COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Habitat for Humanity of Richland and Crawford Counties is among the local organizations in 57 Ohio counties receiving state grant funding aimed at expanding affordable homeownership opportunities.
The state is awarding a total of $26.9 million to support the construction and rehabilitation of 246 homes across Ohio. The funding is part of the latest round of the Welcome Home Ohio program, which was established by the Ohio General Assembly in the state’s biennium budget bill and signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine.
The local award will support Habitat for Humanity of Richland and Crawford Counties with the construction of two of the four new homes the organization has slated for completion by the end of 2027.
“Whether it’s supporting workforce needs, attracting new residents to Ohio, or helping longtime residents stay in the communities they love, housing matters,” DeWine said in a statement. “The projects we support through Welcome Home Ohio create safe and affordable housing options for families today, while building momentum for future generations.”
The Welcome Home Ohio program provides grants for the purchase of qualifying residential properties at foreclosure sales, as well as for the rehabilitation or construction of homes. Eligible applicants include qualified nonprofit developers, land banks, county land reutilization corporations, and electing subdivisions.
Additionally, $20 million in non-refundable tax credits are available during the biennium to assist these entities with qualifying rehabilitations and new construction once a property is sold. The Ohio Department of Development is currently accepting tax credit applications on a rolling basis.
Since the program’s inception, Welcome Home Ohio has awarded nearly $86 million to support the creation of 727 homes across 63 counties.
“Every property restored through Welcome Home Ohio represents exciting new potential for a neighborhood, and the people who call it home,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “These investments are helping our local partners create housing solutions that meet today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s growth.”
The state grant builds on local investments already driving Habitat for Humanity’s efforts in North Central Ohio, including financial support from the Richland County Foundation and The Community Foundation for Crawford County.
“Housing is foundational to family stability, workforce growth, and the long-term health of our communities,” said Aubri Them, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Richland and Crawford Counties. “This award helps us continue moving from vision to construction as we work to complete four new homes by the end of 2027.”