County given $800,000 housing grant

Van Wert independent/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Van Wert County is one of 38 government entities awarded grants to rehabilitate, repair, and construct affordable housing for low-income Ohioans, as well as provide homeownership and rental assistance.

Van Wert County was awarded an $800,000 grant by the Ohio Development Services Agency to partner with the City of Van Wert to complete 10 home rehabilitations, make repairs to 21 homes, and build two homes in partnership with the local Habitat for Humanity organization.

“We work with local communities to improve our neighborhoods and the quality of life for all Ohioans,” said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency.

The Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program grants totaled nearly $23.6 million and are funded by the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, as well as the federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs.

Also receiving a similar grant was Putnam County, which was awarded $900,000 to partner with Allen County to complete 10 home rehabilitations, make repairs to 26 homes, build three homes with Habitat for Humanity, provide rental assistance to five families, and home ownership to one family.

The program uses a flexible, community-wide approach to improve affordable housing for low- and moderate-income Ohioans and neighborhoods in Ohio communities.