Explanation
This ordinance authorizes a grant in the amount of $129,830.00 between the City of Columbus’ Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) and Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio, a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit to support the construction of the first of two new homes in east Columbus beginning August 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
Habitat for Humanity - MidOhio’s mission is seeking to put God’s love into action to bring people together to inspire hope, build homes, empower families, and develop communities.
According to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition's (NLIHC) 2023 annual report, the available and affordable housing stock continues to shrink. There's a 6% increase in the shortage of affordable and available housing since 2022. The report reveals a ratio of only 26 affordable units available for every 100 extremely low-income households. To close this gap, more than 52,000 affordable units need to be built in Columbus.
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, construction trades students from Fort Hayes Education Center will work alongside Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio construction staff leads to build the first of two new homes in east Columbus in partnership with local Habitat partner families. The Fort Hayes Education Center offers half-day career-technical education courses in health, construction, media arts, performing arts, visual arts, and transportation-related programs. All classes are available on campus to prepare students for jobs in their community and beyond.
The homes will be built on City-owned lots located on Old Leonard Avenue. The properties are a walkable distance from the school, allowing for easy access for the students and eliminating a historically challenging barrier to workforce development programming - transportation. The construction schedule will overlay the students' school year and is expected to take around seven months. Students in specialties like masonry, carpentry, or welding will have the opportunity to practi...
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