SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro’s Department of Community Development invested $2,194,500 in local housing in 2022. Using federal and state funds designated for specific programs, the department assists low to moderate income county residents with an array of home improvement, repair, safety and energy efficiency services. The department also supported the I PROMISE Housing Development, Grace House and The Well’s housing initiative.
“With cost-of-living expenses rising, many individuals and families are struggling to make ends meet and complete essential repairs and improvements to their home. Our Community Development programs allow residents in need to safely maintain and stay in their homes,” said County Executive Shapiro. “And recognizing the need for more affordable housing, we are also committed to providing financial support to new development projects that will help fill a critical gap in our community.”
The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) assisted 115 households in reducing their energy burden. Residents participating in the program received a range of services such as furnace replacement and repair, insulation, air sealing or hot water tank replacement and repair. Twenty households participated in the Household Sewage Treatment System Program, a program funded by Ohio EPA to assist low to moderate income homeowners in replacing failing septic systems or connection to public utilities.
In partnership with Summit County Public Health, Community Development removed lead from twenty households. The program is designed to reduce lead-based paint hazards in homes built prior to 1978 with children under the age of 6 residing in the home or visiting the home more than 60 hours a year. Services provided to participants include window replacement, siding, porch replacement and repair and door replacement and repair. The department also completed eight minor home repairs for residents. Program participants receive a five-year, forgivable loan for projects such as health and safety repairs and roof replacements.
Utilizing federal HOME funds, Community Development granted $300,000 to the I PROMISE Housing Development, an East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation and The Lebron James Family Foundation project. When completed the development will consist of 50 apartment units on South Maple Street in Akron. The department also granted $300,000 to Grace House, a hospice and end of life care facility for very low-income residents, and $55,000 to The Well for the design and construction of a duplex in the Middlebury neighborhood.
To learn more about Summit County Community Development programs and how eligible residents can apply, visit https://co.summitoh.net/departments/Community-Economic-Development.html#nav-programs.
