As demand for affordable, accessible housing continues to rise across southern Indiana, Rauch Inc. is meeting the moment with an ambitious expansion, thanks to strategic support from a Section 4 capacity building grant. Serving the community for more than 70 years, the nonprofit is making a pivotal transition from a trusted service provider to a housing developer.
Long known as a human services organization, Rauch is now expanding its community development efforts through a newly established Housing Department. Rauch Housing will be focused on developing and managing accessible, affordable housing for individuals and families with low incomes.
Founded in 1953, Rauch offers full-on supportive services to individuals with disabilities, including living care, respite care, and in-home care. Other programs provided include child services, adult day programs, work services, and employment support. Through their program, Rauch Community Living, they are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities find affordable housing, offering financial guidance, teaching essential daily living skills, providing transportation, and organizing recreational activities to enrich their lives.
In 2024, Rauch’s community living program served 10 in-home respite clients and 30 supported living clients. Clients receive education about their rights and support in using that knowledge every day. Staff also complete ongoing training aligned with the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule to ensure individuals receiving waiver services enjoy the same home and community rights as those without disabilities.
Currently, Rauch manages housing in Charlestown’s Hawthorn Glen neighborhood. The 46 single-family homes serve individuals in their Supported Living program and those with disabilities. Rauch is now working on 18 new single-family homes that will be accessible and affordable. Some of these homes will also be occupied by aging individuals and those who need wheelchair access. The Section 4 grant awarded through Enterprise provided crucial support to bring underutilized older units into compliance and complete deferred maintenance.
The funding is also used for professional development to help the new housing director build core competencies in areas such as tax-credit certification, housing development finance, and project management, expanding their knowledge and expertise in affordable housing development.
Rauch is not just adding homes; they are building infrastructure, capacity, and relationships to support sustainable growth in the region. With this Section 4 funding, the organization can continue to move from a housing department to a developer of much-needed affordable housing in the region.
As this work takes shape, the impact will be felt far beyond bricks and mortar. It will be seen in the strengthened communities, the empowered families, and the lasting connections that make southern Indiana a better place to call home.
