Serving northwest Indiana since 1983, Homestead Resources is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Hoosiers with affordable housing, financial education and housing counseling. With services covering 10 counties across northwest Indiana, this organization strives to “increase homeownership, maintain homeownership where it already exists and educate families on attaining safe, quality and stable housing.”

Homestead Resources’ small team of staff members is making a big difference in its community. In 2023 alone, over 1,500 families were supported by Homestead Resources’ services, including housing assistance, financial literacy classes and small-dollar loans.

Since 2016, Homestead Resources has saved families nearly $12 million in interest charges. Lending a hand to residents needing small-dollar loans, Homestead Resources operates a Community Loan Center, which helps to supports residents with fair lending and improve their credit scores. Over 45 organizations across northwest Indiana have partnered with Homestead Resources to ensure families can reach their financial goals.

To support financial independence in Hoosiers, Homestead Resources offers financial literacy classes, which equip residents with invaluable tools. From learning how to budget to understanding their credit score, individuals are provided with a foundation for long-term financial freedom. Additional financial resources are available through Homestead Resources, including tenant education, foreclosure prevention counseling and reverse mortgage support.

In addition to their financial programs, Homestead Resources has made great strides to improve homeownership in their community. With a goal to support individuals with an affordable and stable place to live, this organization has developed several properties devoted to housing Hoosiers in need.

Marie Morse is the executive director at Homestead Resources, where she manages programs designed to support individuals’ life goals. Throughout her 39-year career with Homestead Resources, she has led the charge to increase homeownership and maintain stable living for northwestern Indiana residents.

“We strive to keep families in the homes they have,” Morse said. “If they have a home, they need to be able to stay there. It’s okay to ask for help.”

As part of their mission, Homestead Resources focuses on stabilizing individuals with housing to prevent them from becoming homeless. A plethora of housing services have been made available to residents in northwest Indiana by this organization, including foreclosure and eviction prevention, rental and utility assistance and housing counseling. Each of these programs provides valuable, life-changing support for residents who need it the most.

For individuals needing rental and utility assistance, Homestead Resources offers support through the Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance (IERA) program. Managed by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), this service provides financial aid to qualifying renters, including individuals at risk of homelessness. To date, over 560 families have been supported by the IERA program by applying through Homestead Resources, resulting in nearly $600,000 given in housing support. All low- and moderate-income households are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for more information.

To ensure Hoosiers in northwest Indiana have a safe, stable place to live, Homestead Resources has been working to revitalize existing buildings and transform them into affordable housing developments. Their existing Historic Jeff Centre Senior Apartments were opened in 2000 and dedicated to providing seniors with affordable apartments in Lafayette, IN. The amenities offered to residents are plentiful and include a community great room, activity space and gym.

To address the growing need for additional affordable housing units in northwest Indiana, Homestead Resources recently broke ground on a new development in Lafayette, IN. Known as the “Jeffersonian,” this housing complex will feature 50 multi-family rental apartments for seniors. With an expected opening in 2025, this project will provide an independent community for individuals aged 55 and over, ensuring they have a safe, comfortable place to live. Each resident will have access to a variety of amenities, including financial education classes, a community room and in-unit washers and dryers. Free groceries also will be provided to residents in need through a partnership with the Food Finders Food Bank.

As housing costs increase, Tippecanoe County has experienced a decreasing vacancy rate for affordable housing units. To ensure that this issue is addressed, Homestead Resources has collaborated with United Way to start a community conversation on solutions for this growing need. Looking toward the future, Homestead Resources plans to continue a proactive approach to affordable housing in northwest Indiana.

The staff at Homestead Resources is eager to expand upon their housing and financial programs to meet their community’s growing needs and support individuals of all ages. Continuing their mission to provide secure and stable housing for residents, Homestead Resources endeavors to bring additional affordable housing developments to northwest Indiana. New programs to support younger residents with financial tools are also in the works, with staff members recently adopting their financial literacy courses for high school seniors.

“Working with my great team at Homestead Resources and their wonderful skills allows us to make a difference regarding housing,” Morse shared. “We all have something to give.”

Residents of northwest Indiana interested in Homestead Resources’ services may call 765-423-1284 or visit Homestead-Resources.org for more information. To register for their financial literacy classes, individuals may visit ehomeamerica.org/homesteadcs.

Read the article in the Indy Star here.