Over $1.5 million in federal funds have been allocated for various projects to benefit communities and non-profits throughout Clermont County, ranging from emergency home repairs for seniors to programs providing street outreach to homeless individuals in the community.
On July 10, 2024, the Clermont County Board of Commissioners selected the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) projects to be included in the Action Plan submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
CDBG projects were chosen from 2024 CDBG applications submitted by local jurisdictions and non-profits. Projects were awarded based on their overall benefit to low- and moderate-income areas and individuals.
The Clermont County Department of Community and Economic Development (CED) collaborates with communities to leverage multiple funding sources for their projects, such as CDBG, HOME, Capital Bill Funds, ODOD Demolition Funds, OPWC, FEMA, FAA, OEPA, and others.
The 2024 CDBG projects include:
- Clermont Senior Services Inc. Home Safety Repair Program: $100,000 Home repairs for seniors, including accessibility improvements, furnace, plumbing, and electrical repairs. Many wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and damaged floor repairs will be completed to help seniors remain in their homes. It is estimated that 36 families and over 50 people will benefit from this program.
- Clermont County Community Alternative Sentencing Center (CASC): $71,000 This highly successful program, funded by the Board for several years, serves as an alternative to jail for residents struggling with addiction. It provides much-needed counseling and treatment, helping many residents turn their lives around.
- Clermont County General Health District Homeowner Septic Rehab Program: $100,000 Funding for 10-15 septic system repairs or replacements for low-income residents through forgivable loans. The Health Department will combine these funds with WPCLF and H2Ohio funding from the Ohio EPA.
- Clermont County General Health District Newtonsville Sewer Connection Program: $100,000 Funding for 10-15 sewer connections for low-income residents through forgivable loans.
- Housing Opportunities Made Equal Fair Housing Program: $15,000 HUD-required Fair Housing Program. This organization provides fair housing training to groups such as realtors and landlords and assists renters with complaints or concerns about their housing situation.
- Bethel Historical Society & Museum Inc. Concrete & Asphalt Improvement: $50,000 Repair or replace damaged concrete around the museum entrance to ensure safe access, repave the parking lot, and replace three damaged concrete window sills on the historic building.
- Chilo Village Hamilton St. Resurfacing & Post Office Improvement: $145,000 Repaving due to pavement deterioration on Hamilton Street, adding six parking spots for the post office, and repairing the walk and steps to ensure safe access for residents from Chilo and Neville.
- Franklin Township Sidewalks along SR 756: $209,000 Installation of 1,300 LF of sidewalk along the south side of SR 756 from the Village of Felicity to the proposed Veteran’s Village project, providing ADA access and walkability to the village and its stores and businesses.
- Streetlight Ministry Homeless Outreach Program: $25,000 Outreach to the homeless, including providing sleeping bags, meals, clothing, transportation, ID and birth certificates, and connecting clients with services to help them become self-sufficient.
- Sleep In Heavenly Peace – No Kid Sleeps on the Floor: $30,000 This non-profit charity serving children uses volunteers to build and supply 225 children who currently sleep on the floor with a fully finished bed, mattress, sheets, pillow, and blanket.
- Moscow Village Street Paving Program: $100,000 Repaving streets in poor condition located at Wells St., Second Street, Currant Alley, and Hazel Alley. The LMI village has struggled to maintain its paving program due to declining tax revenue. These funds will combine with local funds to make significant upgrades to the village’s streets.
- Clermont County Community and Economic Development (CED) Planning and Administration of Grants: $72,399
The 2024 HOME projects include:
- Clermont Housing Corporation (CMHA) Veterans Village Housing Project: $400,000 Proposed construction of 25 affordable rental units to serve veterans at risk of homelessness.
- Clermont County Community and Economic Development (CED) Planning and Administration of Grants: $20,000
- Clermont County CHDO Project: Rental or Owner-Occupied Housing: $74,408.90
The Clermont County Board of Commissioners remains committed to improving the lives of residents through targeted investments in infrastructure, housing, and social services. These grants are a testament to the county’s dedication to support a thriving community for all its citizens.
