COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Development has announced $22.4 million in grants to improve housing and quality of life across 27 communities, with Ross County securing $750,000 to assist low- and moderate-income families.
The funding, distributed through the Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) program, aims to bolster Ohio’s housing stock. The program supports home renovations, repairs, rental assistance, and other initiatives to improve access to safe and stable housing.
Ross County, in partnership with the city of Chillicothe, will use its grant to rehabilitate six owner-occupied homes, repair 12 owner-occupied homes, and include a fair housing component. This effort aligns with the broader CHIP mission to strengthen communities by investing in housing infrastructure.
Governor and Officials Emphasize Community Impact
Governor Mike DeWine underscored the significance of the grants, stating:
“We want all Ohioans to have a safe and stable place to call home, and these grants support that mission by improving housing, supporting homeownership, and creating opportunities for a better future.”
Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Department of Development, highlighted the transformative potential of quality housing:
“When families have access to quality housing, it transforms lives and strengthens communities. We are committed to making investments like these to ensure every Ohioan has the chance to live their best life.”
Additional Communities Receiving Support
Beyond Ross County, several other communities across Ohio will benefit from the grants:
- Counties and Grant Summaries
- Athens County: $1.05M for home rehabilitation and repairs.
- Auglaize County: $1M for repairs and fair housing.
- Columbiana County: $1.3M for home repairs.
- Crawford County: $1M for repairs and fair housing.
- Defiance County: $1.15M for home repairs.
- Fayette County: $700K for home rehabilitation.
- Greene County (Fairborn): $350K for homeowner assistance.
- Guernsey County (Cambridge): $700K for repairs.
- Hancock County: $750K for repairs and fair housing.
- Henry County: $1.4M for home rehabilitation.
- Holmes County: $400K for housing repairs.
- Jackson County: $1M for home rehabilitation.
- Jefferson County: $700K for housing initiatives.
- Logan County: $700K for housing improvements.
- Mahoning County: $1M for home rehabilitation.
- Marion County: $750K for home repairs.
- Noble County: $400K for housing support.
- Ottawa County: $700K for housing and rental assistance.
- Portage County (Ravenna): $800K for rehabilitation.
- Richland County (Shelby): $700K for home repairs.
- Seneca County (Fostoria): $1.05M for housing and down payment help.
- Trumbull County: $250K for home rehabilitation.
- Vinton County: $600K for housing assistance.
- Williams County: $700K for home rehabilitation.
- Wood County: $1.35M for repairs and fair housing.
Economic and Social Benefits
The CHIP program is funded by the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, the federal Community Development Block Grant, and HOME Investment Partnership Programs. It prioritizes improving living conditions, enhancing homeownership opportunities, and boosting the economic vitality of communities.
In Ross County, local leaders anticipate the grant will not only improve housing but also strengthen neighborhoods and enhance overall quality of life for residents.
Residents in awarded areas are encouraged to contact their local government or housing authorities for details on how to apply for assistance under the program.
For more information about the CHIP program and other community development initiatives, visit Ohio Department of Development.