Lift Indy Program Announces Near North Corridor Focus

A neighborhood revitalization program has announced its latest focus area with an aim to help neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

The 2021 Lift Indy recipient is the Near North corridor. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the initiative remains committed to supporting community social and economic growth.

“Even in the most difficult times, some of the most trying times our city has faced,” Hogsett said. “We continue to grow, we continue to build, we continue to improve.”

The three-year, $3.5 million investment uses funds from U.S. Housing and Urban Development to support local organizations that address jobs, housing and health in an effort to improve quality of life. 

The Recovery Cafe, a peer recovery community, will benefit from the effort.  Program Manager Camile Anderson said their work starts with connections.

“Connection to resources, connection to community, connection to purpose and most importantly connection to self,” Anderson said.

Anderson said the pandemic has increased the need for services for people in this community. 

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett says Lift Indy started in 2017 and has helped three other neighborhoods to date.

“Building up community resources that make for great neighborhoods,” Hogsett said.

The program uses data compiled by the IUPUI Polis Center to identify areas well suited for the program.

For the first time the city plans to announce another recipient in the new year.

IU Health will also partner to help create affordable housing projects near the new Methodist Hospital.