Rep. Sweeney Announces $14.75M to Expand Access to Affordable Housing

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) yesterday announced that the Controlling Board approved $14.75M in funding for the Resident Services Coordinator Program, the Housing Development Assistance Program, and the Housing Assistance Grant Program, under the Ohio Housing Trust Fund.

“These investments will make housing more affordable in Ohio and ensure more Ohioans have a safe place to live,” said Rep. Sweeney, ranking member of the House Finance Committee and a member of the Controlling Board. “Housing is a basic need, and more needs to be done to fund affordable housing in Ohio. However, this is a crucial step and funding critical home repairs will especially help seniors and vulnerable communities stay in their homes as costs continue to rise across the state.”

Dollars released by the Controlling Board yesterday will support the following projects:

• $10M for the Housing Development Assistance Program which provides financing to developers to expand the supply of affordable housing for very low- to moderate-income individuals and families across Ohio;
• $4.5M for the Housing Assistance Grant Program, which helps low-income homeowners remain safely in their homes. Through competitively selected nonprofit partners, the program funds emergency home repairs, accessibility modifications, and limited down payment assistance for households at or below 50% of area median income; and
• $250K for the Resident Services Coordinator Program which supports coordinators who help low-income, elderly, and special-needs tenants in assisted rental housing access services, connect with community resources, and maintain stable housing.
   

The Ohio Housing Trust Fund provides funding for a full range of housing activities, including rental assistance, housing counseling, homebuyer assistance, handicapped accessibility modifications, rehabilitation, home repair, and new construction. These investments will expand Ohio’s supply of affordable housing while helping vulnerable residents remain safely housed—strengthening families, stabilizing neighborhoods, and ensuring more Ohioans have access to a safe, dignified place to call home.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A photo of Rep. Sweeney is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Rep. Sweeney’s office.