By 1812Blockhouse
The Ohio Department of Development has announced a major step forward in addressing housing insecurity with the release of $6.8 million in Housing Assistance Grant Program funds. These grants will help nearly 1,200 low- and moderate-income Ohioans by supporting home repairs, accessibility upgrades, down payment assistance, and homebuyer education.
Richland Countians stand to benefit from this program.
Meeting Critical Needs Beyond the Mortgage
While the cost of buying a home often dominates the conversation, Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik emphasized that the challenges don’t stop at closing. “Ohio’s housing challenges do not begin and end with the cost of buying a home,” Mihalik said. “Keeping a home safe and livable can be just as challenging for many families.”
The Housing Assistance Grant Program, funded through the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, addresses these issues head-on by empowering nonprofit organizations to fill critical housing gaps.
Funding Repairs That Matter Most
Grants will allow nonprofits to work with qualified local construction firms to tackle essential home repairs that many families cannot afford. These include critical systems like heating and plumbing, as well as fixes for deteriorating roofs, windows, and hazardous electrical wiring. The goal: to ensure homes are not just affordable but also safe, warm, and livable.
Opening Doors for First-Time Buyers
In addition to repairs, the program also paves the way to homeownership by offering up to $5,000 in down payment assistance and out-of-pocket expenses. Another $500 per household is available for homebuyer education, equipping residents with the knowledge needed to make smart, sustainable housing choices.
Support for Seniors in North Central Ohio
Among the largest recipients is the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, serving Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, and Wyandot counties. The agency will receive $830,000 specifically to help low-income seniors—those aged 60 and over and living at or below 50% of the Area Median Income. These funds will go toward vital home repairs and accessibility modifications, helping older adults stay safely in their homes.
Empowering Communities Across the State
This initiative aligns with the Ohio Department of Development’s broader mission to invest in people, places, and businesses across the Buckeye State. Whether it’s through economic development or housing stability, the department continues to find innovative ways to empower Ohioans and strengthen communities.
For more information on how these programs are shaping Ohio’s housing future, visit development.ohio.gov.
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