Governor DeWine Awards Nearly $29.5 Million to Improve Access to Housing Across Ohio
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced nearly $29.5 million in awards to help improve housing access in Ohio.
The funding is part of the first round of the Welcome Home Ohio program, which is investing a total of $100 million in grants over two years to help landbanks purchase, rehabilitate, or build qualifying residential properties for income-eligible Ohioans. An additional $50 million in nonrefundable tax credits is available to landbanks and eligible developers for rehab and new construction projects once a property is sold.
“The need for safe and affordable housing is a national challenge that requires proactive solutions, meaningful investments, and strong collaboration across all levels of government,” said Governor DeWine. “This program represents an innovative and forward-thinking approach that addresses the barriers many Ohioans face when trying to buy a home."
In total, $29,482,200 in Welcome Home Ohio funding will be awarded to entities in 17 counties to support the creation of 263 owner-occupied, single-family homes.
“By investing in affordable housing across Ohio, we are allowing more Ohioans to enhance their quality of life while supporting economic growth in our state,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “We’ve created a program that will attract more businesses, create more jobs, and afford more Ohioans the opportunity to pursue homeownership.”
The Welcome Home Ohio program was created in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly in the biennium budget bill, House Bill 33. The Department of Development administers the program.
“You’re never really free until you’re financially free,” said Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima). “Home ownership is the bedrock of community vitality and revitalization, it’s foundational to building financial stability and building a strong future for Ohio families. The Welcome Home program is a significant step forward.”
“Homeownership has long been a fundamental part of the ‘American Dream,’ but that dream is often too far out of reach for many people to achieve,” said Director Mihalik. “With Welcome Home Ohio funding, we’re rewriting that narrative and creating real opportunities for all Ohioans, regardless of their income, to experience the joy of having a home they can call their own.”
For more information on how to apply for funding from the Welcome Home Ohio program, visit the program webpage.
The Knox County Land Reutilization Corporation (Knox County), in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Knox County, will receive $2.1 million in grants to purchase 12 newly constructed homes, and $360,000 in grants to finish construction by adding garages to the homes. The goal is to have all of those homes sold to eligible homeowners by early 2026.