Can Zero Lot Line Homes Help Solve Fort Wayne’s Housing Crisis?

Fort Wayne Tries New Housing Idea: Zero Lot Line Homes
By Harper James, Summit City Scoop

 

Fort Wayne leaders are looking for new ways to deal with the city’s housing shortage. Recently, Fort Wayne City Council approved a zoning change that allows for “Zero Lot Line” homes.

 

What does that mean? Normally, houses have to sit a certain distance away from the property line. With this change, builders in Fort Wayne can now place one side of a house right on the edge of the lot. This allows homes to be built closer together, which saves space and money. Think of it like townhomes or row houses, smaller yards but more homes in the same area of Fort Wayne neighborhoods.

 

The idea is simple, if builders can fit more houses on a piece of land, the cost per home might go down. That could make housing in Fort Wayne easier to afford for families who are struggling with high rent and low wages.

 

Why It Matters for Homelessness in Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne has more than 500 people experiencing homelessness, and many more living on the edge of losing housing. Affordable housing in Fort Wayne is one of the biggest barriers. While local shelters and nonprofits help with emergency needs, long-term solutions require more homes that people can actually afford.

 

Zero Lot Line housing will not fix everything, but it is one tool. It helps create “middle ground” housing for Fort Wayne residents who may not need a big house, but want something more stable than an apartment.

 

What’s Next for Fort Wayne

This zoning change is only the beginning. Fort Wayne and Allen County are also working to expand Everyone Home, the city’s long-term plan to prevent and end homelessness; exploring low-barrier shelters, which do not require things like sobriety or leaving pets behind so more people feel safe coming inside; partnering with nonprofits like the Rescue Mission and Vincent Village to provide both emergency shelter and long-term housing; and focusing on prevention, such as rent assistance and support services, to keep families from becoming homeless in the first place.

 

What You Can Do in Fort Wayne

Homelessness in Fort Wayne is not just a government problem, it is a community issue. Here are ways you can help right now:

 

1. Volunteer your time to serve meals, mentor youth, or sort donations.

2. Donate money or supplies; shelters in Fort Wayne always need funds for housing, food, and medical care.

3. Advocate for affordable housing in Fort Wayne by contacting City Council and asking them to keep housing a top priority.

4. Support local nonprofits working on the frontlines:

   • The Rescue Mission

   • Charis House

   • Vincent Village

   • Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network

   • Brightpoint

   • Associated Churches of Fort Wayne

   • Catholic Charities Fort Wayne-South Bend

5. Show compassion, treat people experiencing homelessness in Fort Wayne with dignity; a smile, kind word, or cup of coffee can mean more than you realize.

6. Join your church or civic group in outreach efforts, many already partner with shelters and food programs that support Fort Wayne families in need.

 

The Bottom Line: Fort Wayne’s zoning change may help create more affordable housing, but solving homelessness in Fort Wayne will take more than new building codes. It will take the entire community, neighbors, nonprofits, churches, and everyday residents, working together to make sure no one in Fort Wayne is left without a place to call home.