As housing costs continue to rise, HAND Inc. (Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development) is working harder than ever to bridge the affordability gap. Executive Director Andrea Davis is sharing insight into the nonprofit’s mission, upcoming projects, and how the community can get involved.
Founded in 2003, HAND Inc. was established to address the growing need for affordable housing in Hamilton County. This was a community-driven initiative, a response to the rapid population growth in the late 1990s and the gap in available, affordable housing identified by the Noblesville Housing Authority. The community’s active involvement and support led to the formation of HAND, which has since evolved into a certified Community Housing Development Organization.
“The founders were visionary,” Davis says. “They saw that housing costs were increasing much faster than household income, and that’s even more true today.”
While many perceive Indiana as affordable compared to coastal states, Davis says that affordability is relative. “If you’ve lived here your whole life and your income hasn’t risen at the same rate as housing costs, homeownership, or even rental housing, can be out of reach,” she says.
HAND has significantly impacted the community by providing 157 affordable housing units in Hamilton, Boone and Tipton counties. These homes have not only offered shelter for families, but have also contributed to the overall well-being of the communities. Initially the organization focused on home rehabilitation, but shifted its emphasis to affordable rental housing in 2007.
One of HAND’s most notable projects is Cumberland Cottages, an 11-unit community in Fishers designed with families in mind. The distinctive design, featuring duplexes and detached cottages arranged around a courtyard, encourages a genuine sense of community.
HAND also completed the renovation of three historic homes in Noblesville, transforming them into affordable rental units while preserving the neighborhood’s charm and character.
This year HAND is embarking on two major projects that will bring 12 new units of affordable family housing to Hamilton County:
• Noblesville Project: Six three-bedroom duplexes near Stony Creek Elementary, expected to break ground in June.
• Carmel Project (Home Place Area): Another six three-bedroom duplexes, with construction likely beginning in May. This project specifically aims to assist families who have experienced housing insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite its numerous achievements, HAND continues to face challenges. These include securing funding and overcoming public resistance. Davis says the people they serve are already part of the community, including teachers, service workers and caregivers, who simply need a more affordable place to live. Overcoming these challenges requires the support and understanding of the community.
Federal funding uncertainties also pose a concern. HAND relies heavily on government programs like HOME, a federal housing fund, but fluctuating budgets mean funding for future projects is never guaranteed.
Those interested in making a difference can support HAND by participating in their upcoming Volunteer Day on May 15. Volunteers will help with landscaping and maintenance at Home Place Gardens (Carmel), Plum Tree Gardens (Noblesville) and Pebble Brook Gardens (Noblesville).
Davis actively encourages community members to get involved. “We often receive requests from groups looking to help, which is a fantastic way to support our residents and keep our properties looking great,” she says.
HAND’s continued efforts to secure funding, form partnerships and engage the community aim to expand affordable housing opportunities in Hamilton County. Ongoing community support and involvement are crucial to HAND’s mission. Davis remains optimistic about HAND’s ability to make a lasting impact on the local community.
