Have you noticed the bold transformation happening at Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority? 

 

Sustainable preservation of more than 100 units at Sutter View is fully underway. In fact, the exterior of the buildings already shows a new look. The Evanston, Marianna Terrace, Park Eden and Pinecrest are also in the beginning stages of preserving the affordable homes for families and individuals CMHA serves. The preservation of affordable housing is not just about providing newly renovated - and more attractive -- homes, it also has a huge economic impact for the community. Through this purposeful transformation, we are projecting through public/private partnerships approximately $1 billion of investment in our housing stock. According to HUD reports, public housing across the country has a projected backlog of over $30 billion dollars of needed capital improvements. CMHA is so excited about the approach we are taking to preserve critical affordable housing stock in our community through these efforts. We know with the support of this community we will be able to deliver on this monumental goal. Likewise, we know how critical this is to our residents, our partners, and the overall community to preserve and develop affordable housing in Hamilton County.

 

Accordingly, we have developed an economic impact strategic plan that reveals how Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority will leverage the public/private dollars to successfully achieve its goals of preserving the existing portfolio, urging self-sufficiency and building partnerships. The economic impact strategic plan will provide financial, employment and training opportunities for residents, resident-owned businesses, Section 3, MBE and WBE businesses. In short, the investment dollars CMHA receives to preserve , acquire and re-purpose, and  build new affordable housing will be spent with contractors and subcontractors who then hire and train additional individuals and businesses. This creates a win - win for our community as it provides needed skill sets for people and moves them towards ensuring they are able to earn a livable wage now and in the future.

 

I have talked a lot about our goal of preserving our housing stock. Coming soon I will roll out our strategic plan and present the plan on adding more affordable housing options to our portfolio.  Affordable homeownership, work force housing and more senior housing options are just a few. With the HELP of this community we are striving to place a dent in the 40,000 affordable housing units that are desperately needed in Hamilton County.

 

Also, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority Relocation Team is busily working to make the transformation to RAD as smooth as possible for the individuals and families that live at the sites that are currently in the process. All residents have a right to return upon completion of the rehabilitation and they are being updated frequently. The team is communicating with residents through general information notices, one-on-one assessments, newsletters and meetings. The information gathered permits CMHA to assist each resident according to the needs identified. Our goal to relocate families and individuals is to use either our current housing stock, keep families in place while work is completed in the buildings or temporarily house them with partner community landlords. Through this method we feel we will allow as many residents to stay in their community while construction is taking place. There could be some inconveniences during construction, but we feel residents will be willing to put up with inconveniences as they see the improvements being made to their homes.

 

It is the season for giving thanks and I am thankful for each and every employee, resident, and partner of CMHA. Every relationship we build and cultivate helps us move towards achieving our vision and mission.