The Linden neighborhood is getting an investment of $15.5 million toward affordable housing thanks to an agreement between Franklin County Commissioners and Nationwide Children’s Hospital Healthy Homes program.
“People need homes that are close to jobs, shopping and good schools, and they need homes that are affordable,” Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady said in a statement.
The funding from commissioners will allow the Healthy Homes program to build more than 200 affordable housing units and 33 houses on property belonging to Franklin County Land Bank. It will also help up to 100 lower-income families make needed home repairs.
A $192,000 renter support program will provide short-term assistance for struggling renters. Some funding will also go to child development and early learning programs in Linden, including ensuring on-time enrollment for students starting kindergarten.
Money will also be used to secure even more funding to build additional units.
The Healthy Homes program is a partnership that includes the agencies Community Development for All People and Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation. Healthy Homes has helped with repairs and renovations and has built new homes since 2008.
"Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s leadership team recognizes that housing is a social determinant of health, and that having safe, stable housing is the crux of healthy people and healthy communities," said Commissioner Erica Crawley.
