Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced $26.9 million in grants to expand access to safe, affordable housing across 57 counties. This 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 Governor DeWine last year.
The Welcome Home Ohio Program provides grants for both the purchase of qualifying residential properties at foreclosure sales and for the rehabilitation or construction of new homes. Eligible applicants include land banks, county land reutilization corporations, electing subdivisions, and qualified nonprofit developers. Additionally, $20 million in non-refundable tax credits are available through the biennium for qualifying housing rehabilitation and new construction projects once a property is sold.
Governor DeWine emphasized the program's importance, saying, “Whether it’s supporting workforce needs, attracting new residents to Ohio, or helping longtime residents stay in the communities they love, housing matters.” Director Mihalik added, “Every property restored through Welcome Home Ohio represents exciting new potential for a neighborhood, and the people who call it home.” Since its inception, the program has awarded nearly $86 million, supporting the creation of 727 homes in 63 counties.