Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity today announced the launch of its first full-scale neighborhood development in Marion County in 25 years. The new development, known as the Devon Creek community, will provide 10 affordable homes for first-time homebuyers who complete Habitat's homeownership education program, Habitat University. This project is supported by financial investments from the NCAA, Allegion and individual donors.
According to Habitat data, in Indiana, those in 1 of 9 households spend half or more of their income on housing, a burden that leaves Hoosier families with little room for savings or stability. Since the summer of 2020, home values in the region have surged by 42%, while wages have not kept pace. This sharp rise in costs has made it harder than ever for first-time buyers to find an affordable home, contributing to a record-low supply of attainable housing.
This milestone project comes at a critical time. The Indianapolis region continues to face a significant shortage of affordable homes for purchase, driving up housing prices and limiting access for first-time buyers. In response, Greater Indy Habitat has broadened its strategy to include neighborhood developments, in addition to new townhome designs and enhanced education programming.
"Over the past several years, we've seen land prices rise by more than 324% across our service area," said Jim Morris, president and CEO of Greater Indy Habitat. "Neighborhood developments like Devon Creek are one of the many solutions we are pursuing to address the rising cost of land and construction. They allow us to grow sustainably while continuing to provide working families with real pathways to affordable homeownership."
The NCAA, which is headquartered in Indianapolis, joined the community initiative as the cornerstone sponsor of the Devon Creek project. A longtime supporter of Habitat's local and national work, the NCAA will contribute to the success of the local build with a $500,000 investment from funds previously designated for Habitat engagements.
"The NCAA is honored to be the cornerstone sponsor for the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity Devon Creek project," said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement. "The NCAA's $500,000 investment is the pivotal and foundational start to this new neighborhood, creating stable, affordable homes that will transform the lives of 10 Indianapolis families. With this sponsorship, we are grateful to cap our successful, multiyear partnership with Habitat for Humanity in such an impactful and lasting way."
The Devon Creek community in the southeast part of the Washington Township school district will include seven three-bedroom, 1.5-bath homes and three four-bedroom, two-bath homes. Each home will range from 1,250 to 1,450 square feet and feature a full front porch, offering families space to gather and grow. All homes will also include a one-car garage accessible via a shared rear alley.
The estimated sales price for each home will be $250,000, based on the comparative market analysis of the area. Families purchase the homes from Habitat with a no-interest mortgage, making monthly payments significantly more affordable and stable compared to market-rate options.
Site prep and groundwork will begin this year, with homebuilding set to start in fall 2026.
How to get involved
- Prospective homeowners interested in purchasing a home through Greater Indy Habitat should visit indyhabitat.org/apply.
- Volunteers and supporters interested in helping build the Devon Creek Community can contact Abri Hochstetler at ahochstetler@indyhabitat.org.
