HAND welcomes new Program Manager

Rebekah Wood joined Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development Inc. as Program Manager on Aug. 7.

In her new role, Wood will oversee HAND’s housing development projects and lead the organization’s community-development proposals, grant administration and compliance.

“I am excited to join the talented team at HAND and have the opportunity to assist in their strategic community-development efforts,” Wood said. “I feel fortunate to work alongside those committed to improving the quality of life for others through the creation of affordable housing.”

Wood earned a bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Science from Indiana University-Bloomington and worked as a housing development strategist at the John Boner Neighborhood Centers in Indianapolis through the AmeriCorps VISTA program.

She also has served as a kindergarten director at AYS Inc. in Indianapolis and as assistant director at Wonderlab in Bloomington.

Wood replaces longtime Program Manager Michelle Westermeier, who resigned to work for her family business.

Founded in 2003, HAND works to ensure that Hamilton County remains livable, with homes that are affordable for all residents.

In addition to developing and owning six properties that provide a total of 96 affordable apartments, HAND helps low-income homeowners make critical repairs to their homes.

The organization has invested nearly $17 million in Hamilton County housing, and construction of its $2.4 million Home Place Gardens development is expected to begin this fall.