FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 29, 2022
Media Contact: Penny Martin
Phone: 614.728.2911
Email: pmartin@ohiohome.org
OHFA Expands Lead Safe Pilot Program to Cleveland with Financial Support from Huntington National Bank
COLUMBUS, OH - Today, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (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.
"The welfare of people in our communities is of utmost importance to all of us and making sure homes are safe from hazards such as lead paint is a priority," said Sean Richardson, Cleveland Regional President, Huntington National Bank. "Huntington is proud to partner with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to provide loans for the expanded program and ensure families and children are safe in their homes."
Starting July 15, 2022, and running until October 1, 2022, low-income homeowners in the cities of Cleveland and Toledo whose homes may have potential lead paint hazards may be eligible for a low-interest loan to help pay for the costs to make their home Lead Safe. Previously the program was only available to residents in the city of Toledo.
Lead Safe means the home does not pose a lead risk to its occupants, especially children. A home is lead safe when lead risks or lead hazards have been controlled so that the concentration of leaded dust remains below the threshold set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A lead safe home may still contain lead but is no longer hazardous to its occupants.
"Ensuring that current housing stock is free of toxins such as lead goes to the heart of our mission to preserve affordable housing stock across Ohio," said Shawn Smith, Executive Director of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA). "This partnership with Huntington National Bank allows us to develop a program that will improve the safety of a home without creating an undo financial burden on the homeowner."
To be eligible for the program, a home must be a one unit, owner-occupied structure built before 1978, and within the city limits of either Cleveland or Toledo. The homeowner must be at or below 120% of the Area Median Gross Income for Cuyahoga County or Lucas County. For a family of four that is an annual income at or below $86,160.
Homeowners in Cleveland or Toledo can visit myohiohome.org/leadsafe for more information and to find a local Huntington Bank representative.
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency is an Equal Opportunity Housing entity. Loans are available on a fair and equal basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, disability or ancestry. Please visit www.ohiohome.org for more information.
About Huntington
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (Nasdaq: HBAN) is a $179 billion asset regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1866, The Huntington National Bank and its affiliates provide consumers, small and middle–market businesses, corporations, municipalities, and other organizations with a comprehensive suite of banking, payments, wealth management, and risk management products and services. Huntington operates more than 1,000 branches in 11 states, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Visit Huntington.com for more information.