November 12, 2024, press release from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness announced results of the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, which show a record low in Veteran homelessness since measurement began in 2009 and a 5% decrease in Ohio since 2023. Nationwide, the data shows a 11.7% reduction in Veterans experiencing homelessness since 2020 and a 55.6% reduction since 2010.

The lives of one Findlay family have changed forever as they now have a permanent place to call their home. Talisha Balicki and her two daughters were joined by Findlay community members as they receive their keys and got to show off their brand new house. The 3-bedroom 1-bathroom house was constructed in just 10 weeks by Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County and was the first home to be built this year. Once Talisha opened the front door, we went inside to talk with her about what it feels to now have their own home to establish their roots.

Funding from the State of Ohio will be going to build new affordable housing in the City of Lima. Empty lots could be developed in neighborhoods with dollars from the state's "Welcome Home Ohio" program. Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith says that a $720,000 grant will provide "gap" funding for developers looking to build on empty lots now owned by the city. The funds will help revitalize areas with up to 24 new or rehabbed homes. The program is promoting infield development to build on empty lots within current neighborhoods.

After more than 7 years of planning, the City of Lima is launching a new process to take stock of rental properties within the city. The city council passed the legislation back in January, and the rental housing unit registration process is up and running. Any property owner who has rental units is required to register those units with the city. Whether it is one or 50 units, they must be registered. City officials say that 56% of the housing in the city is rental property. The new registration will provide information about the properties that will help keep track of the condition and ownership of the units.