Richland County Homeowners Find New Hope with Rehab Grants
Mansfield and Richland County homeowners facing aging infrastructure and potential lead hazards have a growing opportunity for assistance. The Richland County Land Bank is currently accepting applications for two programs – Lead Safe Ohio and Thriving Home – designed to improve housing stock and protect residents’ health. These initiatives come at a crucial time, as a significant portion of the county’s homes were built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned.
Addressing Lead Exposure: A Public Health Priority
The dangers of lead exposure, even in small doses, are well-documented. The Richland County Land Bank’s Lead Safe Ohio program provides financial assistance for repairs that mitigate these risks. Originally allocated $1.358 million in November 2023, the program recently received an additional $400,000 in re-allocated state funds, bringing the total available to $758,000. This funding can be used for critical exterior improvements like replacing siding, windows, doors, gutters, and porches.
Thriving Home: A Broader Approach to Housing Stability
Beyond lead remediation, the Land Bank’s Thriving Home program, funded by a $750,000 grant from the Richland County Foundation, offers up to $25,000 to eligible homeowners. This program aims to stabilize Richland County’s housing stock by funding a wider range of improvements, including those that reduce utility costs, improve energy efficiency, and enhance health and safety. Unlike Lead Safe, Thriving Home is open to owner-occupants with homes built in or before 2000.
Eligibility and Application Details
Both programs prioritize low-income homeowners. For Lead Safe Ohio, households earning at or below 80% of the area median income are eligible. Those earning up to 120% of the median income may qualify if they can document housing insecurity – a concern about the safety of their home due to lead-based paint. Thriving Home eligibility is capped at 120% of the area median income.
A key difference between the programs is the matching requirement. Thriving Home beneficiaries are required to cover 15% of the total rehabilitation cost, with Mechanics Bank offering fixed-interest rate loans to assist with this. Homeowners cannot receive funding from both programs for the same project.
What the Land Bank is Already Achieving
The Land Bank has already assisted 28 property owners through the initial round of Lead Safe funding. More than 60 applications have been received for both programs combined, demonstrating a significant need within the community. The Land Bank is prioritizing Lead Safe applications due to the program’s spending deadline.
Beyond Grants: Land Bank’s Wider Impact
The Richland County Land Bank’s mission extends beyond these two programs. It actively acquires vacant and abandoned properties, reduces blight, and revitalizes neighborhoods. Recent activities include approving the sale of land for new home construction and investing in environmental improvements at the former Westinghouse site.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I find applications for these programs? Applications for both Lead Safe Ohio and Thriving Home are available at richlandcountylandbank.org.
- What types of repairs are covered by Lead Safe Ohio? Eligible repairs include replacing siding, windows, exterior doors, downspouts, gutters, exterior trim, fascia, soffit, and porches.
- Is there a cost to apply for these programs? No, there is no application fee.
- What is the income limit for the Thriving Home program? Homeowners must earn no more than 120% of the area median income.
Did you know? Approximately 75% of Richland County’s housing stock was built before 1979, increasing the likelihood of lead-based paint presence.
For more information about these programs and the Richland County Land Bank’s initiatives, visit richlandcountylandbank.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your home and community!
