During a recent government meeting, Lashay Roach, Senior Program Officer with the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) Greater Cincinnati, presented an overview of new home repair programs aimed at supporting residents in Norwood and Hamilton County. The initiative, titled the Homeownership Preservation Strategy (HOPS), is designed to assist underserved communities in maintaining their homes, preserving ownership, and building generational wealth.

Roach highlighted the critical need for these programs, noting that 23% of Hamilton County's housing stock is owner-occupied, with many homes built before 1939. The median age of homes in the area is 1961, and a significant portion of homeowners are financially burdened, with over 38,000 households spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs. This situation is particularly dire for seniors, with 42% of cost-burdened homeowners aged 65 and older.

The HOPS initiative includes two primary programs: Lead Safe Hamilton County and the Revive and Thrive Home Repair Loan Program. The Lead Safe program, funded by $5.3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, offers free home repairs related to lead hazards. It is designed to be accessible, allowing homeowners to qualify without needing children present in the home.

The Revive and Thrive program provides low-interest loans of up to $25,000 for necessary repairs, targeting health and safety issues, existing code violations, and energy efficiency improvements. This program is particularly beneficial for homeowners who may not qualify for traditional financing options.

Roach emphasized the importance of these initiatives in preserving the region's housing stock and improving the quality of life for residents. She encouraged local officials to disseminate information about these programs to ensure that eligible homeowners can access the resources available to them. Flyers and digital copies of program details were made available for distribution.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further collaboration between LISC and local government departments to enhance outreach and support for the community.