HAND has received a $55,000 grant to support the launch of the Hamilton County Community Land Trust (CLT), a game-changing initiative to preserve long-term housing affordability in our communities. The funding comes through the Community Multiplier – Member Match program, a partnership between the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis) and Merchants Bank of Indiana.
This investment will help us move the CLT from concept to reality over the next 12-18 months. With these funds, HAND will:
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Create and establish the CLT as a new nonprofit entity
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Build governance and operational infrastructure
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Launch a homebuyer assistance program that combines down payment help with long-term affordability
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Form partnerships with realtors, lenders, and community groups
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Prepare 2–3 pilot projects, including redevelopment of public-sector-owned properties
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Develop a full operating plan and funding strategy
“This is a critical next step in addressing the housing affordability crisis in Hamilton County,” said Andrea Davis, Executive Director of HAND. “By removing land costs from the equation and preserving affordability over generations, the CLT ensures that our communities remain accessible to the people who work and live here.”
This effort was born from the Hamilton County Housing Collaborative, a coalition of local leaders and organizations committed to expanding housing options across the income spectrum. In 2023, the group identified a community land trust as a priority strategy – and HAND, as the Collaborative’s convener, stepped up to lead the charge.
The CLT model enables qualified households to buy homes at below-market prices while the land remains in trust. Homeowners gain stability and build equity, while the homes stay affordable for the next buyer too.
FHLBank Indianapolis launched the Community Multiplier program in March 2025 to fund targeted affordable housing efforts in Indiana and Michigan. With a 10% match from a participating financial institution, the program awards up to $125,000 per project until the $5 million pool is allocated.
HAND is honored to be among the first recipients and excited to build momentum toward a stronger, more inclusive Hamilton County.
Want to learn more about the Community Land Trust model? Mark your calendar – we’re hosting a webinar on Wednesday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m. to dive deeper into how Community Land Trusts work and how they can benefit families in our region.
See the full press release here.