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South Bend Mutual Homes

A Housing Cooperative for engaged residents.

Through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) LIHTC program, South Bend Mutual Homes offers a unique opportunity for families with lower incomes to live in brand new homes through a housing cooperative. These 24 single family homes are located in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood, just west of downtown South Bend.

The housing cooperative is owned and operated by the respective residents, with monthly costs ranging from 201 to 580 per month plus utilities.  The residents have formed a board of directors that meet monthly to assist with the management of the housing development.  The board of directors also plan many events for the cooperative and the community. The houses were built in 2015 on lots cleared as part of the city’s vacant and abandoned housing initiative.

South Bend Mutual Homes received special funding from IHCDA through a round that encouraged “innovative” housing developments. As part of its innovation, SBMH has procured a researcher through University of Purdue Indy to study the effects of a housing cooperative in the neighborhood.  SBMH is the first housing cooperative in Indiana in 40 years! Additionally, a part-time Resource Navigator with provide support services for the residents. 

Additional funding for the project was provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis in the form of a $400,000 grant and 1st Source Bank of South Bend served as the sponsor. Prosperity Indiana contributed to the project by providing a $25,000 SUN Grant for the purchase and installation of solar panels for four homes. Prosperity Indiana also crowdfunded and matched donations raised to complete and beautify the community friendship pocket park.

Contact & Location

Rosie Leyva
Property Manager
803 Lincolnway West
South Bend, IN 46616
P: 574.855.1603
E: rosieleyva@sbheritage.org

The waiting list of SBMH is extensive, however families are encouraged to submit an application to be placed on the waiting list.

AMENITIES

AWARDS

» Governor’s Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing, 2018 Urban Project of the Year

PARTICIPATION

» Neighborhood Block Party / Park Dedication 2018
» CLI Training – Neighborhood Participation and Enhancement, 2017
» Monthly Board Meetings & Annual Meeting in April
» Neighborhood Clean-Up
» Free Lunch Program at Community Friendship Park (441 Cottage Grove Ave)

PRESENTATIONS

» Cooperatives and Affordable Housing Needs / Prosperity Indiana / 2019
» Cooperatives and Diverse Communities / Indiana Cooperative Development Center / 2018
» A Conversation on Housing Co-Ops / Indiana Cooperative Development Center / 2018
» Cooperatives and People of Color / Indiana Cooperative Development Center / 2017

EVENTS

» Men’s Social Outing / 2019
» Women’s Spa Day / 2019
» Cubs Night Out! / Four Winds Field / 2017
» Madea Movie Night Out / 2019
» Motivational Speaker Terry Stokes / 2018
» Anti-Poverty Seminar / 2016
» Annual Valentine’s Day Craft Workshop
» Annual Fall Harvest Festival
» Annual Holiday Party