CINCINNATI, OH (January 6, 2023) – Habitat for Humanity of Ohio has been awarded $25 million as part of a larger American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending package that was signed into law today by Governor DeWine.
The funding will bolster a statewide effort by Habitat for Humanity including locally with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati to address the shortage of workforce housing across Ohio and provide repair services for elderly and disabled homeowners. The Habitat for Humanity network is uniquely positioned to address emergency housing needs on a statewide level. With the introduction of the Aging in Place program in June 2022, Habitat Greater Cincinnati is prepared to increase repairs for low-income homeowners in the Greater Cincinnati region. Furthermore, Habitat for Humanity is not just a builder, but a developer, making the organization ‘shovel ready’ to put the one-time APRA funding to good use.
The recent ARPA allocation for Humanity for Humanity of Ohio is the largest award in the country for the international nonprofit housing organization. The funds are slated for the following purposes:
$15M for new home construction to include rehabs of existing homes
$9M for a critical home repair program for seniors and the disabled
$1M for the creation of a statewide Habitat for Humanity apprentice program
“The Ohio legislature understands the struggles of Ohioans to find affordable and available housing, and they are committed to finding real housing solutions in the next general assembly,” said Ryan Miller, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Ohio. “We are grateful our lawmakers see this one-time investment of ARPA dollars will lead to a long-term investment in communities and people throughout Ohio. We also look to build upon our 20-year relationship with our friends at the Ohio Department of Development as we partner with them on this important Habitat housing initiative.”
“We are grateful to our state representatives who continue to champion the work of affordable homeownership in our community. These funds will accelerate our strategic plan and will help families in our community achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter,” says Joe Hansbauer, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati.
About Habitat for Humanity of Ohio
Habitat for Humanity of Ohio is a statewide 501(c)3 organization whose main purpose is to increase the capacity of Ohio's 44 Habitat for Humanity affiliates to build simple, decent homes in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. Across America, individuals and families struggle to find affordable places to live. Habitat seeks to remedy this injustice by providing families the opportunity to realize their dreams of homeownership on terms they can afford.
Habitat was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. They welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serve people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Habitat for Humanity of Ohio provides services to affiliates through resource development, advocacy, and training.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati (http://habitatcincinnati.org/) is a non-profit Christian housing ministry that seeks to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. Since 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati has built, renovated, or repaired more than 680 homes throughout a nine-county region including Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn and Ohio counties in Indiana. It has also contributed to building more than 1,000 homes globally in Cambodia, El Salvador, Kenya, and Nepal. Habitat is dedicated both locally and globally to construct, rehabilitate and preserve homes; advocate for fair and just housing policies; and provide training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.
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