-02.jpg)
What We Do
Quality and Affordable Housing | Economic Development & Entrepreneurship
Workforce Development | QOL Planning | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Affordable Housing as a Pathway Towards Economic Mobility
Crooked Creek Northwest CDC recognizes affordable housing as the first rung on the ladder to upward financial stability and progress. Affordable housing spurs economic development in communities, yields new jobs, and creates a stronger workforce, generates tax revenue, and stimulates neighborhood economies.
​
Despite having poverty rates that mirror those of Indianapolis’ inner-city neighborhoods, the CDC’s service area uniquely sandwiches disinvested nodes between high net worth households thus creating an illusion of financial stability, security, and prosperity. In many areas, nearly 30% of residents live in poverty, more than 50% are housing-cost burdened, and a majority of the populations earn less than the Marion County median income.
​​
Research shows that affordable housing is a catalyst for creating and sustaining economic agility and strongly suggests that one’s ability to attain opportunities is inherently associated with the community in which they live. The social capital gained as a result of affordable housing results in families earning more and living healthier, happier, longer lives.
​
The CDC works to improve neighborhoods by administering owner-occupied repair programs for low-to-moderate households, rehabbing homes, and co-developing affordable units. We continue to build social capital for residents through our Lion Catcher Program. To learn more about how you can join our tutoring and mentoring efforts, click here.
​
To learn more about the Owner-Occupied Home Repair program or to apply, please click here.
​
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Our efforts to build vibrant clusters of commerce along the Michigan Road corridor aim to attract both large and small new businesses and to expand existing ones. The CDC leverages grants and tax credits to help finance infrastructure improvements and enhance small business facades. We work with local agencies to improve traffic intersections, increase pedestrian safety, and enhance corridor esthetics.
To join our QoL Planning team, please click here.
Small businesses contribute to local economies by supplying growth and innovation, and they account for half of the jobs and sales in the US. Our neighborhood small business incubation program supports entrepreneurs in their efforts to start, manage, and grow their small business. We pair businesses with consultants and mentors to develop strategies and financial models that position businesses for future success. The CDC is launching free six-month incubator guides a cohort of aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of developing a written business plan and company brand.
​
Learn more about the business planning cohort.
​
Indy's northwest is endowed with uniquely talented artist and makers, professionals, and local shops that enrich our communities. Our small business directory aims to bring attention to local businesses by connecting them with residents and visitors.
Click below to register your business.
​
Connecting Residents with Area Employers
Crooked Creek is building partnerships with agencies and nonprofits to equip residents with the skills necessary to obtain higher paying jobs on Indy's northwest side. We work to develop both the soft and hard skills necessary for being successful high-demand positions.
Simultaneously, we are building relationships with employers that foster inclusive workplaces and offer equitable pay. We offer DEI training, tools, and resources to neighborhood employers in an effort to enhance cultural competency and to eradicate bias in hiring and employment practices.
​​
Residents
training
employers
Quality-of-Life Planning
Crooked Creek Northwest Community Development Corporation works to enhance housing, spur economic development, and create beautiful corridors for one of the country’s most diverse and distinct neighborhoods.
Quality of life planning refers to the process of convening residents, businesses, and other community stakeholders to identify the issues and opportunities within a neighborhood. It is led by residents who have been equipped with the data that will help them devise feasible solutions to practical challenges.
​
There are more than 105,000 residents in our area . As a member of this vibrant community, we strongly encourage you to become an active partner in the mission of the CDC in order to create the future that you want to see. If there is to be positive change, you must help to make it happen.