Majority Whip Santucci Highlights Upcoming Round of Welcome Home Ohio Program

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Majority Whip Nick Santucci (R-Niles) today announced that the Ohio Department of Development has released guidelines for the Welcome Home Ohio Program.

In House Bill 96, Ohio's State Operating Budget, the General Assembly allocated $91.2 million in funding over the biennium for eligible entities to purchase qualifying residential properties and to rehabilitate or construct homes.

There is also $20 million in nonrefundable tax credits available through the biennium for qualifying rehabs and new construction once the property is sold.

The application period opens at 10 a.m. December 8, 2025, and will close at 5 p.m. January 16, 2026.

"I am a strong advocate for programs that invest into community revitalization," said Santucci. "Initiatives like Welcome Home Ohio strengthen our neighborhoods and expand opportunity across the state. In the Lake to River region, we know that strong neighborhoods build strong economies. This program will help transform vacant properties into quality homes, attract new families, and drive the revitalization that keeps our region moving forward."

The Welcome Home Ohio Program, created by the General Assembly last budget cycle, has awarded nearly $60 million to support the creation of 481 homes in 26 counties. House Bill 96 made several programmatic changes to allow for greater participation and expanded eligibility. Development will host a webinar at 10 a.m. November 5 to present the guidelines in detail and allow potential applicants to ask any questions.

For additional details on eligibility, project requirements, and the application process, visit the Ohio Department of Development's website here.