About Hoosier Friends
Connecting IU students with quality housing since 2020
Our Story
Hoosier Friends was founded in 2020 by a group of IU alumni who experienced firsthand the challenges of finding quality student housing in Bloomington. Frustrated by outdated listing platforms and the disconnect between student needs and available properties, they set out to create a solution that would benefit both students and local property owners.
What began as a simple listing board has grown into a comprehensive property management system that serves thousands of IU students and hundreds of property owners in the Bloomington area. Our platform combines technology with local expertise to create a seamless housing experience for the IU community.
Our Mission
Hoosier Friends is dedicated to connecting IU students with quality, affordable housing options while helping local property owners efficiently manage their rentals. We strive to create a transparent, user-friendly platform that simplifies the housing process for everyone involved.
Our Values
- Community: We're committed to strengthening the IU community by fostering positive relationships between students and local property owners.
- Transparency: We believe in honest, clear communication and accurate representation of properties.
- Innovation: We continuously improve our platform to meet the evolving needs of students and property owners.
- Quality: We maintain high standards for the properties listed on our platform to ensure students find safe, comfortable homes.
- Accessibility: We strive to make quality housing accessible to all IU students, regardless of background or budget.
Meet Our Team
Hoosier Friends is powered by a dedicated team of IU alumni and housing experts who are passionate about improving the student housing experience in Bloomington.
Sarah Martinez
IU Class of 2015
Kelley School of Business
Robert Chen
IU Class of 2016
School of Informatics
Emily Johnson
IU Class of 2018
College of Arts & Sciences
Michael Thompson
IU Class of 2017
O'Neill School of Public Affairs
Our Journey
From a small startup to Bloomington's leading student housing platform, here's how Hoosier Friends has evolved:
The Beginning
Hoosier Friends was founded by IU alumni Sarah Martinez and Robert Chen to address student housing challenges in Bloomington.
Platform Launch
The first version of our platform launched with 50 property listings and quickly gained popularity among IU students.
Expansion
Added advanced search features, virtual tours, and expanded our team to better serve the growing user base.
Community Focus
Launched community initiatives including housing workshops and partnerships with IU student organizations.
Technology Upgrade
Implemented new features including AI-powered matching, digital lease signing, and an enhanced mobile experience.
Today
Now serving thousands of IU students and hundreds of property owners with a comprehensive housing solution.
Our Partners
We're proud to collaborate with these organizations to improve the student housing experience in Bloomington:
Community Impact
At Hoosier Friends, we're committed to making a positive impact on the Bloomington community. Here are some of the ways we give back:
- Housing Education Workshops: We regularly host free workshops to help students understand leases, tenant rights, and housing options.
- Scholarship Program: Our annual scholarship supports IU students who demonstrate leadership in community housing initiatives.
- Sustainable Housing Initiative: We partner with property owners to implement eco-friendly practices in student housing.
- Community Service Days: Our team participates in neighborhood clean-up and improvement projects throughout Bloomington.
- Local Business Support: We connect students with local businesses through our welcome packages and community resources.
We believe that quality housing is just the beginning. By fostering connections between students, property owners, and the broader Bloomington community, we're helping create a more vibrant and inclusive environment for everyone.