Ohio capital budget pushes Mission Point project near finish line
COLUMBUS — Construction on a 65-unit permanent housing development to support Toledo’s chronically homeless population is likely to begin this summer after the Ohio General Assembly approved nearly $1.2 million for the Mission Point project in the capital budget.
Rachel Gagnon, president of Cherry Street Mission, said she expects the financial closing to occur in July and for construction to begin in August. The total cost of the project is approximately $20.8 million.
“The capital dollars that are coming in are going to get us that much closer to the finish line,” Ms. Gagnon said. “But for that assistance, we would be delayed much further.”
Ms. Gagnon said her organization has been working on the project for about six years in partnership with Lucas Metropolitan Housing, the city of Toledo, Lucas County, and the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, among other entities. The housing development is expected to be completed in late 2027, she said.
The state capital budget, Senate Bill 450, is headed to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk after passing the Ohio House on Wednesday. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will become law immediately upon the governor’s signature.
State Rep. Elgin Rogers (D., Toledo) was instrumental in securing the funding, Ms. Gagnon said.
The nearly $1.2 million for the project is a combination of new funding and redirected funding. Mission Point received $407,500 in new funding and $750,000 in redirected capital dollars that had been approved for the stalled Jeep Museum project.
Mr. Rogers said he worked for months to secure the redirected funding after facing a temporary setback during the capital reappropriations process earlier in 2026.
“At the statehouse, relationships matter, credibility matters, and results matter,” Mr. Rogers said, pointing to his work with Republicans and fellow Democrats.
“I have worked diligently to earn the trust of legislative leaders and my colleagues so that when I advocate for Lucas County, our priorities are heard and acted upon,” he continued. “The investments we secured this year demonstrate what is possible when effective leadership and collaboration come together on behalf of the people.”
Mr. Rogers said the Mission Point funding is among his most significant accomplishments, noting he championed the project because investing in supportive housing changes lives, strengthens neighborhoods, improves public health outcomes, and creates long-term savings for taxpayers.
“Too often, individuals experiencing homelessness or living in poverty are left without a voice in the halls of government,” Mr. Rogers said. “I view it as my responsibility to ensure their needs are represented and that state government remains focused on lifting people up rather than leaving them behind.”
Additional Lucas County projects
Mr. Rogers said 16 of S.B. 450’s 22 Lucas County community projects are in his Ohio House district.
In addition to Mission Point, Mr. Rogers said he helped redirect capital funding to Toledo’s Historic Ohio Theatre, the Valentine Theatre, Harbor Behavioral Health, and Hopability — a partnership among Lott Industries, Anne Grady Services, and the Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio.
The Historic Ohio Theatre received $250,000 in new funding and $250,000 in redirected funding.
The Valentine Theatre received $500,000 in new funding and $250,000 in redirected funding.
Harbor Behavioral Health received $125,000 in redirected funding.
Hopability received $125,000 in redirected funding.
Other Lucas County lawmakers weigh in
State Rep. Josh Williams (R., Sylvania Township) said he helped secure nearly $8.8 million for his district.
“Between resources for our peace officers, the arts, our local governments, and for the revitalization of our most economically significant areas, our communities and my constituents deserve the money which we are reinvesting in them,” Mr. Williams said.
State Rep. Erika White (D., Springfield Township) said the capital budget will make a difference in the lives of residents across Lucas County and northwest Ohio.
“These projects will help address real local needs and strengthen the partnerships that move Lucas County forward,” Ms. White said.
“From supporting economic growth to enhancing community spaces and services, this funding will create opportunities that benefit residents today and for years to come,” she continued. “I am proud of the collaboration that helped make these investments possible, and I remain committed to working alongside local leaders and residents to deliver results that make a lasting difference.”
State Rep. Michele Grim (D., Toledo) said she helped secure more than $18.1 million for the University of Toledo.
“As a flagship institution in the Toledo community, I am proud to announce the award of over $18 million for the University of Toledo,” Ms. Grim said.
“The University of Toledo is more than a higher education institution — it is a significant employer and gathering place for the region,” she said. “This funding will help with critical infrastructure improvements so the University can continue to thrive for decades to come.”