Jennifer's Supportive Housing Story

Change in a state law will change people's lives

More renovations on the way 

Enough barriers face people with mental illness in search of a safe, affordable place to live. An Ohio legal statute shouldn't be one of them. But it wasn't until two dedicated public servants paved the way.

An issue was a law prohibiting non-profit organizations, including Community Housing Network, from using state capital funds and tax credits together in the same project.

In 2006, State Rep. Jon Peterson, (R-Delaware), and State Sen. Steve Stivers, (R-Columbus), led the charge to abolish these financing restrictions. As a result of the legislative solution, capital dollars can be leveraged with tax credits to develop new housing and maintain existing affordable housing.

Finding creative ways to develop housing is critical especially as state funding continues to decerase. Thanks to the leadership of two elected officials, most housing for people disabled by mental illness or developmental disabilities should benefit. CHN will begin using this mechanism in 2008 to renovate 391 apartments originally financed with funds from the Ohio Department of Mental Health.