Join our request for a one-time investment of federal funds to expand access to affordable housing in Ohio!

The American Rescue Plan passed in March included $350 billion in flexible funding to help states and local governments recover from the health and economic devastation of the pandemic. Since Covid has demonstrated the importance of having a safe, decent, affordable home, we believe Gov. DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly should invest a modest portion of Ohio’s $5.6 billion in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFR) to expand access to housing for Ohioans who were hardest hit by the pandemic.

Please add your organization to this sign-on letter asking Gov. DeWine and the General Assembly to make a one-time investment of at least $391 million in SLFR funds to increase the supply of affordable homes for our most vulnerable neighbors – people with disabilities, low-income seniors and families, domestic violence survivors, youth aging out of foster care, and families at high risk of infant mortality.

We are requesting the following in accordance with the State’s guidance that SLRF funds be used for one-time investments that bolster existing infrastructure without increasing ongoing operating costs, and must be obligated by Sept. 30, 2024 and fully expended by Sept. 30, 2026:

  • $150 million for housing development in gap financing through Ohio’s housing tax credit programs to develop up to 1,000 units of permanent supportive housing to serve survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, chronically homeless individuals with severe behavioral health challenges;
  • $150 million for housing development gap financing to leverage the 4% housing tax credit and Multifamily Bond programs to develop and preserve up to 5,000 rental units that are affordable to lower-income Ohioans;
  • $45 million over three years to rehabilitate more homes for low-income homeowners through the CHIP program, and expand home repair and accessibility modifications through the Housing Assistance Grant Program to keep seniors and Ohioans with disabilities in their own homes;
  • $15 million to fund one-time capital projects that increase housing opportunities for homeless youth;
  • $12 million to expand the FUSE Initiative to house justice-involved Ohioans in five additional counties, and;
  • $6.75 million to expand the Healthy Beginnings at Home pilot for families at risk of infant mortality to four additional counties;

Other SLFR fund investments of at least $12 million that should be considered include:

  • Creation of a state-administered landlord risk mitigation fund to attract and retain more property owners willing to rent to individuals with disabilities and other challenges;
  • Housing supports for people with developmental disabilities, which could include Smart Home investments to equip homes with technology needed to increase safety and self-sufficiency, and funding to build or purchase youth respite home facilities, and;
  • Capital funding to preserve small permanent supportive housing properties, service enriched housing, and class 2 and 3 residential facilities.

Please add your organization’s name to this letter to show Ohio leaders broad support for investing in Ohio’s affordable housing infrastructure.