Housing - Fort Wayne Community Development

Renaissance Pointe

Details: Published: Friday, 08 November 2013 15:00

The Renaissance Pointe community is located just a mile from downtown and is in the midst of a dramatic revitalization. Recently, 66 brand-new homes were completed and all are occupied. Ren Pointe

Biggs TC Development, developer of the $11 million initiative, began construction on the lease-to-own homes in the fall of 2011. The development is funded with a mix of private investment, state low-income housing tax credits and City of Fort Wayne federal housing dollars. The three- and four-bedroom homes with front porches and attached garages were built on vacant lots along John Street, Gay Street and Weisser Park Avenue.

The effort is a sort of "homeownership incubator" for families who want to live in the Renaissance Pointe community, but whose credit condition or other circumstances make home ownership difficult. After 15 years of leasing, families have the option to purchase the home at a reduced cost. As a condition of leasing, residents agree to work with Biggs TC Development and its partners to build or repair their credit status in order to help them qualify for a traditional mortgage.

Prior to development of the 66 lease-to-own homes, the City of Fort Wayne invested several million dollars to improve infrastructure in the area. New water and sewer lines and taps, new street lights, new or rebuilt sidewalks and new signs were installed, along with a trail that runs throughout the neighborhood. More than 25 Federal grants were also awarded to current Renaissance Pointe homeowners to help them make improvements to their properties.

Emergency Solutions Grant

Details: Published: Friday, 08 November 2013 14:53

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program exists to assist individuals and families regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. Typically, in Fort Wayne, ESG funds are granted to non-profit agencies serving those who are precariously housed or homeless. The competitive application process will begin soon for the next round of funding. Non-profit agencies should check back here for information on when applications are being accepted.

Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)

Details: Published: Friday, 08 November 2013 12:02

What is a CHDO?

A CHDO (pronounced cho'do) is a private nonprofit, community-based service organization whose primary purpose is to provide and develop decent, affordable housing for the community it serves. CHDOs receive certification from a Participating Jurisdiction (PJ), in this case the City of Fort Wayne, indicating that they meet certain HOME Program requirements and therefore are eligible for HOME funding.

The HOME Program definition of a CHDO is found at 24 CFR Part 92.2. This HOME Front module summarizes these requirements, and provides useful interpretation and guidance based upon the language and intent of the regulations.

Why should an organization apply for CHDO certification?

Funds are available through HOME Participating Jurisdictions exclusively for qualified, eligible CHDO projects and operating expenses.

If an organization becomes a certified CHDO, it is eligible to take advantage of the HOME funds set aside just for CHDOs, as well as additional special technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
CHDO set-aside funds provide equity for community-based organizations to undertake projects, build their capacity to serve a broad range of affordable housing needs, and provide guaranteed resources for affordable housing development.

Who is likely to be interested in this module?

Individuals, organizations, and institutions dedicated to providing decent, safe, and sanitary housing to low- and moderate-income people;
Organizations seeking additional opportunities and/or alternative funding sources to help meet their housing goals; and
Local government staff, community members, and anyone who wishes to learn more about CHDOs and their certification, roles, and responsibilities.

If you feel that your organization may meet the requirements for becoming a certified CHDO, and you wish to apply for CHDO Certification from the City of Fort Wayne, please contact the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or complete the CHDO Certification/Application at the link below and submit to:

CD Projects Administrator
200 E. Berry Street, Suite 320
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

2015 CHDO Manual

CDBG Public Facilities Funding

Details: Published: Friday, 08 November 2013 11:58

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) may be used for a variety of activities related to the purchase, rehabilitation or improvements of a facility that is publicly owned or owned by a non-profit agency and operated so as to be open to the general public. Funding is limited for this sort of activity, so non-profit agencies with proposals are asked to contact the CDBG Grant Administrator in the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services to find out whether funds are currently available. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information.