuvres 6:00 p.m. Gospel Concert (Union District Choir) 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Free health screenings and information. Where: ( Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 1301 Goodlet Avenue Why: Family at Heart is part of the American Heart Association's national Search Your Heart and Go Red For Women campaigns. Search Your Heart is a free, faith-based program for heart health and stroke prevention that is informational, interactive and fun. Go Red For Women reminds women to take charge of their heart health, make it a top priority and live stronger, longer lives.

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Mazola is a proud national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Search Your Heart program.