April 5 | 10 am - 3 pm EST
Historic Tivoli Theatre, Spencer, IN
Workforce housing is in short supply in communities across south-central Indiana—Owen County Community Foundation and Cook Medical have a solution.
Registration for this event has closed, as we have reached room capacity. To be added to a waitlist or for other registration assistance, contact Julie Markland at jmarkland@inphilanthropy.org.
Join your peers in philanthropy for an IPA Field Trip that shines a spotlight on a groundbreaking workforce housing initiative in south-central Indiana. In response to the critical need for workforce housing, leaders and organizations from different sectors united to develop a holistic solution that caters to middle-income workers struggling to find a home and community.
IPA is thrilled to partner with Owen County Community Foundation and Cook Medical to offer members this hands-on learning experience. Come along with us as we dive deep into the challenges of the pervasive housing crisis, with a focus on viable solutions for Indiana's rural communities.
Based on data presented in the Regional Opportunity Initiative (ROI) Indiana Uplands Housing Study, newer housing stock is predominately located outside of rural communities, while older housing stock is beginning to show signs of structural distress. These factors significantly limit housing options for newcomers attempting to settle in the area. Thus, workforce housing solutions were identified as a cornerstone of the quality of place initiatives outlined in Owen County's Community Plan.
Utilizing ARPA and READI 1.0 funds, as well as support from a variety of stakeholders, 62 acres in Owen County were acquired to develop affordable homes for middle-income workers. In addition to new residential construction and an expansive nature trail, this initiative includes educational programs designed to navigate residents through the complexities of home buying and homeownership.
This project is driven in partnership by Cook Medical/Cook Group Companies, ROI, the local Chamber, the Town of Spencer, Owen County Government, and many other collaborators.
Event Highlights:
- An engaging panel discussion with the visionaries behind this initiative to delve into their objectives and insights.
- A guided bus tour of the burgeoning housing development, offering a firsthand look at the progress and potential of this venture.
- Focused small group discussions that tackle workforce development and the social determinants of health in relation to the broader impacts of housing.*
- Ample networking opportunities with the project's leaders and your peers in philanthropy.
Don't miss this chance to witness the power of cross-sector collaboration in action, exploring innovative solutions at the nexus of philanthropy, corporate responsibility, housing, workforce, and health.
*IPA invites participants in Workforce and Health Disparities Collaboratives for discussions on workforce housing and social determinants of health.
