Columbus leaders announced a $5 million private investment in the city’s One Linden plan.
The money comes from a five-year JP Morgan initiative that invests $125 million into communities nationwide. Columbus was one of seven cities to win a grant this year.
Speaking at St. Stephen's Community House in South Linden, Mayor Andrew Ginther says Columbus’s portion of the grant will help start a new collaborative focused on housing in the neighborhood.
“614 For Linden is a collaborative named for six non-profits, partnering with four community development financial institutions, to have a positive and significant impact on one neighborhood,” Ginther explained.
Their efforts are part of Columbus’ One Linden plan, which was launched last year and developed with Linden residents. JP Morgan’s $5 million will be paired with $20 million in public funding.
Ginther urged other private companies to take similar steps.
“We know we can’t realize our vision of becoming America’s opportunity city unless every family in every neighborhood is sharing in our success,” Ginther said. “So what is your role to play in Linden?”
The nonprofits involved in 614 For Linden are Saint Stephen’s Community House, Community Development for All People, Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families, The Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, Community Shelter Board and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Those organizations are teaming with the Ohio Capital Finance Corporation, Affordable Housing Trust of Columbus and Franklin, Finance Fund Capital Corporation and Economic Community Development Institute.
