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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine compares the situation in Springfield to a natural disaster, suggesting the federal government provide assistance to help communities handle large surges in migrant populations. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Tensions are rising in Springfield, Ohio, as controversial claims from Sen. J.D. Vance about migrants in the area have garnered national attention…

Yellow Springs Development Corp. has applied for a $200,000 Department of Energy prize for the microgrid project. The prize winners will be selected by the end of August. (oasisamuel/Adobe Stock)

Solar microgrids bring energy and opportunity to Yellow Springs

The small community of Yellow Springs, Ohio, is leading an innovative effort to harness renewable energy while directly supporting low-income …

Ohio's minimum wage increased this year to $10.45 per hour, but a report by the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio found full-time workers in the Columbus area need to earn $22.37 an hour to rent a two-bedroom apartment. (Adobe Stock)

Annual point-in-time count of homeless set for Columbus, Franklin County

More than 150 volunteers will fan out across Columbus and Franklin County this week for the annual point-in-time count of the homeless. Last year's …

In Ohio, 67% of extremely low-income residents - those making just 30% of the area median income - are spending more than half of their income on rent, according to National Low Income Housing Coalition (Adobe Stock)<br />

Unaffordable housing toughest on Ohio’s lower income communities

By India Gardener / Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Rising housing costs are …

Eviction notices in some cities are 50% higher than the pre-pandemic average now that eviction moratoriums established during the COVID-19 pandemic have ended. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Programs help cut OH veteran homeless rate nearly in half

Advocates for the homeless in Ohio say effective and well-funded federal programs have helped cut the number of homeless veterans nearly in half over …

Rent in Ohio is higher than in any year on record other than 2021 when adjusted for inflation, according to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of Affordable Housing Could Impede Ohio’s Economic Growth

Congress has a looming end-of-September deadline to complete funding legislation, and federal housing vouchers remain up in the air. Recent data …

Sexual assault in the home is a leading cause of homelessness among women and girls, according to the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence. (Adobe Stock)

OH Program Provides Housing for Sexual Violence Survivors

Sexual assault survivors in Ohio can now access short-term emergency housing through a new program run by the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence…

Eight of 10 distressed communities are rural, and 60% of the residents in those counties are people of color, according to the group Rural Organizing. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Rebuild Rural America Act Could Counter Economic Decline in Rural Ohio

Rural Ohio towns could see boosts in economic development projects, and investments in workforce development, emergency preparedness and water and …

In 2021, some 53% of working adults ages 25 to 54 were parents, and more than a third of those parents had young children, according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe stock)<br />

Child Care Crisis a Barrier to Economic Mobility for Ohio Families

Ohio ranks 29th among states in overall child well-being, according to the latest Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Book. Child care …

Domestic violence survivors are less likely to report their abuse when they fear eviction, and being evicted can impede the ability to financially escape abuse, according to the Urban Institute. (Adobe Stock)

New Program Rapidly Houses Rural Ohio Domestic-Violence Survivors

In Ohio's rural counties, a widespread shortage, discrimination and cost all stack up against domestic-violence survivors and their children seeking …

Housing availability has been squeezed by a near-record increase in the number of American homeowners in 2020, according to the Pew Research Center.(Adobe Stock)

Report: Ohio’s Affordable Housing Shortage is Worsening

Ohio's affordable housing shortage has worsened over the past year, according to new data from the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio and …

Tenants' unions provide space to air grievances and discuss ways to advocate for better conditions for renters. (Adobe Stock)

Ohioans Cope with Rising Rents

By Jala Forest/Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Rents have been rising fast …

The gap between rents and wages is wider in rural areas of Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Report Confirms Rents are Skyrocketing in Ohio

A new study shows there is no place in Ohio - or the United States, for that matter - where a person who's working at minimum wage full-time can …

Cleveland had the highest foreclosure rate in the country in the first quarter of 2022. (Tim Evanson/Flickr)

Funding Available to Stem Foreclosures in Ohio

Ohio homeowners who are struggling to stay afloat because of the pandemic may qualify for special assistance. A U.S. Foreclosure Market Report in …

An estimated 30 million students are receiving free school meals, about 10 million more than before eligibility requirements were waived because of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Policies Took a Bite Out of Child Hunger

Federal pandemic waivers took a bite out of child hunger, according to census data, and there are concerns those trends could be reversed when the …

Poverty can be misconstrued as neglect. (Adobe Stock)

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 2: The Present

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As policymakers and child-welfare leaders move to transform the foster-care system, advocates say there are misconceptions about …

The number of children whose families receive SNAP benefits in Ohio decreased from 32.2% in 2019 to 29% in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

New Child Well-Being Data Can Help OH Allocate ARP Funds

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Prior to the pandemic, Ohio counties saw fewer kids in poverty and other strides in improving child well-being, but the public-…

Around 249,000 Ohio households were behind on the rent in June, according to the census. (Aaron/AdobeStock)<br /><br />

Report Reveals Growing Divide Between Ohio Wages and Rent

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The gap between rent and wages continues to widen in Ohio, according to new research. The annual Out of Reach report showed the …

The Child Tax Credit for 2021 increased from $2,000 to $3,000 for children 6-17. (geralt/Pixabay)<br />

More Money to Make Ends Meet for Ohio Families

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Many Ohio families will soon get extra cash to keep up with the cost of raising their kids. The 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion …

Around 16% of Greater Cincinnatians surveyed during the pandemic said they had serious problems paying their mortgage or rent. (AdobeStock)

1 in 4 Ohioans Hit by Financial Toll of Pandemic

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 disrupted the lives of Ohioans, and data continues to evolve that is uncovering the far-…

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network's Fresh Start program is supported by funds from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. (Anete Lusina/Pexels)

OH Domestic Violence Prevention Focus on Housing Options for Survivors

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- New programs available to domestic violence-prevention groups in Ohio aim to help survivors transition into safe, stable housing…

Owners of federally subsidized housing tend to generate less rental income and more operating costs than than market-rate housing projects. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Hundreds of Groups Argue Against Change to Affordable Housing Valuations

COLUMBUS, Ohio - More than 300 Ohio groups and businesses are voicing opposition to a state budget amendment that would change how affordable housing …

Ohio could get $700 million for emergency rental assistance from the American Rescue Plan.<br />(Adobe Stock)

New Law to Ease Burden of Ohioans Past-Due on Rent

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An estimated 10% of all renters are behind on their rent payments, which, in Ohio, is about 370,000 households. Social-service …

There are new efforts to protect at-risk children from the trauma of being removed from their homes.<br />(AdobeStock)

A Family-First Focus for Children Services in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Work to reform foster care in Ohio is getting a boost from a new federal law. The Family First Prevention Services Act will be …

Ohioans who are behind on rent or mortgage payments can contact their local community action agency to see if they qualify for assistance through the Home Relief Grant. (Adobe Stock)

Agencies Move Fast to Help Ohioans with Housing Costs

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Agencies are moving fast to get struggling Ohioans the CARES Act funding that can help them stay in their homes. In November…

Nearly 1-in-5 Ohio households was behind on rent in September. (AdobeStock)

Calls for Emergency Housing Assistance Answered in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Policy groups and housing advocates are applauding the approval of emergency rental assistance in Ohio, while cautioning additional …

Roughly 114,000 people in Cleveland are living below the federal poverty line. (Nitram242/Flickr)

Cleveland, Cincinnati among Top 10 Poorest Big Cities

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland and Cincinnati may not share the same opinions on football or chili, but they do have one thing in common, and it's …

Domestic violence shelters are adjusting living areas to accommodate the learning needs of Ohio kids during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Safe Spaces Become Learning Spaces for Children Fleeing Violence

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Families and educators in Ohio aren't the only ones coping with back-to-school challenges during a pandemic. Domestic violence …

Housing costs can sometimes push older college students to the brink, and often mean the difference between finishing school and dropping out. (Adobe Stock)

Living Expenses a Bigger Burden for Older College Students

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Students over age 25 - who make up one-third of the college population - have much higher living expenses, take longer to graduate …

A survey found that 537,000 Ohioans are concerned they won't be able to pay next month's rent. (Adobe Stock)

Rent "Out of Reach" for Many Ohio Workers

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For the one in three Ohioans who rent their home, the gap is widening between their earnings and their housing costs. The "Out of …

The Justices of the Ohio Supreme Court couldn't agree on the reasoning behind their ruling in favor of an unusual foreclosure process. (Lucia Walinchus)

Ohio Supreme Court Green-Lights Fast-Track Foreclosure Process

By Lucia Walinchus Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman Reporting for the Eye on Ohio, the Ohio Center for Investigative Journalism-Ohio …

Many homeless systems lack sufficient space to isolate and quarantine clients who show symptoms of COVID-19. (AdobeStock)

Ohio Shelters Aren't Built for Social Distancing

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio is starting a new effort to focus on the collision of two public health crises: coronavirus and homelessness. Gov. Mike DeWine …

Elliot Feltner of Cleveland says he was devastated when a property he inherited was sold by a Board of Revision panel without his knowledge. (Eye on Ohio)

Obscure Foreclosure Process Snubs Ohio Taxpayers

Print version by Ashton Nichols, Samantha Raudins, Lukas Udstuen and Lucia Walinchus Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman Reporting for the …

About 1,500 direct jobs are supported by federal weatherization funding. (highwaystarz/Adobe Stock)

Ohio Weatherization Programs Could Get More Federal Dollars

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Weatherization programs in Ohio could get a federal funding boost. Last week, a U.S. House committee marked-up HB 2041…

There are 55 Community Health Centers in Ohio that provide care to more than 800,000 people. (sebra/Adobe Stock)

Ohio Health Centers Use New Screening Tool to Improve Patient Health

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Where a person lives, works and plays can shape their overall health outcomes. And in Ohio, Community Health Centers are …

In Ohio, only 43 rental units are available and affordable for every 100 households considered extremely low-income. (cocoparisienne/Pixabay)

Report: Many Poor Ohioans Lack Safe, Affordable Place to Call Home

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Housing is a foundation for living, and a new report suggests it's an unstable foundation for hundreds of thousands of Ohioans…

Home weatherization measures such as improved insulation can save homeowners energy and money. (Bill Smith_03303/Flickr)

Home Energy Assistance Again Targeted by White House

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The White House again is targeting a program that helps reduce energy costs for struggling Ohioans. President Donald Trump's …

The Public Children Services Association of Ohio expects that, by next Christmas, it could be 2,000 more children entering state custody because of the opioid epidemic if the current trajectory continues. (Pixabay)

Crisis in Ohio's Foster Care System Worsens

COLUMBUS, Ohio – One thousand more Ohio children will be spending their holidays in foster care this year compared with 2016 as the opioid …

Ohio is one of the nation�s worst performers in terms of housing equity. (Jody McIntyre/Flickr)

Affordable Housing and Medicaid Costs: Making the Connection

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State leaders on Tuesday decided to delay a proposed Medicaid rate cut for hospitals, intended to fill a budget gap. But some …

White Americans are approved for about 70 percent of mortgage loans, compared with just nine percent of African-Americans and Hispanics. (Pixabay)

Homeownership: Is the American Dream Color-Blind?

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Achieving the American dream often comes down to access to capital, and a new report finds that racial disparities continue …

Federal proposals to change Medicaid and cut other programs could affect Ohioans in every legislative district. (M. Kuhlman)

Who Does Ohio’s Congressional Delegation Really Represent?

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Data released Wednesday sheds light on how decisions debated at the federal level might play out in Ohio. The Center for …

Over the past 25 years, programs funded by the Ohio Housing Trust Fund have helped about 1.8 million Ohioans. (Pixabay)

Calls to Boost Fund that Fights Ohio Housing Insecurity, Homelessness

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Calls are intensifying in Ohio to strengthen a key tool in fighting homelessness and housing insecurity. The Ohio Housing …

About 300 homes have already received energy-efficiency improvements as part of Weatherize Nelsonville. (COAD)

Weatherization: Taking Action on Energy in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Some 340,000 Ohio households owe about $1,700 more in annual energy costs than they can afford, according to federal data on …

A report shows that the impact of having a parent in prison is as traumatic as abuse or domestic violence for a child. (Pixabay)

Where's Mommy or Daddy?

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio has the fourth-highest number of children growing up with a parent in prison, which a new report finds has a devastating impact …

HUD says blanket bans on selling a home or renting an apartment to anyone with a criminal record is illegal discrimination. (Robb/morguefile)

A Second Shot at Housing for Former Criminals

COLUMBUS, Ohio - About 16 percent of Ohioans have either a felony or misdemeanor conviction, and can face discrimination when looking for a home…

Some voting-rights advocates say challenges to redistricting rules interfere with fair districts and fair elections. (Pixabay)

We All Count: Supreme Court Rules on Redistricting

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to those fighting to ensure elections are fair. The court unanimously ruled …

Having a savings cushion can help families avoid making bad financial decisions and ensure better futures for their children. (401(k)2012/Flickr)

A Financial Cushion Can Secure Future Dreams

COLUMBUS, Ohio - As in many other states, there is a wide gap in savings between white families in Ohio and families of color. The Annie E. Casey …

Immigrant-owned businesses are helping revive some Ohio neighborhoods. (Kailey Sherrick)<br /><br />

Refugees Breathing New Life into Ohio Neighborhood

COLUMBUS, Ohio - At a time of controversy for refugees in the U.S., a story of acceptance in an Ohio community is coming to light. The narrative of …

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OH: Housing/Homelessness