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Indianapolis Housing Agency CEO Yvonda Bean unveils her 12-month plan. (Tyler Fenwick/Mirror Indy)
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Dear Indy,
You may remember that last year, Emily Hopkins and Tyler Fenwick reported on mismanagement at the Indianapolis Housing Agency. The organization’s failures led to Section 8 renters being evicted or placed in unsafe living conditions.
In her first year on the job, CEO Yvonda Bean announced plans to make some improvements. These changes include beefing up security at housing complexes and increasing the number of families housed through its programs. IHA also now has working phones for the first time in two years.
While Bean isn’t shying away from the agency’s failures, she’s hoping to rebuild trust with residents, landlords and the community.
“We recognize that we have some mending to do, that we have some broken relationships due to some of the challenges that we face internally, and so we will be on an intentional journey to rebuild those relationships,” Bean told reporters Monday.
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A message from our sponsor
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Grant Bridgeman speaks during an opening ceremony for The Bridgeman apartments. (Jenna Watson /Mirror Indy)
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Southeast Neighborhood Development unveiled an affordable housing complex in the Old Southside last week. The Bridgeman apartments are named for a longtime community advocate, Anthony Bridgeman, who died of cancer in 2023. His son helped with the ribbon cutting.
Get your child’s car seat inspected by safety experts from 4:30-6:30 p.m. today at Ivy Tech. The IU School of Medicine will also give away free car seats to families in need. If you’d like a free seat, make sure to bring your kid and your car to the event.
Want to get more involved in advocacy? The IPS Parent Council will host an op-ed writing workshop from 6:30-8 p.m. today at Southeast Community Services. Learn what to write in an op-ed and how to get your viewpoint published in local media.
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Today's weather from |
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The 80s return! Meteorologist Tara
Hastings says we'll see slightly warmer temps today. An isolated shower or storm is possible in the afternoon.
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What's going on around the city |
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Tech event for older folks: Want to be more tech savvy? Learn how to create documents with Microsoft Word Online from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Michigan Road library branch, 6201 Michigan Road. Free.
Dinner delight: Eat a six-course meal and celebrate six talented chefs with Indy Women in Food from 6-9 p.m. May 20 at Corridor, 1134 E. 54th St. Tickets are $150. Call 317-257-7374 to reserve a spot.
Free yoga class: Get ready for the return of Invoke Studio’s Outdoor Yoga session at 9:30 a.m. May 25 at Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road. Free.
— Mesgana Waiss, arts and culture reporter
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A message from our sponsor
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What else we're reading today |
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Summer meals: Indiana opted not to participate in a federal food assistance program that gives families $120 per child monthly while schools are closed for summer break. Nearly 670,000 kids participated in the program — called SUN Bucks — in 2024. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Community theater: The Mud Creek Players, a volunteer-run theater in the Geist area, is celebrating 75 years by redoing shows from each of its seven decades. (WISH-TV).
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Indy Documenter Janna Thomas live tweets a meeting of the Marion County election board Friday, April 5, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Jenna Watson/Mirror Indy)
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On April 22, a mural honoring Madge Oberholtzer was unveiled at the May Public Art for Neighborhoods meeting. Oberholtzer was an Irvington resident and artist who was integral in
fighting the KKK in Indiana.
Oberholtzer changed the course of justice in Indiana with her deathbed testimony, which led to the conviction of D. C. Stephenson, a klan leader who attacked and killed Oberholtzer.
Irvington Development Organization hired Andrea Light, a visual artist, to create a mural in honor of Oberholtzer and commemorate the 100th anniversary of her death.
Indy Documenters Andrea Drygas and Dailyn Eades covered the Public Art for Neighborhoods Selection Committee on May 1.
Are there other meetings we should cover? Send them to us at documenters@mirrorindy.org.
— Sharlene Birdsong, Indy Documenters assignment editor
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Happy Game 5 day! I’m a pretty casual sports fan, but even I’ve gotten into the Pacers spirit these last few weeks.
However, my grandma is quite possibly the world’s biggest Cavs fan. She, my mom and my aunt all went to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, which hardcore basketball fans might recognize as LeBron James’ alma mater.
My grandma called me on Sunday night, and of course we ended up talking about the playoffs. She told me that while she’s always thought Indianapolis is a lovely place, she’s hoping the Cavs cream us.
Franma — if you’re reading this — love you lots, but go ‘Cers!
Have a great day,
Claire
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at claire.rafford@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
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