Partnerships, Cooperation, and
Collaboration Produce Housing for
the Homeless in Columbus

A new single room housing facility in Columbus, Ohio is an outstanding example of cooperation and collaboration, not only in garnering financial resources, but also of overcoming neighborhood objections. Thus, last month the new facility, Commons at Grant, at 398 South Grant Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, began accepting new residents.

Major partners gathered earlier this summer to commemorate completion of the facility.

National Church Residences will operate the facility, and the Columbus Community Shelter Board will administer the key social service element for the formerly homeless residents.

HUD's Community Planning and Director in Ohio, Lana Vacha, described it as a, "very good looking project." She noted that the total cost of the project is $7,500,000. Three separate units of government provided HUD HOME funds.

• The City of Columbus: $1,500,000 loan at 5.46% for 20 years
• Franklin county: $515,000 loan at 5.46% for 20 years
• State of Ohio: $300,00 loan at 5% for 30 years

HUD has also granted slightly more than $1 million in Supportive Housing Program funds. The State of Ohio provided tax credit financing and the Ohio Housing Finance Agency granted a $1,500,000 direct loan.

Monthly rent for the units is $487. The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority will provide HUD rental subsidies to the residents who require them, based upon their income.

• Read a news story about this project from the Suburban News Publications (http://www.snponline.com/NEWS7-2/7-2_allgvhomeless%207-2.htm)
• Learn more about National Church Residences (http://www.ncr-home.org/who.htm)
• Learn more about the Community Shelter Board (http://www.endhomelessness.org/best/bpcsb.htm) and the work they are doing throughout central Ohio