1999 Best Practices
Success Stories

Program Name:	Regional Opportunities Council
Program Focus:	Affordable Housing
Geographic Area:	MidWest

State:	Ohio
City:	Cincinnati

Executive Summary
Finding a job and affordable housing can be a challenge for low-income families in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area. The goal of this "Best Practice" is to help residents of a Cincinnati HOPE VI housing development build essential job-hunting and house-hunting skills. Three local organizations -- the Regional Opportunities Council (ROC), the Cincinnati Housing Authority (CHA) and Cincinnati Housing Made Equal (HOME) – are working together to assist residents of the Lincoln Court Hope VI development there.

Through funds provided by ROC and HUD Section 8 vouchers, this coalition, with additional support from the Hamilton County Housing Authority and various property owners and lenders, initiated a job search assistance and networking program for Lincoln residents. Residents attend classes on topics such as basic business and computer skills, thereby learning valuable job skills. In addition, information is provided on job openings available in the community.

Since many of the residents are unfamiliar with issues pertaining to homeownership, ROC, CHA and HOME also established a homeownership educational program. As part of the program, classes on financial issues including credit counseling, down payment options such as HUD Section 8 vouchers and budgeting skills are offered to prepare residents for owning their own homes.

Collaboration by the three community organizations, together with the successful balance of employment and homeownership educational opportunities, has resulted in participation in the program by 54 families. Thirty-five have received credit and other financial counseling, and 10 families have actually purchased homes.

However, the success of the program is best expressed through the words of a mother who has several small children. "I can now hold my head high and feel safe in my own home," she said, "while ensuring that my children receive a quality education."

Partners: Financing: Regional Opportunities Council (ROC), Cincinnati Housing Authority (CHA), Cincinnati Housing Made Equal (HOME) and Hamilton County Housing Authority.

Financing: ROC, HUD Section 8 vouchers, Hamilton County Housing Authority and private sources.

Point of Contact: Dottie Hall, Phone: (513) 721-4663, E-mail: dotty.hall@uwgc.org