Hamilton County is working to provide more affordable housing for those facing housing insecurity in Greater Cincinnati.
The county announced Tuesday that it’s designating more than $3.1 million to fund the development of rental housing for “Qualifying Populations” through the federal HOME-ARP program from the Department of Planning + Development.
“Affordable housing remains a top priority for the Board of County Commissioners, who recognize its vital role in promoting stability, dignity, and opportunity for all residents,” the county shared in a press release.
Qualifying Populations include four groups:
- Those experiencing homelessness
- Those at risk of homelessness
- Those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and/or human trafficking
- Other families requiring services or housing to prevent homelessness or those at greatest risk of housing instability
The county says housing developers seeking this funding should have extensive familiarity with federal policies, procedures and programs. Projects will be limited to the construction of new multi-family housing or the renovation of either existing residential properties or the conversion of non-residential properties to housing in Hamilton County. Projects can be focused on affordable rental housing, permanent supportive housing or transitional housing, but they must increase the local inventory of affordable housing units for these Qualifying Populations, as well as be financially viable throughout the restricted-use period.
Interested developers can find the official Notice of Funding Availability details at hamiltoncountyohio.gov. Pre-application opens on Monday, July 21. Then, Planning + Development will accept full applications from approved organizations starting Thursday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m.
This article appears in Jul 9-22, 2025.
