Welcome Home Ohio Program

The Welcome Home Ohio program is a state-administered housing initiative established by the Ohio General Assembly through House Bill 96 and administered by the Ohio Department of Development. The program is designed to expand the supply of affordable, owner-occupied housing across the state by providing financial assistance for property acquisition, rehabilitation, construction, and associated tax credits. With substantial funding allocated across fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the program represents a statewide effort to address housing shortages and improve access to homeownership for income-eligible individuals. The initiative aligns with broader community development and land reutilization goals, particularly focusing on revitalizing underutilized or foreclosed properties. The program operates through three primary funding mechanisms: purchasing grants, rehabilitation or construction grants, and tax credits. Purchasing grants support the acquisition of qualifying residential properties at foreclosure sales, while rehabilitation and construction grants assist with improving or building qualifying housing units. Tax credits are available to offset eligible rehabilitation or construction costs once properties are sold to qualified buyers. Each funding stream has specific cost limitations, with grants capped per property and tax credits limited to a percentage of eligible expenses. Funding may be combined across certain program types, and projects may also leverage other funding sources, though administrative costs are largely ineligible except for a small allowance tied to financial literacy counseling. Eligible applicants include land banks, county land reutilization corporations, electing subdivisions, qualified nonprofit developers, and certain eligible developers depending on the funding stream. Individuals are not permitted to apply directly but must instead work with eligible entities to access housing opportunities created through the program. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient administrative and operational capacity to manage projects and comply with reporting requirements, and prior performance on similar awards may influence evaluation. Eligible properties must meet strict criteria, including minimum size requirements, occupancy restrictions, and limitations on property type, with rental and large multi-unit properties excluded. Program requirements emphasize long-term affordability and responsible homeownership. Properties supported through the program must be sold to income-qualified individuals earning no more than 120 percent of the area median income. Buyers must occupy the home as a primary residence for at least three years and comply with a 15-year affordability period that restricts resale to eligible purchasers. Deed restrictions are required to enforce these conditions, and penalties may apply for noncompliance. Additional requirements include mandatory financial literacy counseling for homebuyers and ongoing monitoring by both the applicant and the state to ensure compliance with affordability and occupancy rules. The application process is competitive and involves submission of detailed project information, including property identification, development plans, and evidence of organizational capacity. While specific application components are outlined in separate instructions, applicants must be prepared to document funding sources, project timelines, and compliance strategies. Reporting obligations are extensive and include monthly performance reporting, income verification for buyers, and long-term monitoring of affordability restrictions. The Ohio Department of Development is responsible for oversight, enforcement, and maintaining records related to program compliance. Program timelines are tied to the state fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30. Funding is allocated annually within the biennium, and tax credits may be issued through the end of fiscal year 2027. Grants are typically structured with a two-year period of performance, during which all funded activities must be completed. While the fiscal year 2026 application period has closed, the program is expected to continue into future cycles based on legislative funding and program demand. Updates to program guidelines may occur periodically, and applicants are encouraged to monitor official communications for changes, additional funding rounds, or revised requirements.

Ensure strong administrative capacity and clearly document project feasibility and compliance with affordability requirements; include complete property data and funding details