Rep. Brennan Applauds Welcome Home Ohio Investments in Cuyahoga County, Advocates for Expanded Housing Funding

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) today applauded nearly $26.9M in Welcome Home Ohio grants to support affordable housing projects across 57 Ohio counties, including significant investments in Cuyahoga County.

This latest round of funding will help local organizations acquire, rehabilitate, and construct homes, expanding access to affordable housing and strengthening neighborhoods throughout Northeast Ohio.

"Cuyahoga County continues to face a critical shortage of affordable housing and these investments will help families achieve homeownership while revitalizing communities across our region," said Rep. Brennan. "Housing is one of the most important issues facing Ohio today. When families can find safe, affordable places to live, our neighborhoods become stronger, our workforce grows, and our local economies thrive."

Organizations receiving Welcome Home Ohio funding in Cuyahoga County include:

• Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity - $1.4 million for the purchase, rehabilitation, and construction of 13 homes.
• Start Right Community Development Corporation - $500,000 for the rehabilitation or construction of five homes.
• Community Improvement Corporation of Euclid - $402,000 for the purchase of 10 homes.
• Sanctuary Childcare and Enrichment Center - $100,000 for the rehabilitation or construction of one home.
• Forest City Community Land Trust - $100,000 for the rehabilitation or construction of one home.
  

Combined, these awards will support the creation, acquisition, or rehabilitation of dozens of homes in Cuyahoga County and help expand homeownership opportunities for working families.

Rep. Brennan noted that the Welcome Home Ohio Program has become one of the state's most effective tools for addressing Ohio's housing challenges. Rep. Brennan advocated for increased funding for the program during deliberations on the state operating budget.

"Housing is one of the most important issues facing Ohio today," added Rep. Brennan. "Cuyahoga County in particular continues to face a critical shortage of affordable housing and these investments will help families achieve homeownership while growing our workforce and revitalizing communities across our region."

Established by the Ohio General Assembly, Welcome Home Ohio provides grants to land banks, local governments, and nonprofit housing developers to purchase, rehabilitate, and construct homes. The program also offers tax credits to encourage additional housing development and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Since its inception, Welcome Home Ohio has awarded nearly $86M to support the creation of 727 homes in 63 counties across Ohio.

"As the son of a single mother who lost our house after my dad abandoned us, I know that stable housing is foundational to educational success, economic opportunity, and healthy communities," concluded Rep. Brennan. "I look forward to continuing to work with local leaders and housing advocates to ensure families in Cuyahoga County have access to quality, affordable housing."