Summary: Indianapolis LISC (PDF)
In Indianapolis, Building Sustainable Communities is in full force. In 2009, we completed a three-year demonstration project called Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiatives (GINI), which proved how a comprehensive community development approach could positively impact neighborhoods. Through GINI, LISC helped engage more than 1,500 people in more than 25,000 hours of community service to implement Quality-of-Life plans and to begin to transform their neighborhoods. That work includes new affordable housing, commercial corridor redevelopment, creative public safety training, educational programming, and family financial stability efforts. Of note is LISC’s leadership surrounding the NFL Legacy Initiative, where the NFL is investing in the Near Eastside neighborhood Quality-of-Life plan as part of its 2012 Superbowl commitment. This investment has leveraged new partners, new funding, and the recent completion of a key project—the Jefferson Building—a homeownership incubator that helps low-income renters transition to homeownership. Five of the original GINI neighborhoods are part of LISC’s Sustainable Communities work going forward, with LISC funding, technical assistance, and advocacy helping to create new opportunities and growth.