Holmes County Housing Coalition bolsters its call to action

The discussion on affordable ways to grow home development in Holmes County seems to be moving in a positive direction.

What began as talks and discussions is moving toward an action plan as the Holmes County Housing Coalition has created a trio of focus groups designed on not simply talking about ideas but putting those ideas into action.

“The conversation was really great, and it is incredibly valuable and important in the goals we’re creating for this coalition,” said Ashley Hershberger, associate director at United Way Wayne & Holmes. “I was wandering around between the different groups trying to make connections while people were discussing things, and I think there is a lot of great things being brought up in these subcommittees. A lot of discussion and a lot of learning and gaining insight and understanding is taking place. Making those connections this early is crucial to what we want to achieve in making a positive change.”

Much of the discussion has centered around teaming up with both UWWH and Holmes County Habitat for Humanity, both of which have integral partnerships and capabilities for grant funding and purchasing power when it comes to locating land.

Finding available land was a hot topic during the recent coalition meeting, where member Melissa Patrick suggested the group create a social media page that could provide valuable information and a connecting point for couples and families hoping to find affordable housing in Holmes County.

Laura McCartney, executive director of Holmes Habitat, said it could serve as a hub for neighbors helping neighbors, which is exactly what both her organization and United Way were designed to do.

Member Jason Biltz said the focus must be on starting conversations with families seeking homes and let builders do the construction role of building affordable homes or turning current homes into sustainable living quarters.

“Our job is not to be the developer; our job is to mediate and to start conversations and get projects into the hands of developers and builders,” Biltz said.

Member Brody DeHass said with United Way and Habitat, the coalition already has access to organizations that have plenty of experience moving possible homeowners in the right direction.

He said the coalition has already identified several possible sites for building and growth purposes. He said work is in progress to create a spreadsheet featuring a growing list of possibilities.

“I would love to see Habitat go from building one house a year to five houses a year with our help,” DeHass said. “We need to do this now instead of later.”

Another possible partner has recently arisen in Keim Cares, which is currently devoting its resources and volunteers to remodeling struggling homes for people who can’t afford to upgrade.

Connecting with area leaders and relaxing some of the village zoning regulations to entice further development also is something the coalition will explore.

Much of the discussion centered around finding potential partners in need of finding a home in Holmes County and finding ways to make those connections.

Member Tina Zickefoose said creating a comprehensive list of available housing options would be beneficial.

Biltz said the coalition needs to be very intentional in matching potential homeowners with available sites and locations.

While there are established families who would like to move into Holmes County out there seeking land or homes, Hershberger said one of the most glaring struggles is with graduates who are hoping to remain in the county and establish work.

With so few options currently available in the housing market, that is a struggle.

“Thirty percent of our graduating classes in Holmes County go on to college,” Hershberger said. “Where is that remaining 70% going to live?”

She said many have resorted to living at home with their parents, which isn’t necessarily ideal for young adults looking to make their mark on the world around them.

The group also agreed to be more intentional about canvasing the county with the current surveys that will help the coalition better understand the needs and shortcomings of the county’s housing issue.

Patterson said the hope is to distribute 1,400 new surveys throughout the county by the end of May, with an effort to get into large businesses and distribute them to employees.

Discussion also centered around the ongoing effort to become more of a presence in the county and to focus on the educational aspect of home ownership.

Finally, if there are any interested individuals who would like to become members of the coalition, they may contact Hershberger at United Way.