VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Thrive West Central gave Vigo County Commissioners an update on the “Homes for the Future” housing initiative Tuesday.
“Through that program, we’ve been able to in the last six months since we started giving out funding awards, we’ve awarded 322 new housing units here within Vigo County and then a small portion in Clay County as well,” Ryan Keller, CEO of Thrive West Central said.
Vigo County Commissioner Mark Clinkenbeard said he’s pleased with the process.
“It’s not just throwing some money out there,” Clinkenbeard said. “It’s an approach that’s going to last for years. And hopefully, we’ll start seeing, instead of population decline, we’ll start growing as a community which is what we need.”
As Vigo County continues to announce more job opportunities coming to the area like Terre Haute Casino Resort, Entek, and Amazon, the need for quality, affordable housing continues to grow and Clinkenbeard wants to be sure that job seekers have options locally.
“It’s important that those folks live here and don’t live in another community and pay taxes somewhere else,” Clinkenbeard said. “We need them here. We need them for our schools, for tax base, and all,” he added.
Ryan Keller, CEO of Thrive West Central, said those relocating are only a portion of those in need of housing.
“71% of our movement and growth over the next five years is going to come from within the county,” Keller said. “So, it’s just a pent-up demand,” he said.
That demand, Keller said, comes from recent empty nesters who are ready to downsize, older adults who may need one level, and even younger couples who are finding their family cramped and ready for a larger home.
“The land’s being cleared and there are houses being built, and that’s what’s great to see,” Clinkenbeard said. “That it’s finally getting out there and by the end of this year, we’ll have a lot of new homes on the market,” he said.
“More, really terrific, and affordable housing units are on the way. If they’re looking to move up or move down, they don’t have to move away,” Keller said.
Thrive continues to accept contractor applications on a rolling monthly basis until all funds are allocated. Applicants are encouraged to speak with Thrive before submitting applications.
