The Ohio Department of Development's Community Development Division has awarded Hamilton County nearly $3.3 million in grants to assist low-income homebuyers and homeless individuals.

--> --> -->People Working Cooperatively --> --> --> will receive $800,000 in Housing Assistance Grant Program funds, while Working in Neighborhoods will receive $149,900.

These funds, which come from Ohio Housing Trust Fund dollars, can be used for emergency home repair and handicapped accessibility, homebuyer counseling, and downpayment assistance for low-income families and individuals.

Additionally, six local agencies received grants through the Homeless Assistance Grant Program, funded through the Emergency Shelter Grant Program and Ohio Housing Trust Fund dollars:

• Shelter House Volunteers Group (Recovery Hotel), $709,900
• Bethany House Services, $625,000
• Mercy Franciscan Social Ministries, $488,000
• Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services, $198,000
• Lighthouse Youth Services, $165,600
• Center for Independent Living Options, $150,000

Funds from the Homeless Assistance Grant Program can be used for homelessness prevention services and assistance, moving people from homelessness to housing, and providing long-term supportive housing to homeless individuals with disabilities.

The grants are part of $27 million awarded by ODOD that is expected to leverage $65.2 million in additional public and private dollars.