Wilkin announces funds to increase housing in southern Ohio
State Senator Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) announced the investment of $420,000 into the 17th Senate District to help land banks purchase, rehabilitate or build qualifying residential properties for income-eligible Ohioans.
Nearly $29.5 million will be awarded to 263 homes across 17 counties as part of the first round of the Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) program.
"Homeownership is the foundation of the American dream and allows our families and communities to thrive for generations," Wilkin said. "The funds coming from this program will help more Southern Ohio residents find a place to call home."
Entities in the 17th Senate District receiving grants include:
• The Gallia County Land Reutilization Corporation ($360,000)
— $270,000 for the purchase of three residential properties
— $90,000 to fund the rehabilitation of those properties.
• The Jackson County Land Reutilization Corporation ($60,000) for the construction of two residential properties.
The WHO program was funded in House Bill 33, the state operating budget, and is designed to provide grants for the purchase of qualifying residential properties, cost of construction or rehab, or a nonrefundable tax credit for qualifying activities.
Learn more about the program and these projects at https://development.ohio.gov/community/redevelopment/welcomehome.
Senator Shane Wilkin represents the 17thDistrict in the Ohio Senate, which encompasses Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross and Vinton counties, as well as part of Perry County. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Wilkin.
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.