History

LaCasa began in 1970 as a community initiative to improve the housing conditions of migrant workers in Goshen, Indiana . Concerned individuals and churches organized in response to this need. This type of grass roots support and community partnership continues to play an important role in LaCasa’s success in Elkhart County.

Today, LaCasa is a not-for-profit community development corporation with a strong housing component. LaCasa and its constituents also value the organization’s ability to provide a unique mix of educational and social services. There is a deep conviction that LaCasa, its clients and the community all benefit from the lasting relationships developed through the continuum of services provided to individuals, families and neighborhoods.

LaCasa is strengthened by its ties to state and national organizations. In 1999 the organization was chartered as a member of the NeighborWorks Network, a national collaboration of more than 240 community-based organizations. In 2000, LaCasa completed Arbor Ridge, a 72-unit apartment community, and in 2001 it collaborated with area lending institutions to offer financing services, originating mortgages for Elkhart County families. In 2004, LaCasa became a full-service lender, joined the NeighborWorks National Campaign for Home Ownership, and was recognized as a HUD certified counseling agency. In 2005, in recognition of its neighborhood development success, LaCasa was included in the NeighborWorks Community Building and Organizing Initiative. In 2006, LaCasa was acknowledged as a NeighborWorks Home Ownership Center . LaCasa is a United Way organization and an equal housing lender and housing provider.

Population and geographic region served

LaCasa’s primary focus for housing development is Goshen and Elkhart County . The State of Indiana contracts with LaCasa to provide educational programs for people in Elkhart and surrounding counties. The population served varies in relation to specific program areas, but the main population LaCasa serves would be described as low- to moderate-income individuals and families, between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income.