News Releases

OHFA is committed to increasing awareness of our products and services with the media and the public. We regularly release news about new program offerings, Agency initiative, and any changes to our programs. We make every effort to build positive relationships with the press to help get the news to our partners and customers as quickly as possible.

2022 News Releases

12-1-22 – OHFA Partners with Esusu to Help Residents Build Credit Scores
The OHFA Board approved a partnership with Esusu Financial, Inc., the leading financial technology company leveraging rent reporting for credit building to help families living in nine affordable housing developments funded by OHFA build their credit scores.

11-4-22 – Shawn Smith, Executive Director of OHFA, Elected to NCSHA Board of Directors
Shawn Smith, Executive Director of OHFA, was elected to the National Council of State Housing Agencies Board of Directors during the annual conference in Houston. Board officers and directors are nominated from among and voted on by the executive directors of the member state housing finance agencies.

10-19-22 – Ohio Housing Finance Agency Pilot Program to Build Affordable Housing in the City of Zanesville
OHFA's Board approved $1.8 million for a pilot program that will build affordable, single-family homes in the city of Zanesville. The pilot program will build 10 single family homes (1,788 square feet) with an estimated cost of $175,500 per home.

9-22-22 – Ohio Housing Finance Agency Releases Economic Impact Report
OHFA released its Economic Impact Report, which shows the Agency's programs and operations create or sustain 27,128 jobs annually, and generate $432.2 million in annual tax revenue.

9-1-22 – OHFA partners with Move to PROSPER to Improve Economic Mobility for Central Ohio Families
OHFA is providing $75,000 in additional funding to Move to PROSPER to support its Empower 100 initiative, an initiative that improves outcomes for families with low-wage jobs, and their children.

7-29-22 – OHFA Expands Lead Safe Pilot Program to Cleveland with Financial Support from Huntington National Bank
OHFA announced the expansion of the Lead Paint Safe Pilot Loan program, with financing provided by Huntington National Bank. Currently available to residents in the city of Toledo, the program also expanded to include homeowners in the city of Cleveland on July 15, 2022.

6-13-22 – Helping Ohioans Become Homeowners in a Booming Market
The path to homeownership can be challenging for Ohioans, especially if they don't know where to start. The Ohio Department of Commerce and OHFA can help with resources to guide Ohioans through their homeownership journey, and with a heated housing market it's essential to be prepared.

5-20-22 – More Than $31 million in Housing Tax Credits Awarded to Build or Preserve Affordable Housing Across Ohio
This year, 31 Ohio developments creating or preserving 1,554 apartments for families, seniors and individuals at risk for homelessness were awarded more than $31.9 million in 10-year federal housing tax credits.

5-2-22 – $280 Million in Assistance Available for Homeowners Financially Impacted by the Pandemic
OHFA wants to remind Ohio homeowners that help is available if they're facing foreclosure as a result of financial hardship due to the pandemic.

4-22-22 – OHFA Announces Additions to Leadership Team and New Hires
OHFA announced additions to the leadership team, new hires, and internal staff promotions. OHFA is proud to share that Jessica Grimm, Joe Hewitt, Shauna Hooks, and Penny Martin have joined the staff and the promotions of Chelsea Buckwalter, David Foust and Paula Steele.

4-6-22 – Assistance Available for Ohio Homeowners Impacted by COVID-19
The Save the Dream Ohio program helps eligible Ohio homeowners who are facing foreclosure or cannot afford to pay their mortgage, utility bills or other related housing costs as a result of economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 News Releases

6-16-21 – New Policy for Affordable Housing Developments & Executive Director Announcement
OHFA's Board approved a new policy providing financial assistance to affordable housing developments facing construction cost overruns. The Board also named the agency's next Executive Director.

5-19-21 – $31.5 million in Housing Tax Credits Awarded to Build More Affordable Housing Across Ohio
This year, 36 Ohio developments creating or preserving 1,931 apartments for families, seniors and individuals at risk for homelessness were awarded more than $31.5 million in 10-year federal housing tax credits.

2020 News Releases

12-10-20 – Pre-Pandemic Homelessness Numbers Provide Glimpse into Possible Post-Pandemic Challenges
Homelessness in Ohio, a new report from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, says Ohioans experiencing homelessness grew by 30.8% between 2012 and 2018. During the same period, Ohio's population grew by only 1.3%.

9-23-20 – Coronavirus Pandemic Exacerbates Pre-Existing Housing Insecurities, Report Says
Since the onset of COVID-19, 90-day mortgage delinquencies in Ohio have seen an upswing, indicating potential for an increase in foreclosure rates in months to come. That is just one key finding of the Housing Needs Assessment, a yearly evaluation of Ohio's housing trends and challenges.

5-20-20 – $31 Million in Housing Tax Credits Expand Affordable Housing in Ohio
This year, 37 developments throughout Ohio creating or preserving 2,002 apartments for families, seniors and individuals with disabilities were awarded more than $31 million in 10-year federal housing tax credits.

4-23-20 – Housing Agency Provides Additional $4.75 Million for Emergency Homelessness Services
The OHFA Board approved an additional $4.75 million to support the increased housing needs of Ohio homeless and those at risk of homelessness because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

3-20-20 – Ohio Housing Finance Agency to Provide $5 Million for Rental Assistance and Emergency Homelessness Services
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency approved a proposal to provide up to $5 million in funding to help homeless and low-income Ohioans negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic avoid or escape homelessness and stay in their homes.