WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet and the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) recently announced a joint venture to address the workforce housing shortage.

Last week, the IHCDA announced Zimmer Biomet as one of four Indiana-based companies selected for its Anchor Employer Workforce Housing Program. The initiative aims to create public-private partnerships to address Indiana’s workforce housing shortage, said a joint news release from the IHCDA and Zimmer Biomet.

Earlier this year, IHCDA approved up to $4 million for the program and invited requests for proposal asking companies to think creatively and develop a proposal specifically tailored to the needs of there community.

“With continued growth at our headquarters in Warsaw, there is a need for more available and affordable housing for people interested in relocating to the area,” said Monica Kendrick, vice president external communications at Zimmer-Biomet.

“We want people to live and work here in Kosciusko County,” Kendrick said.

Kendrick thinks partnerships like the Anchor Employer Workforce Housing Program are key to addressing the needs of the community.

Three other employers selected were IU Health Human Resources, Indianapolis; Impact CNC, Columbia City; and French Lick Resort, French Lick.

Each participating employer will match or exceed its respective $1 million in funding from IHCDA to develop workforce housing in their communities.

“We’re pleased to partner with these key employers on this innovative approach to addressing the workforce housing needs in our state,” said Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch.