Housing Our Future
Home Buying Resources
City of Cincinnati: American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI)
American Dream Downpayment Initiative (“ADDI”) is a program that provides down payment assistance of up to $14,000 to lower- to middle-income first-time homebuyers buying a single-family property in Cincinnati. ADDI aims to make homeownership more attainable, revitalizing and stabilizing communities.
The Port: Communities First Ohio Downpayment Assistance
The Port is proud to offer the Communities First - Down Payment Assistance program, providing first mortgage financing and down payment / closing cost assistance grants to eligible homebuyers. The Port created Communities First - Ohio as part of a commitment to increasing homeownership opportunities for residents in Ohio.
Fannie Mae Down Payment Assistance Tool
Though much of the cost associated with purchasing a home is covered by the mortgage, your down payment and closing costs are due to the lender at closing before you move in. Finding funding for those expenses can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Fannie Mae has partnered with DownPaymentResource.com to help you find the down payment and closing cost assistance you need.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Ohio Homeownership Assistance
Need help buying a home? Click the link for a comprehensive listing of statewide and regional assistance programs, as well as programs by city and county.
Homeownership and Financial Education
Brighton Center Homeownership Services
LISCFinancial Opportunity Center® Network Partner
Homeownership workshops cover each step of the home buying process - from budgeting to closing - including searching for a home, sales contracts, loan applications, and basic home maintenance tips. One on one sessions to help home buyers develop an action plan outlining the steps necessary to reach their goal of home ownership. During the process, a credit evaluation is performed and guidance is offered. Once a home is purchased, follow-up counseling is offered to home buyers.
Santa Maria Community Services Financial Stability
LISCFinancial Opportunity Center® Network Partner
Santa Maria Community Services offers free financial education, financial coaching, and financial tools to help individuals reach their financial goals. Services are available to assist participants to make educated decisions regarding finances so they can increase net income, credit, and net worth.
Working In Neighborhoods Homeownership Programs
WIN’s homeownership programs help families grasp the dream of owning a home by rehabbing and building new homes throughout a neighborhood. This improves the housing stock so that the new homeowners see the value of their homes increase as the neighborhood is revitalized. More importantly, research demonstrates that homeownership improves health and education outcomes, community safety, and stability.
The Home Ownership Center of Greater Cincinnati, Inc.
For first-time home buyers, the entire home buying process can look a bit scary. You’re starting what could be the biggest purchase of your life with no experience. There’s good news. A little planning can go a long way to help you face this major decision with confidence. If you are looking for a resource to help guide you through the process, look no further. The Home Ownership Center of Greater Cincinnati’s Home Buyer Training Classes are led by HUD Certified professionals. They are designed to help you get the information you need in a fun, friendly environment.
Home Repair Programs
Lead Safe Hamilton County
Homeowners in Hamilton County may qualify for lead-safe repair and renovations to proactively prevent lead hazards and invest in the future of their home - at NO cost! Click the link above to learm more and to see if you qualify!
United Way of Greater Cincinnati 211 Helpline
For help where you need it in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky! Click the link above to be taken to the United Way of Greater Cincinnati 211 helpline where you can search online for service categories and available help for your specific needs. 211 is limited to Adams, Brown, Cleremont, and Hamilton counties in Ohio and Boone, Campbell, Grant, and Kenton counties in Kentucky. individuals can also dial 211 or 513-721-7900 or text 211CARES to 51555 for assistance.
Property Tax Assistance Programs
New Property Tax Valuation: Full Webinar Recording
Please click the link above to view the full recording of the February 8, 2024 Housing Our Future Webinar: New Property Tax Valuation and Its Impact on Your Taxes. To view the slide deck from the presentation without commentary, click HERE.
Hamilton County Mortgage, Property Tax and Utility Relief Program
Hamilton County wants to help keep families in their homes. There is assistance available for individuals and families from a variety of different programs. Click the link to see if you qualify for any of several mortgage, rent and/or utility programs designed to keep families safe in their homes. You will find help for homeowners, renters, utilities, eveiction prevention, resources for unhoused individuals and families, and more.
Hamilton County Board of Revisions
Any owner of property in Hamilton County may contest a property value by filing a complaint with the Hamilton County Board of Revision. Board decisions are based on property values not tax dollars. Click the link above for more information.
Hamilton County Treasurer's Optional Payment (TOP) Program
The Hamilton County Treasurer provides the TREASURER'S OPTIONAL PAYMENT (TOP) PROGRAM, which allows residential and commercial property owners to prepay their real estate taxes in installments. The program is voluntary and allows property owners to prepay each future tax bill in five installments. It is similar to an escrow account with a financial institution. There is no service charge associated with the program. Click the link above for more information.
Hamilton County Homestead Tax Exemption
The Homestead Exemption allows low-income senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled Ohioans to reduce their property tax bills by shielding some of the market value of their homes from taxation. Applications may be filed with the County Auditor on or before December 31 of the current calendar year. Learn about enhanced exemptions for military service veterans and surviving spouses of public service officers. Click the link above for more information.
Appraisal Information
A recent independent fee appraisal is one form of evidence suggested for the Hamilton County Board of Revision process. The National Appraisal Bias Taskforce has members that are licensed appraisers. The find out more and connect with a licensed appraiser, call (513) 813-8446 or visit HERE.
To find the most recent appraisal for your home, please visit www.hamiltoncountyauditor.org and click on "Property Search" to find your property information. To find comparable sales near you, click on the "sales" link on the Property Summary tab under the "Appraisal Area" section.
Legal Assistance and Appraisal Board of Revision Support Program
The Legal Assistance and Appraisal Board of Revision Support Program provides low-income homeowners access to appraisal services and legal assistance that can support a successful Board of Revision challenge. Eligible homeowners will have a household aggregate gross income equal to 60% or less of AMI, as adjusted for family size. Homeowners that have lived in their homes for at least three years will be prioritized. Appraisal services will be provided by National Appraisal Bias Taskforce members. Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati will provide support for completing the Board of Revision application to challenge property value. To find out more information about the program, please contact Legal Aid of Greater Cincinnati at (513) 241-9400. Funding for this pilot program provided by LISC Greater Cincinnati.
Advocacy
Contact your Ohio Senator and Ohio House Representative
Here are ways you can advocate:
Write a letter to your Ohio Senator and Ohio House Representative expressing your views on the issue.
Call the office of your Ohio Senator and Ohio House Representative to talk about the issue.
Participate in the advocacy efforts of associations or coalitions that share your views on the issue.
Local Resources
Fair Housing & Tenant-Landlord Law
HOME distributes various educational materials regarding fair housing, protected classes, tenant-landlord law, fair lending, foreclosure prevention, and more. Click HERE to be taken to resources for Fair Housing and Tenant-Landlord Law.
Hamilton County Municipal Court Help Center: Housing
The Help Center for Hamilton County Municipal Court in Ohio provides people with education, information, and limited legal advice to access our courts. Click the link above for more information.
You can find guides on the linked webpage, or you can visit the Help Center in person in downtown Cincinnati at 1000 Main Street, Room 113.
Housing Rights
Fair housing allows everyone an equal opportunity to live where they choose and to live there without facing illegal discrimination. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender/sex, familial status, and disability. See Housing Opportunities Made Equal for more resources.
513 Relief: Housing & Utility Relief
513 Relief is hosted by Hamilton County. If you have experienced hardship, you may qualify for several mortgage, rent and/or utilities programs designed to keep families safe in their homes by helping with rent, mortgage, utilities, and eviction prevention. Click the link above for more information.
Choose Cincy Home Owner/Renter Assistance
Learn more about assistance programs for homeowners and renters provided by the City of Cincinnati and other partners on the ChooseCincy.org website. Find out information on tax abatements, down payment assistance, lead paint abatement, and other assistance services. Click HERE.
Greater Cincinnati Water Works
Greater Cincinnati Water Works provides several options for helping customers avoid disconnection or shut off.
Need Help Paying Your Water Bill? Click HERE
Greater Cincinnati Water Works Assistance Programs: Click HERE
Set Up a Payment Plan: PromisePay
Pay Total Balance Due: Portal.myGCWW.org
Cincinnati Housing Stakeholders
Cincinnati Housing Stakeholders is a visual representation of key actors in Cincinnati's housing ecosystem organized by the roles: Advocacy, Community Stakeholders, Local Government, Financing & Development, Developers, Providers (long-term), Emergency Assistance (short-term), and Housing & Financial Counseling. Click the link above for more information.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Do you need assistance with needs such as food, clothing, furniture, rent, utilities, or beds? We may be able to help. St. Vincent de Paul serves neighbors in Greater Cincinnati through its network of Conferences (groups of volunteers based at a church). Click the link above for more information.
The Community Action Agency - Cincinnati | Hamilton County
The Community Action Agency - Cincinnati | Hamilton County (CAA) is a private, nonprofit organization that offers various services to low-income individuals and families in a holistic approach to help lift them out of poverty. Among the services or programs we offer are job training, housing assistance, heating assistance, entrepreneurial coaching, Head Start and Early Head Start. Click below to find resources:
Emergency Rental Assistance
Property Tax Assistance
Utility Assistance Programs
National Resources
2023 NLIHC Advocates' Guide
Every year, the National Low Income Housing Coalition publishes the Advocates’ Guide to Housing and Community Development Policy to educate advocates of all kinds about the programs and policies that make housing affordable to low-income people across America. Click the link above for more information.