From Vision to Reality: The Four Phases of Realizing a Housing Dream in Northeast Indiana

The journey to solving the housing crisis is much like the journey of a homebuyer pursuing the dream of homeownership. It requires vision, perseverance, and collaboration. At Club 720, we've seen firsthand how communities in Northeast Indiana have transformed their housing challenges into opportunities, collectively serving as a prototype for the Midwest and beyond. As I reflect on the past seven years, the relationships we've formed, the partnerships we've built, the struggles we've endured and the victories we’ve celebrated, I'm humbled to see that our steps were clearly ordered from the very beginning.

Here’s our story, intertwined with the four phases of realizing a dream.

Phase 1: The Right Size Vision

"One way you know it's the right size vision is when you know you cannot accomplish it on your own."

When we first introduced the H.O.M.E. Method, we knew it was a vision beyond what we could achieve alone. Through a strategic collaboration with Ball State University's Indiana Communities Institute, we delivered our Housing 101 course to regionalists throughout the Midwest. We were blown away by how many regional planners and economic development professionals were being tasked with tackling issues around housing. It became abundantly clear that as we were sharing our ideas around workforce housing and the important role that it can play in talent attraction and retention, and discussing ideas, like “housing is economic development”, that community leaders were beginning to seek out ways to get involved as part of the solution.

Phase 2: Misunderstood and Challenged

"When you have articulated your dream, the next sign is when others misunderstand you, ignore you, or tell you it cannot be done."

As we put our vision into action and rolled out new and innovative approaches through our strategies, we faced skepticism and resistance. We needed to prove the concepts we had been teaching, so finding a few great communities to demonstrate the Method was key. It was difficult for many to see themselves as part of the housing solution because "housing" had meant something completely different for so many years. This meant we needed the support and collaboration of courageous leaders who not only saw the need but believed in the vision. This collective effort was essential to creating case studies, understanding how highly nuanced the solutions are to addressing the housing crisis and unlocking the true potential of our communities. Many doubted the feasibility of our approach, and early adopters often felt isolated in their efforts...some even dropped out of the process altogether when times got tough. However, these challenges only strengthened our resolve. We knew that meaningful change often faces initial resistance.

Phase 3: Signs of Support

"The third phase is when you begin to see signs that the universe has your back and is truly conspiring to make your dream a reality."

Despite the hurdles, we began to see tangible signs of support. We went into COVID-19 with a project with great promise only to learn that a key funding source crumbled under the weight of the pandemic. Nevertheless, communities that invested in our methodology started reaping the benefits. With a firm understanding of what was possible, and increased housing production planned in areas with excellent market potential, we formed a strategic alliance with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and its CEO Roundtable rolled up its sleeves to find ways for employers to support the effort. With the wind in our sails, we saw multiple new projects begin to form in nearly all of Northeast Indiana's 11 counties. More recently, the announcement of the Northeast Indiana Strategic Development Commission's adoption of our approach for the entire region was a significant validation of our efforts.

Phase 4: Shared Vision

"The final phase is when others begin to come into agreement and form a common vision."

For sure, our work has only just begun. Many years after our humble beginning, it's nothing short of exhilarating to finally see so many other key partners come into alignment with a collective vision, one that began with just a few fearless community leaders with #Swagger. With every day that passes, it's so clear that the growing level of resonance is nothing short of a very generous gift. We didn't create this on our own and we certainly couldn't earn it. Today, working alongside so many new partners, with their own missions, talents and resources, this collective ownership is now driving our region's housing transformation and we could not be more grateful to be a part of something that is much bigger than any of us could have expected or even imagined. Today, we have formed deep and lasting relationships with our communities, trusting collaborative partnerships with the private sector and together, we are pioneering a full-scale innovative approach to tackling the foremost issue of the day.

Conclusion:

The journey of Northeast Indiana's communities mirrors the path of homebuyers striving for ownership amidst rising rental rates and stagnant amenities. The struggles and triumphs of these early adopters have not only paved the way for greater resources but also turned our region into a learning lab for housing system integration and development. As we share our story with other Indiana regions and throughout the Midwest, we honor the perseverance and dedication of those who believed in the face of adversity. Together, we continue to turn housing crises into housing opportunities, one dream at a time.

Call to Action:

To our early adopters (and you know who you are), thank you for your unwavering support and belief in the H.O.M.E. Method. To those just joining us, welcome. Together, we will continue to build a future where every community can achieve its housing dreams.