CoAction Honored with Trailblazer Award from IHCDA for Innovative Homeless Diversion Efforts
CoAction is proud to announce it has been awarded the Trailblazer Award by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA). This recognition celebrates organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership and service in their communities. CoAction earned the award for its groundbreaking work in homelessness prevention through its Diversion Advocacy Program a strategic, compassionate approach designed to prevent homelessness before it begins by connecting individuals and families to immediate housing alternatives, community support, and long-term stability.
The Diversion Advocacy Program is built on a tiered service model that mirrors the Critical Time Intervention (CTI) approach used in Housing First programs. By prioritizing intensive, individualized case management that tapers as a household stabilizes, the program empowers clients to build self-sufficiency and long-term resilience within a year.
“We developed the Diversion Advocacy Program out of a real need in our community, to prevent homelessness before it starts. It was built on the foundation of our family self-sufficiency work, where we focus on helping people stabilize and move forward,” said Gina Gomez, Senior Director of Crisis Navigation at CoAction. “This award is a powerful reminder that prevention matters. We’re deeply grateful to IHCDA for not only helping us fund this work but standing beside us as partners committed to real solutions for Hoosier NWI families.”
“Our team doesn’t just hand people a list of resources, we walk alongside them as they navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives,” said Abby Johnson, Homeless Resouces Manager at CoAction. “Receiving the Trailblazer Award validates the impact of this work and underscores the need for continued investment in proactive solutions.”
Homelessness continues to be a growing concern in Northwest Indiana. In 2023, nearly 350 individuals across Lake, Porter, Laporte, Starke, Newton, Jasper, Pulaski counties experienced homelessness on a single night, according to the annual Point-in-Time Count. Of those, over 30% were families with children, and a rising number were experiencing homelessness for the first time. Additionally, more than 48% of Lake County renters are cost-burdened, paying over 30% of their income toward housing, leaving little buffer for financial emergencies.
For more information about CoAction’s programs visit www.coaction.care
