In the News - 2020

The Questions I am Asking
By Brian C. Carnahan, Chair, HOTH-CDC Board of Directors

When I consider the neighborhoods in which HOTH-CDC on whose board I serve does its work, I cannot help but think of the phrase “one step forward, two steps back.” These areas once were vibrant with businesses, employment, and owner-occupied housing. With changes in the economy, the neighborhoods also have changed, resulting in increases in crime, unemployment, drug use, and disinvestment. During its 25-year period, Homes on the Hill has worked to increase affordable housing and promote greater investment in Columbus’s Hilltop and other westside neighborhoods of Franklin County. With a growing local, state, and national economy and higher rates of employment, there was reason to be hopeful. Local leaders also were paying attention to the neighborhood. The city developed a comprehensive plan for the neighborhood called Envision Hilltop. It seemed a good starting point to focus resources and commitment to the neighborhoods. Residents and stakeholders had the opportunity for input.

COVID-19 is changing everything. As a member of the HOTH-CDC Board, it causes me great concern. I have been associated with affordable housing since just before 9/11. Both 9/11 and the Great Recession were distressing situations, but neither event – at least in hindsight – was considered one resulting in lasting change. There was a sense that we would regain what was lost. This crisis is different in that it is affecting everyone. Coping with this crisis is straining the resources – financial, mental, and emotional – of many of us. The jockeying for resources will favor those most able to make their case. Neighborhoods that were struggling before COVID-19 may find they have taken many steps back. During a downturn however, the lowest income among us typically are the most affected. Amplifying the negative impact is the fact that many low-income people also are essential workers, employed in service jobs. Many of these also are people of color who face greater risks in the pandemic. Their services proved essential during this time.

Then, while a pandemic was unsettling the world, the nation’s attention turned toward issues of racism and racial justice. We watched as a man was killed by the police, caught on camera. We again were reminded that issues associated with race and racism are not ones easily solved simply through more money in the way more money supports more housing.

As of now, I have more questions than answers, as may you. These questions relate to both the neighborhoods and people that Homes on the Hill serves and the organization itself. It is my experience that it is helpful to know we are not alone, that others are struggling with the same issues. The questions that will need answers include:

What impact will this crisis have on the neighborhood we serve in the short, middle, and long term? For example, what is the potential impact of evictions? HOTH-CDC's focus is on neighborhoods with challenges, so it is a given that the neighborhoods served by Homes on the Hill were facing challenges before COVID-19.
Will we be able to go “back to the future” and implement the plans the city developed, while at the same time addressing new problems or those that are resurgent?
How will the crisis impact our mission now and in the future?
In the short term, funds may be available as part of the federal response, but what will the resource constraints mean for our mission long term? What funding will be available for services and development? As a community development corporation that relies on providing housing counseling and building and rehabilitating single family homes, will there be a market for our services?
Will the economic and social dislocation resulting from the pandemic exacerbate other problems such as drug use and crime?
How will policing changes impact the neighborhood, and what will resident of the neighborhood have to say about those changes?

While these questions cannot be answered definitively at this point, those of us serving organizations that help those neighborhoods most in need can take some steps. First, we can recognize that focus and attention are fragile and time bound. This means advocates for these neighborhoods must be finding ways to deliver their message to elected officials and policymakers in their communities.

Among mental health-care providers with whom I work through a licensure board, the concept of self-care often is discussed. Those who provide care to others can be as effective only as they are healthy physically and emotionally. The same applies to organizations. Focus on stabilizing our organization while attempting to stabilize the community. Our neighborhoods will be poorly served if community development corporations allow their doors to close. Stability can be aided by being flexible. During a pandemic, certain programs and services may not perfectly fit into your mission, but such opportunities provide a chance to help and a possible source of revenue.

As difficult as it may be to do, continue to plan. This includes working on fundraising plans and recruiting board members. While much of this work may seem more tentative and uncertain than before, it adds value in helping to sort through issues.

Last, remain hopeful. While this time may be different, there is great resilience among the communities served by community development corporations and among those organizations themselves.

In the News - 2019

Recap of Housing Development Activities
In 2019, we completed comprehensive rehabs of 5 housing units. Of these, three were single-family units that were sold, and one is a duplex that is rented (as of February 2020). We also completed construction of a new house in Prairie Township, which was also sold. At the end of 2019, HOTH-CDC had two single-family rehab projects ongoing, with an additional rehab and one new-construction project scheduled to begin in Q1 2020.
Together with Riverside Mill Development and Lowenstein Development, we initiated construction of the Hilltop City Cottages, a development that will consist of six new four-bedroom homes for rent in the North Hilltop. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2020.
Finally, Woda Cooper Companies and Mid-Ohio Food Bank recently began construction on Wheatland Crossing II, a 64-unit new construction development located on Wheatland Avenue. Unlike Wheatland Crossing I, which is adjacent and age-restricted, this second phase will consist of general tenancy.

HUD Housing Counseling Certification
July 2019
Homes on the Hill housing counselors Mark Easterling and Daniel Ruggiero passed the HUD Housing Counseling exam on their first try, a year before the compliance deadline, and are now both officially HUD Certified Housing Counselors.

In the News - 2018

Recap of Housing Development Activities
In 2018, we completed comprehensive rehabs of 3 houses, all of which were sold. We also built and sold 2 new homes. We acquired 2 homes and began their renovations. These will be completed and sold in 2019. Prairie Township donated a vacant lot to us, where we began construction of a 2-bedroom house.
Together with Riverside Mill Development and Lowenstein Development, we received funding to build Hilltop City Cottages, six new 4-bedroom homes for rent north of West Broad Street on Wheatland, Eureka, and Oakley Avenues. Construction begins in 2019.
Wheatland Crossing II, 64 units of family housing to be located on Wheatland Avenue, also received funding approval in 2018. This project is a collaboration with Woda Cooper Companies and Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

LEAN Updates
November 2018
Homes on the Hill’s LEAN program received the Ohio Nonprofit Excellence Award from the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations. The Excellence Awards recognize creativity, execution, achievement, and overall quality of a specific project or program completed by an Ohio nonprofit.

In the News - 2017

LEAN Updates
Autumn 2017
We were sad to say goodbye to our LEAN consultant Katelyn Jackson. Katelyn has been an invaluable member of HOTH-CDC and has helped expand our LEAN program to where it is today. Luckily, she has not gone far and is continuing this work on the East side as a rapid rehousing specialist.
Program Director Daniel Ruggiero has assumed management of LEAN. The website has been changed and updated. The address is now www.westsidelean.org. Please explore what our new site has to offer. We are in the midst of scheduling education seminars and landlord networking events. If you have any topic suggestions, please go to the website for submission directions.

Wheatland Crossing Opening
December 8, 2017
A new 42-unit affordable senior housing community apartment building officially opened on the Hilltop in Columbus. Wheatland Crossing Senior Apartments was built by The Woda Group for residents 55 and older who earn 60% or less of the area median income. At the ribbon cutting, Mayor Ginther noted that the population of those 65 and over will double in the next 35 years. Affordable senior housing is a critical investment for Columbus. Homes on the Hill is a proud co-developer, with an ownership stake in the project. We also will be offering our supportive services to the residents of Wheatland Crossing.

Single Family Housing Development
Homes on the Hill is nearing completion on two new homes. We also are wrapping up rehabilitation construction on two existing homes. Additionally, Homes on the Hill is starting rehabilitation construction on yet another existing home. All five houses will be sold to income eligible households. They are all located in Prairie Township.

25th Anniversary
Founded in 1992, Homes on the Hill had its 25 anniversary this year. Since its inception, Homes on the Hill has developed more than 100 single-family affordable homes, co-developed more than 140 units of senior and family housing, co-developed more than 30 single-family homes with Habitat for Humanity, and counseled more than 10,000 families. We are proud of the work that we have accomplished and look forward to the next 25 years. HOTH-CDC will officially celebrate the anniversary in 2018 at its October Gala.

In the News - 2016

HOTH-CDC Homeownership Staff Recognized by OHFA
August 24, 2016
Homes on the Hill CDC was recognized recently for its outstanding work in providing homeownership counseling to Ohio Housing Finance Agency clients who are purchasing a home using an OHFA lending product. OHFA requires a phone counseling session for all borrowers. Marilyn Pritt, HOTH-CDC housing counselor, completes the phone counseling sessions. Marilyn brings an extensive combination of real estate and lending experience to the position. Her personal communication style and detailed knowledge has been frequently noted by clients. She has counseled more than 650 OHFA clients in the last year while also counseling HOTH-CDC’s regular pre-purchase clients. HOTH-CDC was recognized as the second highest producer of homeownership counseling clients for OHFA in the state. HOTH-CDC Program Manager Daniel Ruggiero and Marilyn were on hand at a recent OHFA meeting to receive the award.

Homes on the Hill Recognized by the National Council of La Raza
August 15, 2016
The National Council of La Raza has awarded Homes on the Hill an award for outstanding work in the local community. HOTH-CDC is a member of the NCLR homeownership network and received this award at the recent NCLR Homeownership Network Meeting. HOTH-CDC was selected from a group of more than 50 organizations that participate in the NCLR homeownership network. HOTH-CDC program Director Daniel Ruggiero was in attendance to receive the award. The award recognizes HOTH-CDC’s work in the community. HOTH-CDC provides both housing development and financial/counseling services. The counseling services consist of pre-purchase, foreclosure, rental, and credit counseling combined with financial literacy. HOTH-CDC has long been recognized as an innovator in program development. NCLR recognizes both the excellent work of the housing counseling and support staff but also recognizes the contribution HOTH-CDC makes in promoting and supporting overall housing policy and programs.
“This award is important to us because it recognizes the contribution that our staff has made over the last several years,” said HOTH-CDC executive director Stephen Torsell. Our staff works hard and has helped literally thousands of households become homeowners, find good rental housing, refinance their homes, and learn how to more effectively manage their finances. HOTH-CDC is a relatively small agency when compared to some but has always managed to achieve significant results in all areas of operations. “We began our partnership with NCLR more than 12 years ago, and this recognition is much appreciated. We have taken on a major task in responding to the needs of our community and this is something that all of HOTH-CDC can take pride in," said Mr. Ruggiero.

Kick-Off Event for April Financial Capability Month
March 9, 2016
Homes on the Hill CDC is holding a Financial Capability workshop in support of April Financial Capability month. Financial Capability Month was passed as a resolution by the Senate in 2004 making April Financial Literacy month. Many non-profits and financial institutions around the country use this month to promote programs aimed to help people become money smart. According to the White House in a 2015 press release, "During national Financial Capability Month, we renew our efforts to support the informed financial decisions that will open doors into the middle class and help ensure economic security for all." Today, nearly half of American homes are in a state of financial insecurity. These workshops will give people in our communities a good handle on where they stand financially as well as simple, hands on tips to make progress toward their goals. At Homes on the Hill, we believe that everyone can benefit from smart money habits and learning to be financially resilient.

Director Steve Torsell Accepted into National Training Program
March 2016
Homes on the Hill Executive Director Stephen Torsell has been accepted into a national training program for nonprofit housing organizations designated as Community Housing Development Organization (CHDOs) by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This competitive selection process has selected 30 representatives from a national pool to be included in 15-week advanced training for housing developers.
The course has been developed to provide guidance and instruction to CHDO executives in response to many regulatory changes implemented in the last several years. CHDO funding is allocated as a portion of HUD funding provided to state and local governments with the express purpose of promoting the development of affordable housing. HOTH has received CHDO funding from the City of Columbus, Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and the State of Ohio funding through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. It is an integral part of its housing program.

In the News - 2014

HOTH-CDC Receives Funding from PNC Bank
October 2014
HOTH-CDC received funding from PNC to continue its Spanish Homebuyer Club in 2015. Being a bilingual (Spanish) housing counseling agency, HOTH-CDC directly provides Spanish-speaking households home buyer education classes and budget and credit counseling through this Club. We thank PNC for their continued support to empower Spanish-speaking home buyers.

HOTH-CDC Receives Funding from Bank of America
September 2014
Homes on the Hill was awarded funding from Bank of America's Community Development Grant to provide support for the direct costs of its Homeownership Education and Counseling Program. Bank of America is proud to support efforts to address issues related to affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization, areas vital to helping people build better financial lives. HOTH-CDC thanks Bank of America for their generous support. As a result, we will continue to be able to help families plan to be financially responsible through budget and credit counseling, foster successful homeownership through homebuyer education workshops and keep families in their homes through foreclosure prevention counseling.

In the News - 2013

HOTH-CDC Receives Spirit of Homeownership Excellence Award
Press Release - June 20, 2013
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) Board celebrated National Homeownership Month with a proclamation from Governor John R. Kasich and presented two organizations with the 2013 Spirit of Homeownership Excellence Awards (SHEA). The OHFA Board meeting was ... more

HOTH-CDC Hires Daniel Ruggiero
Press Release - April 26, 2013
Housing Counseling and Education Program Director Ruggiero brings with him 11 years of experience in mortgage lending, education, and community development. He holds a B.A. from Davidson College and a M.A. from The Ohio State University. Ruggiero was instrumental in ... more

Newsletter
January-March 2013
Hilltop Revitalization ... New Office Faces ... Stepping into Spring ... more

In the News - 2012

2012 Holiday Greeting
December 2012
The holiday season has arrived, which is a time where we give thanks and appreciate the good around us. We are reminded daily of your selflessness, compassion, and commitment to our community. This has been a strong year for Homes on the Hill, and we would like to ... more

Newsletter
November 2012
Staff Spotlight - Benjamin Von Blon ... Getting Financially Fit ... Is your home ready for winter? ... more

HOTH-CDC Board Appoints New Members and Elects New Officials
Press Release - October 20, 2012
At the monthly Homes on the Hill board meeting, new members and officers were elected, creating a new board for the organization. Member Mark Diemer, Pastor of the local Grace of God Lutheran Church, introduced Daryl Hennessy, Assistant Chief of the Business Services ... more

Newsletter
October 2012
From the Ground Up ... That Dream Home ... What is the Home Repair IDA Program? ... more

OCDCA Board Members Recognized
Press Release - August 31, 2012
On August 8, 2012, Ohio Community Development Corporation Association Board members were recognized for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to the organization at the OCDCA retreat. Our own Homes on the Hill Executive Director and President Stephen ... more