Ohio Development Services Agency Update

Thank you all for stepping up to the challenge to support your communities and help our most vulnerable residents during this pandemic. I know it has been challenging. I also know that as Ohioans we are meeting this challenge and doing all we can to slow the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, the number of cases continues to increase, and we need to redouble our efforts.

We need each of you to continue to remind your friends and family to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and avoid large gatherings. By practicing these health guidelines, we will keep our communities safe and allow our businesses to stay open. I also encourage you to share these messages on your social media platforms.  Social media graphics and resources are available at coronavirus.ohio.gov, or you can share/retweet a message from the Governor, Department of Health or Development. It’s imperative that we work together to slow the spread to help our frontline workers, hospitals, and businesses.

Development is administering three community relief programs to provide support in your communities. Through a partnership with our local Community Action Agencies, we established the Home Relief Grant program, which allows eligible individuals and families behind on rent, mortgage, and water and/or sewer utility bills to become current for expenses back to April 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020.

Through Round 1 of our Homeless Crisis Response Program CARES Act funding, we awarded more than $16 million to 78 nonprofits to provide homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and rapid re-housing services to nearly 49,00 people. The second round of funding is now available to help the targeted areas that need it most.

And through our Targets of Opportunity program, eligible local governments can apply for Community Development Block Grant Program CARES Act funding to complete eligible public facilities and public services projects such as senior and healthcare services or assistance to libraries, public schools and hospitals to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the pandemic.

These funds are designated to help support your community through the pandemic. We encourage you to click here to learn about the program eligibility and application requirements or contact us with your questions and comments.

We appreciate your partnership during this unprecedented time. Remember, Development is here to help, and you can contact us with any questions you may have about our programs and services. We look forward to working with you in 2021 as we position Ohio communities for a strong recovery from this pandemic.