Join our request for a one-time investment of federal funds to expand access to affordable housing in Ohio!

The American Rescue Plan passed in March included $350 billion in flexible funding to help states and local governments recover from the health and economic devastation of the pandemic. Since Covid has demonstrated the importance of having a safe, decent, affordable home, we believe Gov. DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly should invest a modest portion of Ohio's $5.6 billion in State Fiscal Recovery Funds to expand access to housing for Ohioans who were hardest hit by the pandemic.

Please add your organization to this request to Gov. DeWine and the General Assembly to make a one-time investment of $308 million in ARPA recovery funds to increase the supply of affordable homes for our most vulnerable neighbors – people with disabilities, low-income seniors and families, domestic violence survivors, youth aging out of foster care, and families at high risk of infant mortality.

We are requesting the following in accordance with the State’s guidance that SLRF funds be used for one-time investments that bolster existing infrastructure without increasing ongoing operating costs, and must be obligated by Sept. 30, 2024 and fully expended by Sept. 30, 2026:

• Create 1,500 housing units for those who require nearby supportive services ($100 million): This assumes the HOME ARPA funding at an additional $70m from HUD can be used to help reach this goal. These permanent supportive housing (PSH) units would serve chronically homeless individuals with severe behavioral health challenges, homeless youth and survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence (through gap financing with Ohio’s housing tax credit programs).
  
• Create up to 5,000 affordable rental units by leveraging other federal resources ($150 million): Rehab existing and develop new affordable rental units for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities (by leveraging the 4% housing tax credit and Multifamily Bond programs).
• Fight infant mortality through investment in safe, welcoming homes ($9 million): Expand the Healthy Beginnings at Home pilot for more families at risk of infant mortality in 4 additional counties.
• Rehabilitate existing housing to keep seniors and people with disabilities in their own homes ($39 million over 3 years): Avoid institutional care by rehabilitating homes for low-income homeowners and expand home repair and accessibility modifications for seniors and people with disabilities (through the Housing Assistance Grant Program).
• Homes to help ex-offenders overcome behavioral health issues ($10 million): Expand the Frequent Users Systems Engagement (FUSE) initiative in 5 additional counties to help justice system-involved individuals reenter society and avoid recidivism.

Please add your organization's name to this letter to show Ohio leaders broad support for investing in Ohio's affordable housing infrastructure.