SHELBY — Shelby has secured nearly $1 million in CHIP funds to be used in housing throughout the city and Richland County.
The Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) Program partners with communities to preserve and improve Ohio’s housing stock through various housing-related initiatives, according to the Ohio Department of Development.
Efforts may include home renovations and repairs, as well as rental assistance, among others.
On Monday, ODOD announced $22.4 million in grants to 27 communities across the state to “improve access to housing and provide homeownership and rental assistance for low- and moderate-income families.”
Shelby will receive $700,000 in grant funds to rehabilitate five owner-occupied homes, repair 11 owner-occupied homes and include a fair housing component, according to the release.
Back in May, Shelby City Council passed a resolution to enter into a partnership with Richland County Commissioners for the 2024 CHIP program year. Lawmakers also authorized the Ohio Regional Development Corporation to submit the application on the city’s behalf.
Joe Gies, Shelby project coordinator, told council in December that the city’s application had been approved.
“That (grant) distributes throughout all of Richland County, so Ohio Regional Development will administer that,” he said in December. “As long as I’ve worked here (Shelby) we’ve had a CHIP grant, so that’s good for the citizens.”
Who can apply?
Any household in the City of Shelby whose total income of all wage earners —18 years or older — falls at or below the income guidelines for the program are eligible to apply.
Gies said applications will be opening around May.
Grant funds are used to improve the housing stock in Shelby and Richland County for low to moderate income citizens. The city has contracted with the Ohio Regional Development Corporation to administer its program.
According to the city’s website, the program does not guarantee funding to all applicants.
The city determines funding priority using program guidelines — which includes household income, the priority rating of a resident’s home, housing needs and the availability of funds.
Visit the city’s website for more information about CHIP eligibility and how to apply.
Non-Shelby residents seeking some of the grant funds should also apply through the City of Shelby, Gies said. This includes all of Richland County, except the City of Mansfield, he added.
Where do CHIP funds come from?
CHIP program grants are funded by the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, the federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Programs, according to ODOD.
“We want all Ohioans to have a safe and stable place to call home, and these grants support that mission by improving housing, supporting homeownership, and creating opportunities for a better future,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in the release.
Lydia Mihalik, director of the state’s Department of Development, echoed similar sentiments.
“When families have access to quality housing, it transforms lives and strengthens communities,” she said. “We are committed to working alongside our partners to make transformational investments just like these that ensure every Ohioan has the chance to live their best life.”
Also among communities receiving grant funds is nearby Crawford County — which will receive a $1 million grant to rehabilitate 11 owner-occupied homes, repair 17 owner-occupied homes and include a fair housing component, according to the release.
The county will partner with the cities of Bucyrus and Galion.
Ohioans living in any of the awarded communities who wish to receive funding through the program should contact the entity receiving the grant, the release said.