SHELBY — The City of Shelby wants to improve and preserve its housing stock.
On Monday, Shelby City Council passed a resolution to enter into a partnership with Richland County Commissioners for the program year 2024 Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) Program.
Additionally, councilmembers authorized the Ohio Regional Development Corporation to submit an application to the program on behalf of the city.
The 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.
CHIP funds help Ohioans ‘grow, succeed, and build brighter futures’
CHIP program grants are funded by the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and HOME Investment Partnership Programs, according to the ODOD.
Furthermore, funds are awarded to communties across Ohio to “improve housing and provide homeownership and rental assistance for low- and moderate-income families.”
“This funding is helping create environments across the state where every Ohioan can grow, succeed, and build brighter futures for their families,” Governor Mike DeWine told ODOD in January 2024.
Shelby Project Coordinator Joe Gies said the city’s current CHIP grant expires at the end of this year. If the city’s application is accepted, any funds granted would be used for projects in 2025 and 2026, he said.
The city completed a request for qualifications and received a response from the Ohio Regional Development Corporation.
“This (resolution) will allow them to file an application on behalf of the City of Shelby for the years ’25 and ’26,” Gies said, adding the city commonly uses awarded funds for home repairs and renovations.
Who qualifies for projects using CHIP funds?
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.
According to the city’s website, the program does not guarantee funding to all applicants.
For those who qualify, the program may provide funds up to $30,000 per home for the Owner Rehabilitation Program, up to $5,000 per home for the Home Repairs Program and up to $5,000 per home for the Home Buyers Assistance Program.
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.
In other action Monday, City Council:
— passed a resolution declaring Shelby as a Purple Heart City.
— confirmed the appointment of Marissa Miller to Shelby’s Health Department Advisory Board.
— passed a resolution to donate equipment and a police cruiser to the North Central State College Police Academy.
— passed a resolution to donate equipment and a police cruiser to the Tri-Rivers Career Center criminal justice program.
(Below is a PDF of Shelby City Council’s agenda from Monday evening.)