Community Development Services
The following is a listing of services and programs offered by the Community Development section and partners of the Economic Development and Planning Department.
In order to receive Housing and Public & Social Services from the Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Department, recipients must reside in Franklin County but outside the Columbus city limits.
For programs with an income-eligibility requirement, recipients must not exceed low-income limits, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For yearly household income limits for Franklin County, please visit the HUD Income Limits site.
Housing
Urgent Need Rehabilitation Grants
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission – the urgent repair program provides grants to low-income families to address a major failing household system that threatens the occupant’s immediate health and safety.
Contact
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)
111 Liberty Street, Suite 100
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: 614-228-2663
Website: www.morpc.org
First Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance
The Down Payment Assistance program assists income-eligible first-time homeowners with down payments and closing costs for the purchase of a home in Franklin County (outside the Columbus city limits). First-time homebuyer counseling services are also available through this program.
Contact
Homeport
3443 Agler Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Phone: 614-221-8889
Website: www.homeport.org
Lifecare Alliance – CHORES program
Program provides minor home repair services for low income individuals focusing on seniors and disabled individuals.
Contact
1699 W. Mound St.
Columbus, Ohio 43223
Phone: (614) 278-3130
Website: www.lifecarealliance.org/
Economic Development
Microenterprise Loan Program
This program funds a revolving loan program for low- and moderate-income business owners opening a new or expanding an existing business who employ 1-5 employees. To qualify, the owner-applicant household earnings must not exceed 80% of the area median income. A revolving loan program is also available for businesses to open retails shops in Franklin County’s retail corridors.
Contact
Economic & Community Development Institute
1655 Old Leonard Avenue
Columbus, OH 43219
Phone: 614-559-0115
Website: www.ecdi.org
Minority Contractors Program
The Economic and Community Development Institute provides technical assistance and resources to minority contractors to promote their ability to maintain and grow their businesses. The business owners will obtain specialized training and technical assistance in all areas related to operating a business and will also be provided the opportunity to secure capital in support of their companies.
Contact
Economic & Community Development Institute
1655 Old Leonard Avenue
Columbus, OH 43219
Phone: 614-559-0115
Website: www.ecdi.org
Keep Working Program
Food for Good Thought will work to provide services to 40-45 individuals whom are on the autism spectrum with food service industry skills and support. Clients will be provided transportation and transportation education, employment seeking education. Program participants will also benefit from support in supported employment opportunities and support in competitive employment opportunities.
Contact
Food for Good Thought
4185 N High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43214
Phone: (614) 447-0424
Website: www.foodforgoodthought.com
Public & Social Services
Housing Retention Services
Community Housing Network provides housing retention services to low-income tenant households that have a history of mental illness, addiction and homelessness. Services include: training classes, the monitoring of tenants, financial counseling, conflict resolution, assistance with critical needs, advocacy, and referral to vocational services.
Contact
Community Housing Network
1680 Watermark Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: 614-487-6724
Website: www.chninc.org
MOBILE - Equipment for the Hearing Impaired
This program provides income-eligible hearing-impaired homeowners with adaptive equipment, such as flashing alarms and other systems, to be installed in their residences.
Contact
MOBILE
690 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43206
Phone: 614-443-5936
Website: www.mobileonline.org
Lifecare Alliance - Nutritional Program
Funding is provided to Lifecare Alliance to provide nutritional services for individuals and families suffering from HIV/AIDS.
Contact
Lifecare Alliance
1699 West Mound Street
Columbus, Ohio 43223
Phone: 614-278-3130
Website: www.lifecarealliance.org
Fair Housing Services
Funding is provided to the Columbus Urban League (CUL) to aid Franklin County residents in accessing fair and affordable housing opportunities. CUL provides fair housing services including education, advocacy, testing and enforcement of fair housing law as well as the implementation of the community Fair Housing Plan.
Contact
Columbus Urban League
788 Mount Vernon Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43203
Phone: 614-257-6300
Website: www.cul.org
Tool Library
Rebuilding Together Central Ohio provides a mobile tool library to low-income residents seeking tools to make home improvements. The Tool Library loans over 200 different types of and over 4,500 individual hand and power tools to individuals and nonprofit organizations.
Contact
ModCon Living
3840 E 5th Ave
Columbus, OH 43219
Phone: 614-258-6392
Website: www.rtcentralohio.org
Housing Counseling
Homes on the Hill provides housing counseling services to eligible homeowners and potential homeowners advising those clients in regards to purchasing a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures and credit issues.
Contact
Homes on the Hill
3659 Soldano Boulevard
Columbus, Ohio 43228
Phone: 614-275-4663
Website: www.hoth-cdc.org
Summer Nutritional Program
Children’s Hunger Alliance raises community awareness of the need for children’s nutritional and educational needs and for those families in need, raises awareness about programs available to help meet the nutritional needs of the children in their respective families. Provides programming, snacks, and meals during summer months.
Contact
Children’s Hunger Alliance
1105 Schrock Road Ste. 505
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Phone: (614) 341-7700
Website: childrenshungeralliance.org
Stepping Off to College
Greater Columbus Community Helping Hands – Provides college entry readiness skills to high school students preparing to enter college, including the provision of a laptop computer upon successful completion of the program.
Contact
Greater Columbus Community Helping Hands
4200 Regent Street Suite 200
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Phone: (614) 747-0649
Website: www.gcchh.net