Habitat for Humanity taking national lead in 'workforce housing'

While the notion of Habitat for Humanity building an entire subdivision may be unheard of locally, chapters in other communities throughout the United States are taking the lead in affordable housing development, and the concept is not lost on the state of Ohio. Habitat for Humanity of Ohio was awarded $25 million from the state's American Rescue Act funds to aid in the effort to address the shortage of "workforce housing" statewide. The money will also be used to provide repair services for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. In some communities, Habitat for Humanity is the only provider of critical home repairs for Ohioans on a fixed income. In August, the local chapter approached Findlay council asking the city to donate 26 acres of land between Carlin Street and I-75. The property would be transferred through the Blanchard Valley Port Authority. The chapter is interested in building an addition, named Hope Springs, that would include 68 homes built over 10 years. A new ad hoc committee, appointed by council to consider the land donation, met on Tuesday. Councilwoman Beth Warnecke, R-3, who served as committee chair, said she would not be in favor of donating the land to Habitat. She did acknowledge, however, that the city needs the housing. She said donations are something that are made on the private level and are not a function of government. The committee has asked Findlay's administration to explore city development of the land, with parcels that could then be auctioned off. The idea has also met with organized opposition from residents of the West Park Subdivision. "Our West Park" argues that their neighborhood, which lacks storm sewers, sidewalks and curbs, with limited street access, can't support more housing. Affordable housing for workers has become a national problem, said Cheri Witt-Brown, CEO of the Greeley-Weld, Colorado, Habitat chapter. The chapter is a nationwide leader in building affordable housing using the village concept, or "pocket community," as it has been referred to locally. Witt-Brown said the issue isn't just about housing the homeless, but that the lack of affordable housing affects the stability of workers needed in a community, like first responders, entry-level teachers and nurses, service workers and factory workers. Witt-Brown said communities that fail to address the issue may experience an exodus of these workers as they relocate to other areas where they can afford a home and give their families a more stable future. "We like to say we develop communities that you do want in your backyard," she said. "I do feel like Habitat's mission is more important than ever." Other examples The Colorado chapter most recently launched the development of 600 houses, at a continuum of prices, with onsite childcare and walkable access to groceries, among its many practical amenities. It has received $10 million in grants and investments for the project. Once complete, Witt-Brown said it will be a $100 million investment in the community. Other Greeley-Weld Habitat builds include Mission Springs, with 95 affordable housing units developed in partnership with Commonwealth Companies, the nation's seventh largest for-profit affordable housing developer, and Crestview, which includes 14 homes completed in 2019. Clover Meadows, a 12-home development, is currently in progress. In 2016, the chapter completed a 60-home development, one of the largest single-family Habitat developments west of the Mississippi. Tieman Village, the first home development project built by the chapter, broke ground in 1999, with 22 homes completed by 2002. "What we don't want to see is a return to government HUD housing, which seemed to keep people in a depressed state," Witt-Brown said. Instead, she said Habitat focuses on wealth creation and healthier communities. "Really, it's one of the best things that can be done locally to improve a community," she said.