Welcome Home Ohio program releases guidelines to help bring affordable housing to Ohio

Governor Mike DeWine. Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik released official program guidelines for the new $150 million Welcome Home Ohio program, which was developed to improve access to affordable housing across the state. 

"Housing needs are present all across Ohio," said Governor DeWine. "Through this program, we have the opportunity to support new investments in housing construction that will help cultivate vibrant neighborhoods and stimulate economic vitality."

The program will provide $100 million in grants over the course of the biennium for landbanks to purchase, rehabilitate, or build qualifying residential properties for income-eligible Ohioans. 

Additionally, $50 million in nonrefundable tax credits will be made available to landbanks and eligible developers over the biennium for qualifying rehabs and new construction one a property is sold. 

The Ohio Department of Development will administer the program and will begin accepting applications for both the grants and tax credit on Jan 9, 2024.

The application period for the grants will close at 11:59 p.m. Feb. 9, 2024, with rolling applications accepted from Feb. 12 to May 31, as funds are available. Tax credit applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are expended.

"Ensuring Ohioans have a home they can afford brings our families stability and allows them to have a place where they can stay healthy, raise their children, continue working, and live their best lives," said Director Mihalik.

Development staff will host a webinar at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 to present the guidelines in detail and allow interested parties to ask questions.