INDIANAPOLIS — Mayor Joe Hogsett, community leaders and City officials at the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE) have announced the Far Eastside area as the next designated Lift Indy neighborhood, the City of Indianapolis’ comprehensive community development initiative.
Led by the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE), the Far Eastside applicant group includes Mt. Paran Church’s HOPE CDC, and Renew Indianapolis. The collaboration will utilize HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to expand affordable housing, wrap-around services, and placemaking.
Since 2017, the City of Indianapolis has designated a new Lift Indy area every year through a data-driven and competitive process.
Projects and programs supported by Lift Indy include:
• Wrap-around services at CAFE using a two-generational approach and programming based on best practices, to lift Far Eastside families out of poverty and improve their quality of life. CAFE projects it will serve nearly 3,800 clients over the next three years.
• Creation of the Orchard Trail, to develop a walkable, ADA, pedestrian-friendly route that leads to 38th St. and has access points to adjacent neighborhoods. In efforts to address food access gaps, this public trail will also feature garden beds for the public to grow fresh produce.
• Owner-occupied repair programs through HOPE CDC, to serve 27 homes in Census tract 3604.
• Edge Fund HomeSmart Affordable Home Mortgage Program through Renew Indianapolis Inc., to make affordable housing accessible to 10 low-to moderate-income homebuyers on the Far Eastside.
• HomeMATTERS Rehab-Homeownership through Renew Indianapolis, Inc., to help stabilize the neighborhood with 10 new homeownership opportunities through rehabbing existing homes.
The Far Eastside area joins six other Lift Indy designations: Monon16, Old Southside, East 10th Street, Near North, Martindale-Brightwood, and the Mid-North. At the announcement Mayor Hogsett was joined by City officials, neighborhood leaders from CAFE, Mt. Paran and HOPE CDC, Renew Indianapolis, and IndyGo. To read more about the Lift Indy program, visit indy.gov/activity/dmdliftindy.
