FORT WAYNE, Indiana – Brightpoint Communities Incorporated, a nonprofit arm of the Brightpoint real‑estate firm, announced it has been awarded both state and federal housing dollars to expand affordable homeownership in northeast Indiana. The organization recently earned Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) certification from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), a designation that unlocks critical resources for nonprofit housing developers.
Funding details and intended impact
Through the CHDO status, Brightpoint Communities received a $50,000 operating supplement from IHCDA. The supplement is earmarked for staffing, systems, and planning that will support future affordable‑housing projects throughout the region. In addition, the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program contributed $173,630 to finance the construction of a single‑family home at 513 N. Oak St. in Columbia City.
Once completed, the home will be sold to an income‑eligible buyer through the HOME Homebuyer Program, providing a pathway to ownership for families who have struggled to afford a home of their own. “Homeownership can be life‑changing for families, but access remains out of reach for many people in northeast Indiana,” said Matt Crouch, Brightpoint’s vice president of community economic development.
Why certification matters
The CHDO certification signals that Brightpoint Communities meets rigorous standards for financial management, project delivery, and community impact. It also qualifies the nonprofit for HOME funding, a federal program that directs billions of dollars to local jurisdictions for affordable‑housing development. By securing both the operating supplement and the HOME grant, Brightpoint Communities is positioned to pursue additional projects that will increase the supply of affordable homes across Allen, Huntington, and surrounding counties.
Broader community benefits
Expanding homeownership aligns with traditional family values and strengthens neighborhoods. Homeowners are more likely to invest in property upkeep, support local schools, and contribute to a stable tax base. The new home in Columbia City will not only provide a roof for an eligible family but also serve as a model for future developments that blend affordability with quality construction.
Brightpoint Communities emphasized that the recent funding is part of a larger, ongoing effort to address the region’s housing shortage. The organization plans to leverage the certification to apply for additional state and federal resources, aiming to develop more single‑family homes and possibly multi‑family units where demand is highest.
How residents can get involved
Families interested in the HOME Homebuyer Program are encouraged to visit the IHCDA website or contact Brightpoint Communities directly for eligibility information. Community members can also support the effort by attending local housing‑affordability forums, volunteering with nonprofit housing groups, or advocating for policies that preserve and expand affordable‑housing inventories.
For more information about Brightpoint’s housing initiatives, visit mybrightpoint.org/housingcommunities.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
