Fund Purpose:
To provide financial assistance to The Affordable Housing Corporation of Marion, Indiana, in furtherance of its affordable housing and community development efforts.
Fund Story:
Jacquie Dodyk has served as executive director of Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) since 1997. At that time, she was the only employee and AHC had no assets. Today, AHC has 13 employees and net assets of over $6 million. In partnership with public and private investors, AHC has financed $35 million in local housing and community development projects.
“We are now in a position to fundraise for an endowment,” Jacquie said. “The proceeds of which will be re-invested in community projects, programs, and services.”
The Affordable Housing Corporation Endowed Fund began in 2007 when Jacquie and her husband, Lou, donated seed money of $500. “We wanted to forever have an imprint on the quality of life in Grant County through AHC,” said Jacquie.
AHC envisions a place where people want to live and stay, abundant with opportunities to work, learn, and play. Through leadership in comprehensive community development efforts, AHC serves as an agent of change in building a better community for all members.
“Affordable housing is an economic problem. When you do the numbers, you see how people’s lives are impacted by financial need and it’s a call to action,” said Jacquie.
Jacquie’s passion for affordable housing began when she was working as a Home School Coordinator for Marion Community Schools. She visited the homes of students enrolled in Head Start through Grade 4 who were at-risk for failure in school. “I saw the dramatic difference a better home makes for these children,” said Dodyk. “School success is a ticket out. But you have to be there, awake, not scared, and not hungry, to benefit.”
AHC partners with at least one and sometimes multiple organizations on projects. AHC staff is active on other community boards and committees in order to better understand the needs they have identified, and so others can understand how AHC can help address those needs.
This fund ensures that opportunities for safe, decent, and affordable housing will always be available to Grant County residents.
For more information about the Affordable Housing Corporation’s programs and services, visit www.ahcgrantcounty.com.
Fund Impact:
Affordable Housing Corporation
