Mirror Indy

From our new series, “Broken Housing” Randi Atwell lived at her apartment in Beech Grove for four years, as a Section 8 tenant, before she was evicted by her landlord. Her rent was supposed to be paid by the Indianapolis Housing Agency. The 35-year-old mother tried to explain to a judge why she wasn’t to blame. According to multiple landlords, the public housing agency is several months and thousands of dollars behind on rent. Atwell’s landlord insists he tried getting ahold of IHA but never heard back. IHA officials said the landlord didn’t do everything he was supposed to. Either way, housing advocates and attorneys who reviewed the case agree: Tenants lost IHA’s protection, and Atwell and her neighbors were left vulnerable. Now, Atwell is without a home and a voucher. "We are being treated like trash and like we did something wrong,” Atwell said. Since Atwell was forced to leave in August, she and her 9-year-old son have been staying with family and friends. It may be years before she gets another voucher. Richard Monocchio, a principal deputy assistant secretary at HUD, declined an interview request. In a statement, a HUD spokesperson said the federal agency was working with the city to address “longstanding issues,” and that “a safe and supportive housing environment” was their priority. HUD also declined to answer specific questions about the situation in Beech Grove. In a statement, a HUD spokesperson said the agency was working with the city to provide “a safe and supportive housing environment” in Indianapolis. https://lnkd.in/gtNMWZWk

Christmas will be here in a month, and, it turns out, Santa and his elves could use a hand getting gifts to all the good little children. Kids can write letters to Santa until Dec. 9 through the U.S. Postal Service’s Operation Santa program. The letters are paired with a family who can purchase items on their list and ship them in Santa’s name. Dozens of Indiana families – many of whom are experiencing difficult circumstances – have sent letters to Santa so far. To help Santa, register at the Operation Santa site then choose the “Read Letters” tab to adopt a family. You can choose families here in Indiana or throughout the U.S. The last day to adopt a family is Dec. 16. https://lnkd.in/dqTNRdkA

Happy Thanksgiving! Are feeling good and stuffed yet? Indianapolis-based artist Brent Aldrich has a savory treat for you. He created a comic, “Not a Chef, an Artist,” to inspire us this holiday. “I don’t like to cook,” Aldrich said. “Yet every Thanksgiving Eve, without fail, I decide I’m the best chef in the world.” This year, the frequent Mirror Indy illustrator, who works in arts, education and community development, said he’s leaning into what he’s good at. And you should, too! https://lnkd.in/grm58gKB

Austin Dean Ashford, a poet, musician and artist, is creating a partnership between Flanner House and IF Theatre, formerly known as IndyFringe. His goal? To create a path for local Black artists to participate in IF Theatre’s IndyFringe festival. “I noticed a lack of equity for some of the Black artists,” Ashford said. “Because Indy Fringe is the largest art festival in the state, so I’m like, ‘Yo, how could I get some of these amazing Black people to be in this festival?’” This year’s program is underway, but it will be open next year to more aspiring playwrights. Participants will learn how to write and direct plays, with help from local stage managers, lighting experts and directors. Their first shows will premiere in February at Watkins Park. Ashford has won top honors at theater festivals in Edinburgh, New Zealand and San Diego. He moved to Indy to work at Flanner House, after finishing his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. https://lnkd.in/gDR_EMAn

Mirror Indy’s six-month investigation, “Broken Housing,” reveals a pattern of mismanagement at Indianapolis Housing Agency. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening and what you should know. https://lnkd.in/g44eAeJh

EmployIndy works with Indy-area high schools to offer students paid job training. Through the Modern Apprenticeship Program, EmployIndy focuses on seven industries, including information technology and construction. Students are paid for the work. Companies cover the cost of their apprentice’s hourly pay, which starts at $13. EmployIndy runs two hiring cycles a year to place students in apprenticeships. No other past work experience is required. Students learn how to create a resume, fill out job applications and do interviews. Apprentices commit to three years in the program. The next cycle opens in January. EmployIndy staff say they’re looking to make connections with new or interested businesses now. The organization has turned away students in past years because of a lack of available positions to fill. https://lnkd.in/gyRNYJn5

A plan to install protected bike lanes in Meridian-Kessler has been scrapped over concerns about the loss of on-street parking spaces. The project would have created a two-way bike lane with protective barriers between 46th Street and Westfield Boulevard. Instead, the city will repave the road and paint shared lane markings for bicycles and cars. Not everyone is happy with the decision, including Bike Indianapolis advocates. “We believe the final design does not improve safety for vulnerable road users on this street,” said Chris Holcomb, chair of the advocacy committee for Bike Indianapolis, in a statement to Mirror Indy. “This design will be confusing to both drivers and cyclists and creates additional points of conflict in the roadway that could endanger cyclists.” In a statement, the Department of Public Works said the new plan “aims to balance safety improvements with community priorities.” https://lnkd.in/gvPpt4VE

New from Mirror Indy’s investigation, “Broken Housing”: How the Indianapolis Housing Agency's failures are ruining landlord relations and harming tenants. After buying a Beech Grove apartment building in March, Dennis Brackenridge started trying to get rid of renters who were supposed to be receiving help through the Indianapolis Housing Agency’s Section 8 program. But IHA is behind on payments. He filed at least 21 evictions between March and June, according to court records. Kevin Nestor and Amidy Merry were among the former tenants who were evicted and forced into homelessness. Brackenridge and IHA officials disagree about who’s at fault. Brackenridge said he tried to get in touch with IHA but never heard back. Greg Stocking, IHA’s interim CEO at the time, said the agency didn’t receive the information it needed to pay Brackenridge. As a result, it appears the required contract was terminated. To make matters worse, Nestor’s items ended up in the landlord’s storage company. He said Brackenridge wanted $800, plus $11 per day, to get his things back. Mirror Indy last contacted Merry in late July; she was living outside near the Indiana Convention Center. Nestor has slept outside as well, camping in a southside park or in the woods by the White River. The 67-year-old said he’s gone days at a time without eating. “When you’re outside,” Nestor said, “you gotta survive.” Lately, he’s been staying with friends. Nestor still has a Section 8 voucher and said he has a case manager who’s helping him get into an apartment. https://lnkd.in/gwVkD9M8

We asked college students in Indy who they voted for and why. You’re in for a surprise. Top issues for these young voters included everything from reproductive rights to the conflict in Gaza to the economy. https://lnkd.in/gpDSevjg

Westsiders could be the next group to benefit from the growing popularity of rail trails in Indianapolis. https://lnkd.in/gPXE9yJF