2025 IHC Award Winners

Each year, the Indiana Housing Conference recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations whose work strengthens communities and expands access to safe, quality, and affordable housing across our state. This year’s award recipients embody the innovation, compassion, and collaboration that define Indiana’s housing community.

We’re proud to celebrate the following award winners and honorees.

Excellence in Affordable Housing Awards

Senior: Edsall House Apartments – Fort Wayne

Located in downtown Fort Wayne, Edsall House Apartments represents a successful preservation of affordable housing designed to serve seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Edsall House offers comprehensive resident support, including a full-time on-site Service Coordinator and classes focused on nutrition, health and wellness, financial literacy, and fall prevention. Residents also benefit from access to mental health services and food assistance programs that promote stability and independence.

Glick’s application for a combination of RHTCs and AWHTCs received unanimous approval from the Fort Wayne Economic Development Commission—reflecting strong local commitment to preserving this vital housing option. The preservation of Edsall House Apartments ensures that seniors (65+) and differently abled residents will have access to affordable, high-quality housing for generations to come.

Urban: Prominence Commons II – Portage

Prominence Commons II builds upon a phased development dedicated to addressing homelessness and workforce housing needs in Portage. The property includes 36 affordable rental units, with nine reserved for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Guided by the Housing First model, Prominence Commons II provides comprehensive voluntary services such as job readiness training, financial and housing counseling, employment assistance, food access, transportation, legal aid, and behavioral health case management.

Through collaborative financing and strong local partnerships, this development has become a model for what’s possible when communities unite to meet housing needs. In a market with high demand and low vacancy rates, Prominence Commons II provides essential affordable housing for the local workforce to help residents live where they work and thrive where they serve.

Special Needs: Compass on Washington – Indianapolis

Compass on Washington is a newly constructed permanent supportive housing development offering 36 one-bedroom units exclusively for chronically homeless individuals.

Every unit is fully furnished, and tenants receive household essentials upon move-in. With a 20:1 tenant-to-case-manager ratio, Compass on Washington provides deeply personalized support to promote long-term stability and independence.

Residents benefit from individualized service plans, medical and recovery care, transportation, and a collaborative learning environment that encourages creative problem-solving and empowerment. The community’s innovative approach ensures that staff and residents work side-by-side toward meaningful personal goals and creating a true sense of home and belonging.

Rural: West Baden Lofts – West Baden Springs

In Orange County, where the median age of rental units exceeds 50 years, West Baden Lofts represents a transformational leap forward for housing access and quality.

This 44-unit development increased the local housing supply by more than 50%, addressing both aging infrastructure and limited availability. Designed with holistic wellbeing in mind, West Baden Lofts connects residents, many of whom are veterans and families, to resources such as:

• A free bike-share program
• On-demand transportation
• A fully equipped fitness center and yoga/meditation studio
• Community garden beds
• Stress management programming
• Playgrounds and children’s play areas

Walkability and proximity to jobs, services, and civic spaces were central to the project’s design. The development has helped eliminate blight, spurred public investment, and restored confidence in the West Baden Springs community—proving that housing can be both a home and a catalyst for local revitalization. 

Outstanding Resident Volunteer Award: Russell Hall – Prominence Commons

Russell Hall’s story is one of resilience, growth, and leadership. After advocating for better living conditions and securing affordable housing, Russell quickly became known as the “welcome wagon” for new residents at Prominence Commons—helping each neighbor feel at home from the start.

Without being asked, he began maintaining the property grounds, purchasing his own garden tools to keep shared spaces clean and inviting. His initiative inspired others to volunteer and strengthened community bonds among residents.

Russell’s personal transformation has been equally inspiring, using the on-site gym to manage his diabetes and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Whether he’s helping clean a neighbor’s home, offering a listening ear, or organizing community activities, Russell’s compassion and quiet leadership have made Prominence Commons a stronger, more connected place to live.

Indiana Affordable Housing Council Leadership Award: Jeffrey Whiting

For more than three decades, Jeffrey Whiting has been a driving force in affordable housing across Indiana and the nation. As the founder and Executive Chairman of CREA, he built one of the country’s leading syndicators, raising more than $12 billion in LIHTC equity and helping to create nearly 12,000 affordable homes in Indiana alone.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jeff co-founded the Indiana Affordable Housing Council, helped shape state and federal housing policy, and launched the CREA Foundation, which provides scholarships and education opportunities for students living in affordable housing communities.

Jeff’s leadership is defined by humility, authenticity, and a people-first approach. His mentorship, vision, and commitment to community have inspired countless professionals and reaffirmed that housing is not just about building, it’s about creating the foundation for opportunity and dignity.

IN BOS CoC S.P.A.R.K. Award: Citizens Concerned for the Homeless

The IN BOS CoC Network and Board honors Citizens Concerned for the Homeless for their innovative programming and deep community partnerships addressing homelessness in Indiana.

Their efforts go above and beyond traditional service models. Bridging service gaps, responding to local crises, and producing meaningful outcomes for Hoosiers experiencing homelessness. Through their leadership, compassion, and creativity, Citizens Concerned for the Homeless exemplify what it means to ignite change and “spark” hope across our communities. 

We congratulate all our 2025 award winners! Each of these honorees demonstrates the impact of collaboration, compassion, and commitment to housing equity. Their work reminds us that when we invest in people and place, we build stronger, more resilient communities for all Hoosiers.