FHCCI News and Updates

October 1, 2025 – Indy homeowner accused appraisers of racial bias. Here’s what happened next: Inquiries into a Black Indianapolis woman’s claims that racial bias resulted in two low home appraisals she received during the pandemic have dragged on for years, with fallout for all three appraisers involved. Full story here.

September 19, 2025 – Foreclosures are on the rise in Marion County: A new report from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) revealed that foreclosures are on the rise in Marion County. The report shows not only the numbers, but which neighborhoods are most affected. In the first seven months of the year, a larger number of homes in Marion County started the foreclosure process. It’s up 23% from the same time last year. “In Marion County, we’ve had 899 foreclosures starts,” said Amy Nelson, executive director for FHCCI. “Last year, for the entire year, there were 1,308 foreclosures starts.” One in every 234 owner-occupied homes is at risk. The neighborhoods hit the hardest are the Crown Hill and Near Northwest-Riverside neighborhoods. Full story here.

September 17, 2025 – FHCCI Releases Update Documenting Rising Number of Marion County Homes Entering Foreclosure Through July 2025: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) releases its newest update, State of Fair Housing Report – Marion County Foreclosure Update, on foreclosure filings through July 2025 for Marion County, Indiana. Marion County, Indiana continues to have concerning housing trends with the number of homes entering the foreclosure process ticking upward. In the first seven months of 2025, Marion County saw 899 foreclosure starts (Chart 1). This amounts to one in every 234 owner-occupied households in Marion County entering foreclosure proceedings between January and July. By comparison, during the same time last year, there were 728 foreclosure starts. This marks a 23% increase in foreclosure starts in 2025 to date. Download the press release here or review the full report.

September 16, 2025 – FHCCI Insurance Report Highlighted in New Nationwide Study: Property insurance is growing more expensive and harder to obtain throughout the U.S. Climate change and the rising costs of severe weather damage are a crucial cause, but  racial and economic inequities within the property insurance market are an important part of the puzzle, and they have been too frequently overlooked. In particular, recent research reveals that homeowners with lower credit scores or who live in  neighborhoods of color are often charged more for property insurance coverage even when the disaster risks they face are comparable to those paying less for insurance. Fair housing advocates have documented these inequities thoroughly over the decades in specific geographic areas; while emerging academic research using nationwide data provides evidence that these trends persist across the nation. Read the report here.

August 24, 2025 – Investor-Owned Properties Are Driving Up Zombie Foreclosures in These 5 States: Nationwide, in the third quarter of 2025, there were about 24.9 million investor-owned properties, of which 3.6% (882,336 homes) were vacant, according to a new report by ATTOM, a firm providing property data and real estate analytics. Indiana had the highest vacancy rates in investor-owned properties—7.2%, followed by Illinois (6.1%), Oklahoma (5.9%), Alabama (5.9%), and Ohio (5.8%). Full story here.

August 20, 2025 – Volunteers help 90-year-old homeowner avoid hefty fine: A 90-year-old homeowner from Marion County is thanking the volunteers who helped them avoid a potentially hefty fine. Home Repairs for Good teamed up with the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana this month to clean up the backyard of a senior homeowner. Volunteers removed a shed that was falling down in the back yard; tearing down the dilapidated structure and clearing debris. Full story here.

August 6, 2025 – FHCCI Submits Fair Housing Mortgage Lending Analysis for Horizon Bank’s Q4 CRA Exam: The FHCCI has been reviewing and analyzing the business practices of area mortgage lenders since 2015. Redlining continues to haunt our low-to-moderate income and neighborhoods of color, which are deprived of bank branches, do not receive equivalent marketing and outreach from lenders, and see fewer mortgage loan originations. The FHCCI has challenged several area lenders that have not meet their fair lending expectations of serving all neighborhoods and residents, particularly home seekers of color and those of low-to-moderate incomes. We have also issued reports drawing the public’s attention to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data, bank branch locations, and lender performance in reaching not only white residents but also Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian residents, who have often been historically excluded from lending opportunities. The FHCCI recently became aware of an upcoming Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Exam for Horizon Bank and submits these comments in consideration of the exam. Read the letter here.

August 4, 2025 – Investors Threaten Generational Wealth by Snapping Up Long-Term Rentals—This City Has Pushed Back: Corporate America and out-of-state landlords are swooping in on unsuspecting neighborhoods across the U.S. to snap up properties for long-term rentals. However, lawmakers in one Indiana city want to level the playing field for homebuyers. Full story here.

July 30, 2025 – Regulators Should Reject Circle’s Application For “The Most Dangerous Banking Charter Of The Century”: Stablecoin issuer Circle’s application for a national trust bank charter should be denied because of the company’s poor track record of compliance and the high likelihood it would harm consumers and communities, three dozen community organizations wrote Wednesday to regulators. Read the letter here.

July 29, 2025 – Residents frustrated over AC curbs in IN mobile home community: Residents in a South Bend mobile home community oppose a management rule banning standard window air conditioners. According to the management’s website, Countryside Village imposed the policy to “maintain the appearance and standards of the community.” The dangerously hot weather can pose health risks but one lawmaker questions if the rule is masking another purpose: to force lower-income dwellers out of the community. Sen. David Niezgodski, D-South Bend, has asked Attorney General Todd Rokita to step in. Full story here.

July 25, 2025 – Hoosiers feeling the pinch from home insurance increases: Alessandra Souers experienced sticker shock when she saw how much her home insurance premium increased this year. Souers, who lives in the near-east-side Woodruff Place neighborhood with her fiance Neil Wright and their dogs Duncan, Jack and Molly, said the annual premium on her policy through Bloomington, Illinois-based State Farm Insurance jumped 18%, from $2,046 last year to $2,415. In the seven years since she purchased her 120-year-old house, her home insurance premium—initially $1,397—has ballooned 73%. She said finding an insurer in 2018 was difficult because “insurance companies aren’t exactly champing at the bit to insure historic homes.” Full story here.

July 15, 2025 – FHCCI Joins 70+ Organizations to Oppose HUD’s proposed rescission of the Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing (AFHM) Rule: The FHCCI joined the Poverty & Race Research Action Council (PRAAC) and over 70 other organizations to request HUD keep in place the Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing (AFHM) Rule which is  essential for fair housing marketing and outreach and promoting equity and accountability in housing. Read the letter here.

July 14, 2025 – Black Homebuyers 1.7 Times More Likely to Be Denied for Mortgages Than All Homebuyers: The path to homeownership typically begins with applying for a mortgage — but for many aspiring Black homeowners, the journey ends there. A LendingTree study reveals that Black applicants nationwide are 1.7 times more likely to be denied a mortgage than homebuyers of all races. Of interest, Indianapolis was listed as 6th highest for Black borrower denial rates. On average, the denial rate for Black mortgage borrowers in Indy was 17.20% as compared to 9.95% for all other borrowers. This was the 8th highest gap for cities evaluated. Read the full report here

July 8, 2025 – ‘Legacy of disinvestment’: ATM near Black church ignites debate over Indianapolis bank’s lending history: A new ATM planned in a predominantly Black neighborhood on Indianapolis’ northeast side was supposed to be a public relations win for the National Bank of Indianapolis — a symbol of the bank’s burgeoning partnership with a major church to lead what they’re calling the “East 38th Street Renaissance.” But with new data showing that the bank is consistently one of Marion County’s worst-performing lenders to African American homebuyers, a local fair housing organization is calling for the company to open a full-service branch instead of just the ATM to make amends for years of oversight. Full story here.

June 30, 2025 – FHCCI Requests Reconsideration of The National Bank of Indianapolis ATM Zoning Variance: Request for Reconsideration filed by the FHCCI regarding zoning variance approval for a standalone ATM. Read the full letter here.

June 17, 2025 – Report: Slow insurance responses, weather affect IN home coverage costs: Homeowners’ insurance costs continue to skyrocket and few choices remain for Hoosiers who cannot afford a premium increase or receive a coverage denial. A new study showed the average home insurance premium in Indiana rose by 16% between 2021 and 2024. Statewide, one of every 54 policies was cancelled in 2022 because homeowners fell behind on their payments. Amy Nelson, executive director of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, said the report’s numbers are not entirely complete. Full story here.

June 16, 2025 – Housing advocates ask Braun for dedicated task force in letter backed by nearly 700 signers: Hoosier housing advocates — who’ve long held that the state lacks enough affordable, stable and safe dwellings — asked Gov. Mike Braun to convene a dedicated commission in a Friday letter signed by nearly 700 supporters. Full story here.

June 13, 2025 – Hoosier homeowners are paying $400 more in insurance since 2021, report says: Home insurance premiums in Indiana are on the rise — and nonpayment is forcing more policy cancellations, according to a report released this week by the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. Insurers have also chosen not to renew policies. “Home insurance is vital to keeping homes in safe condition and preserving the wealth that homeowners hold in their properties,” the center said in a Wednesday news release. “In recent years, higher insurance premiums have strained the budgets of existing homeowners and are pushing homeownership further out of reach.” Full story here.

June 13, 2025 – FHCCI Joins Sign On Letter Calling for Indiana Housing Commission: Prosperity Indiana and the Hoosier Housing Needs Coalition delivered a letter signed by nearly 700 Hoosier organizations and individuals urging Governor Mike Braun to create and convene a Commission on Housing Safety, Stability, and Affordability to address Indiana’s worsening housing crisis. Read the letter here.

June 11, 2025 – FHCCI Releases New Report on Home Insurance Challenges in Indiana: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) releases its newest report, State of Fair Housing Report – The Insurance Crisis Hits Home, examining the home insurance market in Indiana. Home insurance is vital to keeping homes in safe condition and preserving the wealth that homeowners hold in their properties. In recent years, higher insurance premiums have strained the budgets of existing homeowners and are pushing homeownership further out of reach. Unfortunately, access to data on home insurance is extremely limited when compared to other industry data. This report examines trends in home insurance costs and coverage in Indiana based on the limited data available. Download the press release here or review the full report.

June 3, 2025 – Carmel joins Fishers in passing rental restrictions: The Carmel City-Council has passed new restrictions on rental homes with a unanimous vote on June 2.  Under the new ordinance, no more than 10% of the homes in a neighborhood can be rentals. Anyone hoping to rent out a home will have to register their property and apply for a permit from Carmel’s Department of Community Services. Full story here.

April 29, 2025 – ‘It’s unacceptable’: decades of dysfunction at IHA add obstacles for people with disabilities to overcome: With a cane in his right hand, 60-year-old Clifton Jorden walked up to the podium at a recent Indianapolis Housing Agency Board of Commissioners meeting. During the public comment period, Jorden asked for two things from the agency – better security and parking accommodations at the John Barton Annex apartment complex. There are only three handicapped parking spaces at the facility that houses many seniors. Full story here.

April 21, 2025 – Indiana communities face off against lawmakers over investors buying up thousands of Hoosier homes: On Monday, April 21, the Fishers City Council unanimously voted to approve a proposal to limit the number of rental homes in Fishers neighborhoods.  The Carmel City Council introduced a similar proposal for that city. That same day, state lawmakers moved to try and block Carmel, Fishers, or any other community, from setting their own rules on the topic. Full story here.

April 14, 2025 – IN tenants have options when facing eviction: Housing that’s both affordable and ready to rent is out of reach for many Hoosiers. The 2025 Indiana Housing Profile says for every 100 low-income households, only 38 affordable rental homes are available. And Indiana saw almost 5,000 eviction filings in the last month, according to the nonprofit Eviction Lab at Princeton University, which tracks eviction trends nationwide. Amy Nelson, executive director of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, advised tenants facing eviction to reach out for help from a knowledgeable source. Full story here.

April 10, 2025 – Indianapolis needs 30,000 more affordable housing units, Urban League leader says: The Indianapolis Urban League CEO says the city needs to add an additional 30,000 additional affordable housing units to meet the demand the city faces. There’s one roadblock he says they face: the current permitting process. Tony Mason is the president and CEO of the Urban League. He sees firsthand how a lack of access to affordable housing plagues the community and he believes making the city’s permitting process faster could make housing more accessible. “If you have delays, if it’s a single-family housing unit you may be talking about, you know, at least, it takes at least a month or two to get through the permitting process,” Mason said. Full story here.

April 4, 2025 – FHCCI Joins to File Amicus Brief in CFPB v. Townstone: Amici are fourteen nonprofit organizations focused on fair housing and consumer protection: National Fair Housing Alliance, Public Citizen, the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Illinois, Better Markets, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, Consumer Federation of America, Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, HOPE Fair Housing Center, Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Consumer Law Center, Open Communities, and South Suburban Housing Center. Amici submit this memorandum because they are concerned that the parties’ joint motion, which seeks vacatur of a final judgment and order, is an improper use of Rule 60(b)(6) that poses risks both to the orderly conduct of litigation and to the consumer-protection and anti-discrimination interests of the organizations and people on whose behalf they work. Given the lack of adversarial argument on the parties’ joint motion, amici believe that this memorandum will be helpful to the Court in considering the motion. Download the filing here.

April 3, 2025 – Federal Court Advances Landmark Housing Discrimination Case Against Deutsche Bank, Ocwen, and Altisource to Trial: On April 1, 2025, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and 19 fair housing organizations (including the FHCCI) achieved a significant legal victory as a federal district court in Chicago denied the defendants’ motions for summary judgment in a critical 2018 housing discrimination lawsuit, National Fair Housing Alliance, et al. v. Deutsche Bank National Trust, et al. This decision now paves the way for the lawsuit against Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Ocwen Financial Corp., and Altisource Portfolio Solutions, Inc. to proceed to trial. Plaintiffs allege that these defendants engaged in discriminatory practices by failing to uphold their duty to maintain and market foreclosed properties in Black and Latino neighborhoods to the same standards as those in predominantly white areas, in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). Full story here.

March 31, 2025 – Investors Drain the Affordable Housing Market and Inflate Prices: Homeowners like Susan want to be left alone, but because they own a home in Fort Wayne, they’re under pressure to sell to businesses who’ve managed to track them down. “There have been two to three calls, emails, or letters every week for last few months asking if I will sell my home. I am so tired of it.” Across town, Matthew, who has owned his home since the nineties, can’t believe what sellers are asking—and what buyers are paying—for homes on his street. “It’s been like living in the eye of the hurricane for the last few years,” he said. “Prices just keep climbing, and I just keep wondering why.” Full story here.

March 26, 2025 – Foreclosure filings in central Indiana are up for the third year in a row: A new report from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana shows foreclosure filings are on the rise. The State of Fair Housing Report – Marion County Foreclosure Update shows foreclosure rates in central Indiana have increased annually for the last three years. Marion County ended 2024 with 1,630 foreclosure filings — the highest number since 2018. Amy Nelson, executive director of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, said there are many factors that put people at risk of foreclosure. Even if mortgage payments stay the same, expenses including homeowners insurance, maintenance costs or property taxes could put people in a financial bind. Full story here.

March 26, 2025 – Marion County foreclosure rates were worst in these 10 neighborhoods in 2024: Indiana homeowners face the third-highest rate of foreclosure filings in the nation, and the problem is growing worse in Marion County, new data shows. Foreclosures in the county are rebounding to pre-pandemic heights after years of relief through government moratoriums and subsidies. Filings dropped nearly 70% from 1,795 in 2018 to 544 in 2021 and then nearly tripled to 1,630 in 2024, according to a new Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana report. Full story here.

March 25, 2025 – Indiana ranks 3rd in the nation for foreclosure filings over past year: Indiana is among the highest in the nation for foreclosure filings over the past year, just behind Delaware and Nevada, national data shows. The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) is sounding the alarm, saying Marion County foreclosures rose for a third straight year. Last year, 1,630 Marion County home owners defaulted on their mortgages and lenders took possession of their properties. Full story here.

March 25, 2025 – Indiana faces third highest foreclosure rate in the U.S.: Indiana has the third highest foreclosure rate in the nation, according to data from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. In the Crown Hill neighborhood, residents encounter a mix of homes, some well-maintained while others show signs of neglect. Danita Hoskin, president of the Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, highlighted the issues plaguing the area she calls home. “The commercial investment left. So when the commercial investment left, then as family members started to get older, it caused people to leave as well,” Hoskin said. Full story here.

March 25, 2025 – FHCCI Releases Update Showing Increased Foreclosure Filings in Marion County: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) releases an update, State of Fair Housing Report – Marion County Foreclosure Update, on foreclosure filings through 2024 for Marion County, Indiana. As anticipated, foreclosure filings for Marion County rose in 2024 for the third year in a row. In our December 2024 report, State of Fair Housing Report – Foreclosure Filings in Marion County, the FHCCI presented foreclosure data in Marion County from 2018 through July 2024. This update provides year-end data on foreclosure filings for the remainder of 2024. Marion County ended 2024 with 1,630 foreclosure filings. Download the press release here or review the full report.

March 20, 2025 – Broken elevator at Indy apartment traps woman with disability inside home for weeks: The Marion County Health Department has issued an emergency notice violation to the Turtle Creek Apartments for a broken elevator. One woman living with a disability says she hasn’t left her unit in 18 days because of the issue. The northside apartment complex is a section eight housing facility. The woman, who chose to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation, said she chose it because of its emphasis on accessibility. Full story here.

March 16, 2025 – Community Link: Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana: Each week on Community Link, Carolene Mays takes a look at an organization or business that is making a positive impact on the community. This week, Mays was joined by the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana who is addressing the state’s ongoing housing crisis by providing essential services such as housing counseling and advocating for improved housing laws. Indiana is facing a severe housing crisis, characterized by escalating rents, increased foreclosure rates, and substandard housing conditions. The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, led by Amy Nelson, is actively working to combat these issues by facilitating open housing for all and advocating for tenant protections. Full story here.

March 14, 2025 – Learn more about affordable housing in West Indianapolis: Join the West Indianapolis Development Corp. on March 15 for a community conversation about affordable housing in West Indianapolis. The conversation comes at a time when the cost of buying or renting a home has increased substantially over the last few years. A 2023 report from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana found that the increase in prices was mainly due to out-of-state investors purchasing homes and converting them into rentals. Full story here.

March 13, 2025 – Hoosiers call on Gov. Braun to help close affordable housing gap: As legislative efforts to address housing affordability concerns continue to stall, the nearly 500 individuals and organizations across the state that make up the Hoosier Housing Needs Coalition called on the governor to create a housing commission. “We call on Gov. Braun to use his business background and more efficiently deliver services,” Andrew Bradley with Prosperity Indiana said. “[Braun] gets that you [need to] have a really sharp mindset to be able to be efficient, and so we’re really hopeful he’s going to make this a priority because Indiana needs a housing governor.” Full story here.

March 12, 2025 – FHCCI Releases New Report on Mortgage Lending in Allen County/City of Fort Wayne: Today, in its The State of Fair Housing in Indiana – Mortgage Lending in Allen County 2023 report, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) examines patterns of mortgage lending and homeownership in Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne. We also identify the top 40 mortgage lenders in the County based on 2023 data, including those whose data indicate weak track records of lending to borrowers of color. The report also reviews bank branch closures and makes recommendations. Download the press release here or review the full report.

March 12, 2025 – Fishers measure would establish landlord registry and cap neighborhood rentals: The City of Fishers is considering a new housing proposal that would affect landlords, renters, home-owners, and neighborhoods if enacted next year. It could also serve as a test case for housing reform in Indiana. The ordinance is two-prong: it would create a mandatory landlord registry and impose a neighborhood rental cap of ten percent of single-family units. Full story here.

March 11, 2025 – Local groups join forces at Housing and Justice Summit to address Indy’s housing crisis: Indianapolis residents will have a unique opportunity to gain critical insight into the city’s ongoing housing crisis at the Housing and Justice Summit on Tuesday at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) Indianapolis. The summit, which begins at 6 p.m., brings together a variety of local organizations working to confront the housing challenges facing renters and homeowners alike. Full story here.

March 5, 2025 – ‘It would make a big difference’: Indy affordable housing project ready to get more Hoosiers in new homes: According to the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Black homeownership is only at 39% in Marion County, drastically lower than White Hoosiers at 67%. “We know that home ownership is the key. When you start talking about developing multi-generational wealth, it starts with owning property,” Mason said. Full story here.

February 25, 2025 – Fishers fights Wall Street landlords with cap on single-family home rentals: Fishers, home of the mighty Mudsocks, is punching back against multi-billion-dollar Wall Street investment firms. The City Council introduced an ordinance Monday that places a 10% cap on the number of single-family rentals in subdivisions to curtail large corporations that buy up homes in bulk and convert them to apartments. It makes Fishers the first Indiana city and one of a few in the country to take such legislative action to slow the roll of corporate investors. Full story here.

February 17, 2025 – Learn about community resources at Martin University access fair: You can learn about health care, housing, second-chance employment and education at an upcoming Martin University event.  On March 6, Martin is hosting a community access fair at its eastside campus. More than a dozen community organizations will be at the event, including CareSource, Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Child Care Answers and Gleaners Food Bank. Full story here.

February 12, 2025 – Buying a home in Indy sometimes requires a little luck: Indianapolis middle school teacher Janae Johnson wasn’t even thinking about buying a house. How could she? Housing prices in Indiana are rising fast, and salaries haven’t kept up, squeezing potential buyers out of the market, and delaying any hope Johnson had of home ownership. “It was very far off,” she said. Median incomes in Indiana have increased by about 8% since 2016, according to census data. But the rise of Indiana home prices have far outpaced income, increasing by about 60% during the same time period, according to a Mirror Indy analysis of Realtor.com data. Full story here.

February 4, 2025 – ACPL Sheds Light on Housing Discrimination with “Unwelcomed” Exhibit: The Allen County Public Library’s (ACPL), in partnership with the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), will host an interactive, traveling exhibit called “Unwelcomed: A Fair Housing History of Sales & Lending Discrimination.” The exhibit will be on display in the Great Hall of the Main Library through March 3, coinciding with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and will be on display through Black History Month to draw attention to the intersections of housing discrimination and racism throughout history. Full story here.

January 28, 2025 – Learn how housing discrimination is still shaping Indianapolis: Housing discrimination continues to shape Indianapolis, and you now have an opportunity to learn more about how. Full story here.

January 25, 2025 – Cities seek limits as out-of-state investment firms gobble up homes: Communities across central Indiana are taking notice as out-of-state investment companies continue to increase their market share of single-family houses and convert them to rentals. In Hamilton County, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said single-family rentals account for at least 10% of the total houses in 50 subdivisions across the city. In some subdivisions, such as Brooks Chase and Brookston Place on the city’s east side, the number of single-family rentals reaches 30% to 40%. Full story here.

January 23, 2025 – Out-of-state investors target 1 in 4 single-family rental homes in Central Indiana: Single-family rental homes in five Central Indiana counties have been targeted by out-of-state investors, according to a new report from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. Over 20,000 rental homes are owned by out-of-state investors — that’s about one in four homes, with 16.2 percent owned by mega-investors. “Mega-investors” are companies that own at least a thousand rental homes in the five-county area. Some target newly-listed rental properties within hours and make cash offers within days. They tend to go after low-priced homes, which can be older or in disrepair. Full story here.

January 22, 2025 – Residents in crisis as heat remains off at north side Indy apartment complex; health department steps in: The clock is ticking for one apartment complex on the city’s north side to get the heat back on. WRTV first told you about the situation at Admiral Apartments Tuesday night on the news at 11. “This is not the type of condition to be living in,” said Mary Brown. “It’s very frustrating and disappointing.” “I didn’t expect for the heat to not be on,” Elijah Cohill said. Full story here.

January 16, 2025 – Corporate investors own half of rental homes in five Central Indiana counties, alarming housing advocates: As the median sales price of a home stays above $300,000 in Central Indiana, according to Indiana Association of Realtors data, investors target cheaper properties that are among the few homes in reach for first-time buyers. Investors make up nearly a third of buyers in homes that sell for under $250,000. Full story here.

January 15, 2025 – ACPL Sheds Light on Housing Discrimination with “Unwelcomed” Exhibit: Today, the Allen County Public Library’s (ACPL), in partnership with the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), will host an interactive, traveling exhibit called “Unwelcomed: A Fair Housing History of Sales & Lending Discrimination.” The exhibit will be on display in the Great Hall of the Main Library through March 3, coinciding with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and will be on display through Black History Month to draw attention to the intersections of housing discrimination and racism throughout history. Full release here.

• Related story: ACPL welcomes new exhibit ahead of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Black History Month
• Related story: Allen County Public Library hosts traveling exhibit focused on housing discrimination, racism

January 13, 2025 – FHCCI Releases Children’s Book with Themes of Embracing Diversity and the Importance of Inclusion in our Neighborhoods: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) releases a new children’s book, Welcome To The Neighborhood: Embracing Our Differences! Written by Dr. LaWanda Jobe, an Indianapolis-based author with Big Mamma’s House Books, and illustrated by Muhammad Meheryar, it represents a partnership with the FHCCI. With themes of inclusion, belonging, and embracing differences, this story centers around a biracial boy and his journey of moving from a familiar home into a new neighborhood. The story explores his feelings of uncertainty about the change, his parents’ hopes for a more inclusive and child-friendly neighborhood, and his new neighbor’s efforts to make his family feel welcomed. The book is designed for a child’s reading level of ages 8-10 but can be enjoyed by children (and adults) of any age. Full release here.

January 10, 2025 – Report: Nearly half of rental homes in 5 Indiana counties are owned by investors: The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana released a report showing investors own almost half of all rental homes in Marion, Johnson, Hamilton, Hancock and Hendricks counties. A significant portion of those investors are from out of state. Full story here.

January 9, 2025 – FHCCI Releases New Report Documenting Significant Investor Activity in the Single-Family Market in Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, and Marion Counties: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana releases its newest report, The State of Fair Housing in Indiana Report – Who Owns Central Indiana’s Houses: An Update of the Largest Single-Family Home Investors. The promise of affordability for homeownership in Indiana is becoming increasingly less of a reality. A major factor is that there are fewer and fewer low-to-moderate-priced homes available to buy in our area due to the influx of investor purchases, particularly out-of-state investors, who flip those properties from ownership opportunities to rentals. Download the press release here or review the full report.

January 8, 2025 – How Indiana’s environmental factors shape fair housing: Indianapolis has some of the nation’s worst air quality, and the impact is felt most in historically redlined neighborhoods, according to the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. These areas are often home to Black and marginalized communities, and house many industrial facilities and contaminated sites such as superfunds and brownfields. Only 20 out of the state’s 54 superfund sites are now clean and usable land. Full story here.

December 26, 2024 – Fair housing center puts spotlight on increased Marion County foreclosures in new report: Marion County foreclosure filing numbers are starting to approach and surpass pre-pandemic levels, as rising home prices and interest rates, higher insurance premiums and a slew of other factors have put more and more homeowners under extreme pressure to keep up with payments. Full story here.

December 18, 2024 – FHCCI Releases New Report Showing Increased Foreclosure Filings in Marion County: For most Americans, owning your home remains the American dream and that home becomes our most important financial asset. Escalating home prices and interest rates, the shortage of available and affordable homes, the impact of investor purchases of starter homes, and barriers in accessing cash or mortgage lending for purchase are some of the most significant challenges today for prospective new homebuyers. For those able to become a homeowner, staying in our homes is becoming an increasing challenge. New assessments resulting in higher property taxes, escalating homeowner insurance premiums, and rising costs for necessary home repairs are major barriers in someone’s ability to keep a home. For its latest report, The State of Fair Housing in Indiana – Foreclosure Filings in Marion County, the FHCCI purchased foreclosure data and analyzed public sources to present its findings. Download the press release here or review the full report.

December 9, 2024 – Food and housing costs are up, so Mary Rigg hopes to help more westsiders: Guillermo Campos was one of nearly a hundred people lined up against the outside wall of the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center on Nov. 20. The 73-year-old isn’t used to getting aid. He worked in restaurant kitchens throughout the Midwest from the moment he emigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 1994. He used the money he saved while working long hours to purchase a home in West Indianapolis. “We have a home we bought with thousands of sacrifices,” Campos said in an interview conducted in Spanish. “It’s small, but it really helps now because we don’t have to pay rent.” Full story here.

November 21, 2024 – Class Action Against Nation’s Largest Single-Family Rental Housing Provider, Progress Residential, Filed Over Discriminatory Rental Policies by FHCCI and Indianapolis Resident: The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and Indianapolis, Indiana resident, Marckus Williams, have filed a class action complaint against Progress Residential, the nation’s largest single-family rental provider. This complaint alleges discriminatory practices perpetuated by Progress against Black renters through arbitrary criminal history policies. The lawsuit alleges that Progress enforces blanket bans on certain justice-involved applicants without assessing individual circumstances, disproportionately affecting Black applicants who are systematically overrepresented in criminal justice statistics.

• Press Release
• Court Complaint
• Press of Interest
  • Private equity landlords’ screening process discriminated against renters, lawsuits contend, NBC News, November 21, 2024
  • Rental companies face lawsuits for policies allegedly discriminating on race, sex in Indianapolis, WTHR, November 21, 2024
  • ‘Give people a second chance’: Indianapolis man sues two landlords for discrimination, IndyStar, November 22, 2024
  • Progress Hit With Fair Housing Suit, Class Action Sought, Law360, November 22, 2024
  • Indy resident, housing organization file class action lawsuit against two rental companies for discriminatory policies, WFYI, November 22, 2024
  • Indianapolis man leads class action lawsuits claiming rental discrimination, WISH-TV, November 22, 2024
  • ‘Blanket ban’ on renters with criminal histories sparks federal lawsuits, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 23, 2024

November 21, 2024 – Groundbreaking Class Action Against Tricon Residential for Discriminatory Rental Policies Harming Black and Female Applicants Filed by FHCCI and Indianapolis Resident: The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and Indianapolis, Indiana resident, Marckus Williams, have filed a class action complaint against Tricon Residential, highlighting rental screening policies that discriminate on the basis of race and sex. The lawsuit alleges that Tricon maintains policies that automatically deny housing to applicants with certain criminal or eviction histories. Plaintiffs claim that these blanket bans disproportionately exclude Black individuals, and the eviction ban also disproportionately excludes women. The complaint asserts that Tricon defies guidance by federal agencies which instructs companies to individually review applications in order to mitigate the risk of racial disparities in access to housing.

• Press Release
• Court Complaint
• Press of Interest
  • Private equity landlords’ screening process discriminated against renters, lawsuits contend, NBC News, November 21, 2024
  • Rental companies face lawsuits for policies allegedly discriminating on race, sex in Indianapolis, WTHR, November 21, 2024
  • Indy man, housing advocacy group file suit against Tricon Residential, Indiana Lawyer, November 21, 2024
  • FHCCI, Indy resident file class action against Tricon Residential, WISH, November 21, 2024
  • ‘Give people a second chance’: Indianapolis man sues two landlords for discrimination, IndyStar, November 22, 2024
  • Indy resident, housing organization file class action lawsuit against two rental companies for discriminatory policies, WFYI, November 22, 2024
  • Indianapolis man leads class action lawsuits claiming rental discrimination, WISH-TV, November 22, 2024
  • ‘Blanket ban’ on renters with criminal histories sparks federal lawsuits, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 23, 2024

November 7, 2024 – Veterans displaced in HVAF fire find Indiana allows landlords to refuse subsidies: After an accidental fire destroyed its shelter in downtown Indianapolis, Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana is struggling to rehouse 48 homeless veterans. Many landlords won’t accept housing subsidies, shutting out HVAF clients. The practice is entirely legal in Indiana, and some housing advocates believe it’s becoming more common. When Marine Corps veteran and HVAF client Dion Donnell moved to Indianapolis with his four children, he found out the same subsidies meant to help people find homes can actually hurt their chances at being accepted as a tenant. “It’s almost like you’re begging them. ‘Please, take me in. I have a voucher.’ They don’t want to take the risk.” Full story here.

November 7, 2024 – Homeownership for people of color in Indy: Affordable housing remains a complex challenge across the nation, especially in Indianapolis, where rising property costs and systemic inequalities make homeownership for people of color difficult. According to the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Black homeownership in Marion County sits at around 39%, significantly below the 67% rate for white residents. Full story here.

October 18, 2024 – Nonprofit: BMO Harris has poor track record for Black home buyers: The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana blasted mortgage lender BMO Harris for not doing enough for Black Americans in Indianapolis. Last year, their study found the lender approved only 13 loans for Black Americans compared to 122 loans for White Americans in the city. The nonprofit also found BMO Harris had the fifth-worst denial rate for Black applicants at 55%. Full story here.

October 17, 2024 – BMO Harris Continues to Underserve Black Mortgage Borrowers in Marion County Two Years After Agreement: In 2022, BMO Harris announced their planned acquisition of BancWest Holding Inc. and Bank of the West. At the time, the FHCCI opposed this merger because BMO Harris was one of the lowest-performing mortgage lenders in serving Black/African American home seekers in the Indianapolis/Marion County, Indiana market. Later that year, BMO Harris entered into a national Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). The FHCCI refused to sign onto the CBA due to its lack of targets specific to Indianapolis. As part of the Indianapolis-based community meetings initiated by BMO Harris that then followed, BMO Harris representatives assured the FHCCI and community members that it would do better. Full release here.

October 8, 2024 – Housing advocates seek consumer protections in land contracts: For prospective homebuyers who can’t qualify for a traditional mortgage, a land contract may be a financing option they consider as a way to pursue their ownership dream. But signing a land contract carries risks for buyers that they wouldn’t encounter with conventional alternatives. The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana highlights some of those risks and calls for stronger legislation and enforcement of existing state and federal laws in a new report “Land Contracts: The Promise and Perils of Alternative Home Financing.” Full story here.

September 26, 2024 – FHCCI Adds Data and Counties to its Data Portal of Key Demographics and Mortgage Lending Metrics: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) announces a significant update to the information available on its fair housing data portal. The update includes the inclusion of 11 new counties, creating a portal of Indiana’s most populous counties for viewing of key housing data. Today’s update also includes mortgage lending data for calendar years 2021 and 2023 searchable by applications, denials, and originations, as well as lender specific performance metrics. Full release here.

September 19, 2024 – FHCCI Announces New Hires: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) announces two new hires. The FHCCI welcomes Sheroniqa Aubrey and Elizabeth “Quinn” Fitzgerald to its Indianapolis-based team. Both join the FHCCI as Intake & Investigations Coordinators. In these roles, they work directly with individuals experiencing housing barriers or challenges to assist them through direct intervention, referrals, and/or other forms of counseling services. Full release here.

September 16, 2024 – Central Indiana center teams up with UIndy to address housing inequalities: The community is coming together to address the challenges of housing discrimination in Indianapolis. The goal is to ensure everyone has access to fair housing. The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana teamed up with the University of Indianapolis to facilitate the discussion. It coincides with the housing history of sales and lending discrimination exhibit at the university’s library. Full story here.

September 12, 2024 – UIndy efforts shed light on Indiana housing, lending discrimination: An interactive exhibit has shed light on the roots of housing and lending discrimination in Indianapolis. The display on the second floor of Krannert Memorial Library on the University of Indianapolis campus also highlights new forms of overt and covert discrimination. The homeownership gap is worse today for homeowners of color than it was when the federal Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana says. In Marion County, the Black-white homeownership gap is 31%. Full story here.

September 6, 2024 – Environmental racism threatens Hoosier communities: A new report found Hoosier homeowners and renters face significant challenges from environmental hazards and climate change. “The State of Fair Housing in Indiana” report from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, highlighted a growing concern over environmental issues like air pollution, lead exposure and rising water levels, which are disproportionately affecting Black and brown communities and families with children. Full story here.

September 6, 2024 – “Unwelcomed: A Fair Housing History of Sales & Lending Discrimination” Exhibit Moves to Fort Wayne: The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), in partnership with the Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission and the Fort Wayne Urban League, is hosting, Unwelcomed: A Fair Housing History of Sales & Lending Discrimination, an interactive exhibit, from September 28 through October 27, 2024. Full release here.

September 6, 2024 – Investor-owned rentals fuel housing crisis in Marion County: The Fair Housing Center is a nonprofit organization that advocates for an inclusive housing market through community programs, counseling, education and public policy. Fotsch addressed the council regarding an investigative report by the Fair Housing Center. The report highlighted the growing trend of corporations and private firms purchasing homes to convert into rentals, contributing to a decline in home ownership. Full story here.

August 30, 2024 – University of Indianapolis presents interactive “Unwelcomed” exhibit and invites all to reflect on neighborhoods and discrimination: The University of Indianapolis today unveiled the interactive exhibit “Unwelcomed: A Fair Housing History of Sales & Lending Discrimination.” The exhibit, located on the second floor of Krannert Memorial Library on campus, is a partnership between UIndy’s Department of Sociology and the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI). Faculty, staff, students and the general public are encouraged to visit and reflect on the impact systemic barriers in housing have had in shaping today’s neighborhoods in our community. Full story here.

August 28, 2024 – Climate change impacting housing: Fair housing report highlights environmental, climate change impacts: Of all the challenges facing Hoosier homeowners and renters, the harmful impacts of environmental hazards and climate change rank near the top of the list. Whether it’s children being exposed to elevated lead levels, air pollution or rising water levels due to climate change, these environmental issues are here now and will be for the foreseeable future. The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana released a report in June, “The State of Fair Housing in Indiana – Highlighting Housing Impacts From Our Changing Environment,” that comprehensively detailed some of the more concerning housing and environmental issues in the state, according to the nonprofit group. Full story here.

July 31, 2024 – FHCCI Presents “PLUNDER: A Conversation About Private Equity’s Impact on Our Housing Markets” Event: The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) is excited to announce that author Mr. Brendan Ballou will be our special guest speaker at “PLUNDER: A Conversation About Private Equity on Our Housing Markets” on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Indiana Landmarks Center in Indianapolis. Mr. Ballou is the author of the book Plunder: Private Equity’s Plan to Pillage America. Read the full release here.

July 29, 2024 – The Critical Role of Fair Housing in Real Estate Investing with Brady Ripperger: In this episode of the Indy Real Estate Investing Podcast, host Jeremy Tallman from T&H Realty interviews Brady Ripperger, the Deputy Director of Administration and Advocacy for the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. Listen here.

July 26, 2024 – Learn what happens when out-of-state investors gobble up Indy homes: If you rent a house in Indianapolis, there’s a decent chance you’re paying money every month to an out-of-state investor who owns the home. That’s because about a quarter of the roughly 49,000 rental houses in Marion County are owned by investors from outside Indiana, according to the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. And the housing center says that number is growing. Full story here.

July 10, 2024 – FHCCI Releases Report on Land Contract Perils: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) releases its latest report, The State of Fair Housing in Indiana – The Promise and Perils of Alternative Home Financing. This report provides background on land contracts, the growth in our markets, and the challenges to homeownership. Despite its rising costs, homeownership remains a cornerstone of the American dream, especially for immigrants seeking to put down roots and build a better life for themselves and their families, by purchasing their own home. Download the press release here or review the full report.

July 10, 2024 – How Environmental Changes Are Reshaping Housing in Indiana – A New Study: The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) recently released a study shedding light on how environmental changes are transforming housing across the state. Indiana’s housing landscape has long been shaped by policies like redlining, which systematically denied services to residents of certain areas based on race and ethnicity. These discriminatory practices have had lasting effects, particularly on minority communities. Full story here.

July 3, 2024 – New study explores the impact of environmental change on housing in Indiana: A new analysis examines how pressing environmental issues can impact housing throughout the state. One key finding is that historic policies such as redlining continue to haunt minority communities in Indiana. Full story here.

July 2, 2024 – How the environment impacts fair housing in Indy: A new  report from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana looks at how historically discriminatory housing practices have combined with climate change to create a losing scenario for some Hoosiers. Full story here.

June 27, 2024 – Fair Housing Center Releases New Report on Environmental Impacts on Indiana’s Housing and Communities: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) releases its newest report, The State of Fair Housing in Indiana – Highlighting Housing Impacts From Our Changing Environment. This report provides an overview of many pressing issues our communities and neighborhoods are facing, or will be facing in the future, due to environmental and climate changes across Indiana. Download the press release here or review the full report.

June 17, 2024 – Roger That Podcast Ep 18: A Conversation with FHCCI Executive Director Amy Nelson: A few episodes ago, the Roger That podcast shared about their legislative efforts to try to make it illegal for landlords to deny veterans using vouchers for their housing. On that episode, they spoke with Amy Nelson, Executive Director of Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. Amy came to Indiana in 2011 to be the first Executive Director of Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, as it was founded the same year. On this episode, you’ll hear more about FHCCI, the current housing market trends in Indiana, and how we as a community can make housing more affordable for everyone. The show notes for this episode can be found on HVAF’s blog and you can listen to the podcast here.

June 10, 2024 – Housing report focuses on changing affordability of mobile and manufactured homes: A shortage of safe, affordable housing in Indiana is an ongoing issue. A new report focuses on how mobile and manufactured homes in the state might contribute to the problem. Full story here.

June 10, 2024 – BUILDING SUPPORT: Nearly 500 Advocates Write To Gov. Holcomb Seeking State Housing Commission: A letter signed by nearly 500 Hoosier organizations and individuals was presented to Gov. Eric Holcomb on Monday as part of a continued effort to persuade him to establish a statewide housing commission to tackle Indiana’s “extreme housing crisis.” Full story here.

June 4, 2024 – Fair Housing Center Releases New Report on Indiana Mobile-Manufactured Housing Communities: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) releases its newest report, The State of Fair Housing in Indiana – Unstable Land: The Fair Housing Challenges for Manufactured Housing Residents. This report highlights key demographic information related to residents of mobile-manufactured housing as well as evaluates the challenges for residents in maintaining housing affordability. Download the press release here or review the full report.

May 24, 2024 – ‘LOW PERFORMING LENDERS’: New Portal Makes Mortgage And Homeownership Data In Central Indiana More Accessible To Public: In its fight against housing discrimination, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana believes knowledge is power. The nonprofit based in Indianapolis has launched an online fair housing data portal which provides demographic stats and mortgage lending metrics for the Indianapolis metropolitan area. In particular, individuals accessing the site can review a list of the top mortgage lenders in Central Indiana and see each lender’s stats for approving mortgages by customer race, ethnicity, income and gender. Full story here.

May 10, 2024 – ‘GENERATIONS OF LOST WEALTH’: ‘Unwelcomed’ Exhibit In Bloomington Spotlights Housing Discrimination That Blocks Homeownership: The racial and economic barriers to homeownership have deep roots in Indiana, even in communities like Bloomington that have striven to accept and support people of diverse backgrounds. “I think it’s a problem in every community in America,” Michael Shermis, human rights director, ADA coordinator  and special projects coordinator for the city of Bloomington, said of housing accessibility. Because Bloomington is “so progressive and liberal,” many people might assume it would not have these kinds of challenges, he added, “but we have an affordable housing problem and a history of fair housing issues in this community.” Full story here.

May 8, 2024 – FHCCI Launches Data Portal for Public Access of Key Mortgage Lending Metrics: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) launches a fair housing data portal for public access to view key housing demographics and mortgage lending metrics for the Indianapolis metropolitan area. “The data in this portal are key metrics the FHCCI commonly obtains and uses during an investigation of a mortgage lender’s compliance with fair housing laws,” explained Amy Nelson, Executive Director of the FHCCI. “Instead of the FHCCI keeping this data to itself, we felt it was important to share it with the public so they too could review and assist us in holding our area mortgage lenders accountable and work with us for needed policy change.” Full press release here.

May 6, 2024 – Unwelcomed Exhibit Moves to Bloomington, Indiana to Explore Historic & Systemic Barriers: The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), in partnership with the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission, announces that the interactive, traveling exhibit Unwelcomed: A Fair Housing History of Sales & Lending Discrimination will be available for viewing in Bloomington, Indiana during the month of May! Full press release here.

April 24, 2024 – Adsposure Announces Winners of Third-Annual Transit Awards: The 2023 Adsposure Transit Awards have concluded, and after a fierce two-week competition and thousands of votes, 29 campaigns were crowned first place winners! Included was a campaign by the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. Full story here.

April 22, 2024 – Indiana housing stock at risk of corporate investment, according to national assessment: Indiana is at a higher risk of private, out-of-state companies buying up housing stock, according to a new national analysis. It also finds the trend may influence the affordable housing crisis in Indiana as the gap continues to grow. The Private Equity Risk Index assesses state policy to determine how private equity groups have opportunity to impact factors including housing and health. Full story here.

April 19, 2024 – Fair Housing Center Announces Staff Promotions: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) is pleased to announce promotions for three of its staff members: Erika Fotsch, Noah Moenning, and Hafsa Razi. Download the full release here.

April 15, 2024 – FHCCI Part of Roger That Ep 14: We Must Protect Veterans Using Vouchers to End Homelessness Podcast: On this podcast hosted by HVAF, the FHCCI is part of a discussion as to the harms of section 8 voucher denial rates. Listen here.

April 8, 2024 – Report: More than 1,000 housing discrimination complaints filed in Indiana in last five years: A new report shows more than 1,300 housing discrimination complaints were filed in Indiana over a recent five-year period. The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana reports that’s an 18 percent increase from 2019 to 2023. Full story here.

April 3, 2024 – Fair Housing Center Releases New Report on Fair Housing Complaints Across Indiana: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) releases a supplement report, The State of Fair Housing in Indiana – A Review of Fair Housing Complaints 2019-2023, which analyzes fair housing complaints filed during HUD fiscal years 2019-2023, along with other key updates. This report builds off the FHCCI’s 2020 report The State of Fair Housing in Indiana – Fair Housing Complaint Filing 2000-2018. Download the full press release or go to our Reports Page.

April 2, 2024 – Indiana nonprofit will receive nearly $700,000 in federal grants to fight housing discrimination: Federal grants awarded to an Indiana organization will help fight housing discrimination. The annual funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will ensure the only fair housing nonprofit in the state stays open. The largest award — a three-year grant for $425,000 — will help fund the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana’s primary investigative work, looking into what Executive Director Amy Nelson said are some of the most common forms of housing discrimination. Full story here.

April 2, 2024 – HUD Awards Over $30 Million to Fight Housing Discrimination: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is announcing today the award of over $30 million to fair housing organizations across the country under its Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). The grants will support the efforts of national, state, and local fair housing entities working to address violations of the Fair Housing Act and to end discrimination in housing. Full press release here.

April 1, 2024 – Indianapolis City-County Council to Pass Resolution Honoring Fair Housing Month: Tonight, at the City-County Council’s planned meeting, their first resolution will be to designate April as Fair Housing Month. Learn more:    Agenda     Resolution

April 1, 2024 – Fair Housing Center Announces Fair Housing Month Activities: Each year, April is celebrated across the country as Fair Housing Month to honor the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act in April 1968. This year marks the 56^th anniversary of the signing of the Act into law. In honor, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) has a month of targeted activities in celebration and recognition of fair housing and the passage of this important civil rights law. Download the full press release here.

March 28, 2024 – FHCCI Announces New Hire: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) announces a new hire. The FHCCI welcomes William Willis to its team. William joins the FHCCI as its Test Coordinator where he manages the FHCCI’s testing program through recruitment and training of fair housing testers and coordination of fair housing tests. Download the full press release here.

March 19, 2024 – FHCCI Releases 2023 Annual Report: Today, the FHCCI releases its 2023 Annual Report highlighting key metrics and fair housing accomplishments under our main program areas. Download a copy here or go to our Reports Page.

March 4, 2024 – Uncovering Discrimination: The Fight for Fair Housing: The work of the FHCCI was highlighted during the Homeward Indy podcast through an interview with FHCCI team members, Brady Ripperger and Erika Fotsch. Listen online here or wherever you get your podcasts.

February 15, 2024 – Despite some homeownership increases, report shows mortgage lending inequalities persist: Despite an increase in home buying in Marion County, racial inequalities in homeownership persist. That’s according to a new report released Wednesday by the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. Full story here.

February 14, 2024 – Marion County Mortgage Lending Report Released: In January 2022, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) released its first report on mortgage lending. Today, the FHCCI provides a supplemental report, The State of Fair Housing in Indiana – Mortgage Lending Update for Marion County 2021-2022, which builds on our previous report by providing updated Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data for the years 2021 and 2022, along with other key updates. Download the press release here or review the full report.

February 6, 2024 – Central Indiana Housing Study Released: The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization has released its Central Indiana Housing Study which assesses housing pricing, availability by type, quantifies how that compares to what the population wants and can afford, and proposes policy solutions for identified issues. It also includes references to reports published by the FHCCI, including the impact of out-of-state investors in our home buying market. You can download copies here.

January 15, 2024 – What renters should know about their rights during extreme cold: When the weather gets this cold, 13News always hears from renters whose heat is out. Sometimes, their landlord or apartment manager is not getting it fixed quickly or just isn’t responding. So far, the Marion County Public Health Department has received 17 complaints of “no heat” since Saturday. Investigations into the complaints will start on Tuesday. Full story here.

January 5, 2024 – Lack of affordable housing felt in all 92 Indiana counties: Across Indiana, there has been a shortage of affordable housing causing an increase of “severe housing cost burden” for people in extremely low-income households in all 92 Indiana counties. Full story here.