Wayne County awarded $2.1M to improve housing access

Wayne County Land Bank, in partnership with Community Action Wayne/Medina, represents one of 17 counties slated to receive a share of nearly $29.5 million in funding to help improve access to housing for income-eligible Ohioans across the state.

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 land banks purchase, rehabilitate or build qualifying residential properties for income-eligible Ohioans. An additional $50 million in nonrefundable tax credits is available to land banks 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,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “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,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said. “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 Ohio Department of Development administers the program.

“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 Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “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.”