Hamilton County homeowners could soon qualify for a new home repair program offered by the county, according to an announcement from the county on Sept. 24.
The Revive and Thrive Home Loan Repair Program will offer loans to homeowners in Hamilton County, helping pay for home repairs at a 2% interest rate.
Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000, and can be used for a variety of repairs, from health and safety fixes and code violations to general improvements.
“We’re securing homes, and we’re securing futures for these families,” said Hamilton County Board of Commissioners vice president Denise Driehaus at a press conference announcing the program. “The payback is fairly long term, so that people of all different income levels can afford these loans and make these repairs to their homes in a way that they can’t otherwise if they’re just operating in the free market.”
The program is open to homeowners who’ve occupied their residence for at least six months, with income at, or below, 80% of the area median income, which is $75,500 for a family of three and $58,700 for a single person.
Notably, home repairs included in this program are considered part of normal maintenance, and, unless they change a home’s physical structure or livable space, will not increase the home’s taxable value.
Revive and Thrive is funded by a $2-million investment from the Hamilton County Commission. Of that $2 million, $1.3 million comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the rest is supplemented through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Greater Cincinnati spearheaded the program, and numerous local organizations, including United Way 211, Working in Neighborhoods (WIN) and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati will assist with the application process and oversee the construction and repairs.
“They’re gonna service this program and be alongside the homeowners at every step,” said LISC Greater Cincinnati executive director Kristen Baker.
“My call to citizens of Hamilton County and the citizens of Cincinnati is to use these tools,” said council member Reggie Harris. “Because we care about keeping people in their homes and providing a safe place for generations to come, and I just think this is the best million dollars the city could commit to.”
Other cities have implemented similar policies. Detroit launched their 0% Home Repair Loans Program in April of 2015, and Memphis, Tennessee, announced 901 Help, a program providing low-interest loans to citizens for home repairs, in 2023.
A survey released by Today’s Homeowner, including the responses of 1,000 homeowners across the country, found that 60% of homeowners are putting off home maintenance due to costs. A study conducted by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University released in 2022 found that low-income homeowners spend less on average on all types of home remodeling and repair projects because of financial constraints.
Hamilton County homeowners who want to apply must call United Way’s 211 Helpline, and, after they’re found to be eligible, will be contacted by Working in Neighborhoods to complete the full application.
For more information, go to HamiltonCountyHome.org.
