OHIO — State officials have announced the launch of a new program, known as Welcome Home Ohio, that seeks to improve housing access via an investment of $150 million, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

What You Need To Know

  • State officials have announced the launch of a new program, known as Welcome Home Ohio, that seeks to improve housing access via an investment of $150 million

  • The program will be administered by Ohio’s Department of Development and came about through House Bill 33, in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly

  • Throughout the next two years, the program will distribute grants totaling $100 million to landbanks “to purchase, rehabilitate, or build qualifying residential properties for income-eligible Ohioans"
  • The remaining $50 million will be available as nonrefundable tax credits for landbanks and developers when a property sells for the purpose of rehabilitation and new construction

The program will be administered by Ohio’s Department of Development and came about through House Bill 33, in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly, according to the release.

"Quality housing contributes significantly to quality of life and is the foundation of strong communities," Gov. Mike DeWine said in the release. "As our state continues to thrive, we expect that more people will stay in Ohio and move to Ohio, and the Welcome Home Ohio program will allow us to work proactively to ensure that there is enough housing to sustain this growth.”

Throughout the next two years, the program will distribute grants totaling $100 million to landbanks “to purchase, rehabilitate, or build qualifying residential properties for income-eligible Ohioans.”

The remaining $50 million will be available as nonrefundable tax credits for landbanks and developers when a property sells for the purpose of rehabilitation and new construction, according to the release.

“There is a strong link between housing availability, economic growth, and quality of life,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said in the release. “The good news in Ohio is that we have a record number of jobs and our children and grandchildren don’t need to leave Ohio to find great opportunities. However, unless you want them to live at home for the rest of their lives, we’ve got to build them someplace to live.”

Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik said in the release that the program is the product of a “shared passion for community development.”

“We’re looking forward to working with our local partners to increase Ohio’s housing stock, and we’re excited about the positive impact this will have on our economic landscape,” Mihalik said.

Applications are now open through Feb. 9, 2024. Applications will then be accepted again from Feb. 12 until May 31, but only if funding is available.

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