Brooke Adams
Five Cuyahoga County organizations will receive $2.5 million in state grants to purchase, build or rehabilitate owner-occupied homes through the Welcome Home Ohio program, which state officials say is intended to expand access to affordable homeownership.
On May 29, Gov. Mike DeWine announced $26.9 million in Welcome Home Ohio grants benefiting projects in 57 counties. Five Cuyahoga County organizations received funding to support the purchase, rehabilitation and construction of owner-occupied housing.
“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. “The projects we support through Welcome Home Ohio create safe and affordable housing options for families today, while building momentum for future generations to live their very best lives.”
According to the Ohio Department of Development project summaries, Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity received the largest local award at $1.4 million to acquire land and build or rehabilitate 13 homes.
Start Right Community Development Corporation received $500,000 for five homes, while the Community Improvement Corporation of Euclid received $402,000 to purchase 10 homes. Forest City Community Land Trust and Sanctuary Childcare and Enrichment Center each received $100,000 to support one home.
The grants are part of Ohio’s broader effort to address the state’s housing shortage by encouraging homeownership and revitalizing neighborhoods. The latest awards bring the announced Welcome Home Ohio grants to nearly $86 million statewide, according to the Department of Development.
As of July 25th, a review of the organizations’ websites and social media accounts found no announced construction schedules.
Unlike some demolition programs aimed at removing blighted structures, Welcome Home Ohio funds the purchase, rehabilitation and construction of owner-occupied homes and directs funding toward adding or restoring owner-occupied homes, including construction on vacant land.
The five awards would add or restore about 30 homes across Cuyahoga County, a small contribution relative to the region’s broader housing needs.
Brooke Adams is a freelance journalist.
