Mayor Hogsett announces Far Eastside as next Lift Indy neighborhood

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Mayor Joe Hogsett joined community leaders and City officials at the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE) to announce the Far Eastside area as the next designated Lift Indy neighborhood, the City of Indianapolis’ comprehensive community development initiative.

“Naming the Far Eastside as our seventh Lift Indy neighborhood creates a critical opportunity to enhance the lives of neighbors in the area,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “This investment will enhance the work of CAFE, HOPE CDC, and Renew Indianapolis as they promote equitable growth and strengthen connections between residents. Today’s announcement only adds to the momentum of IndyGo’s Purple Line and the Oaktree Revitalization Plan, as we propel the Far Eastside forward.”

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.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to continue working with our residents, neighbors and community partners to positively transform the quality of life for those who reside on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis” said Kendra Nowell, CEO of the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside.

Lift Indy is part of Mayor Hogsett’s commitment to building sustainable, healthy Indianapolis neighborhoods. Since 2017, the City of Indianapolis has designated a new Lift Indy area every year through a data-driven and competitive process. Given the scale and complexity of the COVID crisis, as well as the rapid change in the real estate market, the application process expanded to include two neighborhoods with a focus on issues of equity and building capacity within the community development system made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act.

“What’s special to me about this project is the opportunity for us to build up ‘Eastside Pride.’ There’s so much talent and heart in the residents of this area,” said Councillor Keith Graves. “This funding will provide the tools to help us invest that passion and skill back into our own neighborhoods, in the form of trails and gardens and even things like home maintenance that build a sense of community pride.”

Lift Indy-supported projects and programs: 

• 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 track 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.

“Lift Indy is an excellent opportunity to continue our community development work on the Far Eastside, helping homeowners improve their residence with needed repairs,” said Pastor T.D. Robinson. “We’re hopeful our neighbors and community partners will take advantage of this program. Our team is prepared to assist as many homeowners as possible.”

“Renew Indianapolis is looking forward to partnering with community organizations on the Far Eastside to facilitate long-term change within the neighborhood driven by input from those who live and work there,” said Steven Meyer, Renew Indianapolis CEO. “Renew will draw upon our expertise and learned experience to increase access to safe and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income homebuyers, narrow the racial homeownership gap through equitable housing opportunities, and support the growth and development of minority-owned businesses.”

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.