Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Homeport and M/I believe a roof is more than shingles and wood. Under it, families and dreams are nurtured. Like Homeport, we have put those beliefs into action, working to make the American Dream a reality for everyone. Our visions remain one and the same.
By Robyn E. Judge
When I look forward to Columbus’ future, I am filled with optimism, because the momentum and collaboration we are witnessing are truly inspiring. As our city experiences a remarkable transformation – growing at a breathtaking pace, attracting businesses and residents alike – although we face some significant challenges, we are also seeing the chance for incredible opportunities.
At the heart of addressing our region’s challenges and maximizing these opportunities are strong partnerships. Homeport is proud to be a cornerstone of this shared effort, working tirelessly to build a community that houses and supports every resident.
I have been associated in one or another with Homeport, I’ve admired its commitment to providing affordable housing and caring for residents on their path to self-sufficiency. My journey with the organization deepened when I joined the board in 2021, allowing me to witness firsthand the transformative power of their work.
The partnership between Homeport and Fifth Third Bank was instrumental in building 33 single-family homes in Milo-Grogan and the second phase of the Easton Place Home, Phase II. Our partnership goes further, supporting the organization’s housing advisory services
with critical resources and working directly with Homeport families in their financial goals. This collaboration exemplifies the kind of impact we can achieve when organizations come together with a shared vision.
The past year has been particularly exciting as we’ve seen the fruits of our joint efforts. The City of Columbus, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, and important financial stakeholders brought online communities including Mulby Place, Easton Place Homes, McDowell Place in Franklinton, and funded the transformative renovations at Thornwood Commons. Just in these developments alone, that is 150 new affordable homes in our community and 86 newly renovated apartments for long-term residents.
Homeport is deeply committed to equity, and this commitment goes much further than the provision of housing. I have seen firsthand how the work gets done at Homeport, and it is always with the residents and community at the focus. Homeport doesn’t just build a community and walk away; our resident services team is there from the day the doors open to provide vital service connections for families and children.
Our city is on the cusp of something extraordinary. The energy surrounding Columbus’ growth is infectious, but to ensure this progress benefits everyone, each of us has a role to play. By working together, we can create a city where opportunity is accessible to all. Let’s harness this momentum to build a stronger, more inclusive community for generations to come. Thank you for your partnership.
ROBYN E. JUDGE, BOARD CHAIR
“By working together, we can create a city where opportunity is accessible to all.”
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
— Coretta Scott King
If you have lived in Columbus as long as I have, you may often find yourself looking around and seeing just how much has changed. From the cityscape to the businesses and people who populate it, the growth has been immense, and it will only continue in the years to come.
However, as our city soars, it’s imperative that we ensure this success is within reach of every corner of our community. The reality is that many of our neighbors face significant challenges, including access to affordable housing, living wages, and the stability necessary to build a better life.
Homeport is at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Our mission is to create Central Ohio where everyone can thrive, regardless of income, race, or zip code. We are building a foundation for security, opportunity, and dignity through housing, support services, and strong community partnerships.
Our Voice & Vision theme, “Building for an Equitable Future,” highlights our commitment to creating housing opportunities for all. We are honored to recognize Lark Mallory, a tireless advocate for
affordable housing, and to welcome keynote speaker and author of Color of Law sequel Just Action, Leah Rothstein. Together, Leah and Lark’s vision and leadership inspire us as we work to build a more just and equitable community.
To create a thriving Central Ohio and further our mission to build stronger communities, Homeport needs your support. With your help, we can:
• Expand affordable housing options: The city’s new zoning code will spur unseen development, and Homeport is working to ensure a big chunk of that development is affordable housing. We are developing new housing communities like Mulby Place and Fieldstone Cottages for seniors, and Easton Place Homes and McDowell Place for working families.
• Empower residents to succeed: Our resident services team provides essential support for families and children, including financial counseling, job training, and access to fresh food, school supplies, warm clothing, and other resources. These services help our residents achieve stability and build stronger futures.
• Foster strategic partnerships: Collaborations with government agencies, corporations, and other nonprofits are essential to our work. By working together, we can maximize our impact and create lasting change.
A prime example of our commitment to equitable development is McDowell Place in Franklinton, which opened its doors this summer. This community provides our valued workforce with access to affordable housing near jobs and amenities. By investing in neighborhoods like Franklinton, we are helping to prevent displacement and create opportunities for all residents.
We understand that addressing the affordable housing crisis requires a multifaceted approach. While building more homes is crucial, it is equally important to provide comprehensive support services. Homeport is committed to both.
Your generosity will empower us to build more affordable homes, expand our resident services, and strengthen our partnerships. Together, we can create a Central Ohio that serves everyone.
We invite you to join us in building a stronger community. To learn more about our work or to make a donation, please visit our website, or set up a meeting with Senior Director of Resource Development, Laverne D. Price.
Thank you for your continued support.
LEAH F. EVANS, PRESIDENT & CEO
We’re big fans of people who look out for people.
Congratulations to Lark Mallory for being named a 2024 Voice & Vision Award honoree . Hard work doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, so when it makes a community better, we take notice. We appreciate all your efforts, and keep making us stronger. Member FDIC. ⬢®, Huntington® and ⬢ Huntington. Welcome.® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2024 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.
DIGNITY SPONSORS | $2,500+
ALVIS I BIA I Stephen Buchenroth
Columbus Urban League I Ice Miller, LLP I LCNB National Bank
Bruce Luecke I Nationwide Children’s Hospital I PNC
Team Fishel I Third Federal Savings & Loan
STABILITY SPONSORS | $1,000+
CCIIR I Civista Bank I Enterprise I Catherine Girves I InfraSource
Andy & Holly Malone I Mallory Economic Development Advisors
PrimaryOne Health I Statebank I Steve Weiler
SUPPORTING SPONSORS | $500+
Barbara Poppe and Associates LLC I Central Contractors Redevelopment LLC
Choice Poperty Resources, Inc. I Community Shelter Board I Creative Housing
ETSS I McGohan Brabender I Milo-Grogan Foundation I Sara Neikirk
James & Laverne Price I Roetzel & Andress, LPA I Union Savings Bank
CONTRIBUTORS
Avenue Partners I Tasha Booker I Joyce Chen I Gene Hollins
TeNiqka Hairston I Mike & Veronica Hall I Jamie & Felicia Hence
Chris Huner I Hal Keller I Lisa Roberson I Shremshock Architects Inc.
11:45 AM
PRE-PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS with Robyn Judge, Homeport Board Chair
12:00 PM
MAIN PROGRAM BEGINS PROMPTLY Program Lineup
FEATURING KERRY CHARLES, NBC4, AS MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Sandy Doyle-Ahern, President, EMH&T
Leah F. Evans, President & CEO, Homeport
Matthew E. Drane, Senior Director, Ohio Multifamily, Greysteel
Wade Jordan III, CEO/Founder, WJ3PROPERTIES LLC
Honoree
Lark Mallory, Founder, Mallory Economic Development Advisors
Keynote speaker
Leah Rothstein, Co-author, Just Action
Roundtable discussion
To create strong communities by developing quality, affordable homes on a cornerstone of dignity, security and opportunity.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY #1
Expand household equity for Black people, people of color, and lowand moderate-income buyers through for-sale home development and homebuyer services.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY #2
Generate affordable housing options for Central Ohio residents by growing Homeport’s pipeline aggressively over the next three years.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY #3 WITH
Maintain housing stability through targeted resident services and community engagement that serves and supports all our residents.
Trust, Accountability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Quality
We make decisions based on facts and reasoned assumptions, not on biases and personal opinion. We seek clarity. We make sure transparency is at the core of our interactions and decisions. At the end of the day we feel comfortable that our work is guided by honesty and strong moral principles.
Showing up on time, coming fully prepared to contribute and staying engaged is expected. Each of us has a unique and important role at Homeport and take full ownership in carrying out our duties and responsibilities. Do we get it right every time? No, and we respectfully offer and accept constructive feedback to better ourselves and Homeport.
Let’s work together and make sure we provide our residents with the best we can offer. We seek help because our colleagues will offer their expertise. We can make better decisions when we include those affected. Think bigger!
We all came to Homeport with different backgrounds and life experiences. As colleagues we value relationships and embrace others’ diverse experiences, dreams and quirky habits. A different perspective should be assumed to be with positive intent and extended the most generous interpretation possible. Be kind to one another.
Our residents choose to live in a Homeport community because we provide security, opportunity and dignity. We constantly challenge the status quo and we don’t take questions personally, but rather, as a means to be the best organization we can be. To exceed expectations in every facet of our work we must embrace change and do what is right, not just what is easy.
It is an absolute honor and privilege to be recognized as Homeport’s 2024 Voice & Vision honoree. It is even more special that it is the tenth anniversary and the year in which the theme is “Building for an Equitable Future”. A timely theme and one in which Homeport is leading the way. As a community, we must not only increase the number of housing units available for our neighbors to ensure our future, but we must do so in an equitable and, dare I say it, sustainable manner. An equitable future requires us to consider who is given the opportunity to develop, design, and construct. I appreciate the Mayor and his commitment to making Columbus an equal opportunity city. I appreciate the County Commissioners and their acknowledgment that racism is a public health crisis and the need to address the racial wealth gap. We have a long way to go, but we can build towards an equitable and sustainable future.
I am a double Buckeye with a master’s degree from the University of Florida. No one would debate that these two universities are powerhouse football schools. As an alum of each, I am embarrassed to say it, but I am not a huge football fan. I may watch a handful of games total, pro and college, and that includes the Super Bowl and national championship game. So it is with much surprise that I quote an NFL player who has captured my attention as well as that of the nation. Keon Coleman, an internet darling. The nation has fallen in love with him, from the moment he was drafted and hugged his mom while telling her that he loved her and that he was trying not to cry, to his first press conference in which he talked about the cookies and his $79 coat from Macy’s. Why am I telling you about Keon Coleman? Because he and his viral internet status remind me of where we are
with housing, and his advice is worth heeding. When asked about going viral, he said he was aware of the attention but that he was “happy to keep the main thing the main thing”. Housing is the topic of the day, AS IT SHOULD BE. My concern is that we are not keeping the main thing the main thing.
What is affordable housing? Affordable housing is simply housing that you can afford and you are deemed to afford housing if it costs no more than 30% of your income. Whether you are the president of a large public company, the president of a nonprofit, or a barista at the local coffee shop, you should spend no more than 30% of your income on housing in order for it to be considered affordable to you. That’s it, that’s what is meant by affordable housing. Granted, when those of us in the housing space talk about big A affordable, we are referring to housing that is subsidized such as with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and reaches those at the lower end of the income spectrum. But affordable just means 30% of your income.
Instead of a laser focus on what is needed to bring more units to the market in an equitable and sustainable manner, we are debating the definition of affordable and have come up with numerous other terms. Attainable.
“Housing is the fundamental building block of lives, community and society.”
Workforce. Missing middle. I have no idea what “attainable” means, but generally, workforce and missing middle refer to housing for those at 80 to 120 percent of the area median income. But guess what? If you run the numbers, rents are still 30 percent of that income level. That is, rents are still affordable to that income range.
We. Need. HOUSING. We need housing at all income levels, of every type, across our entire region. Yes, we need housing at all income levels, but we need more at lower levels. Why is it important to have enough housing at all income levels? Not having enough housing at higher AMI levels results in downward pressure on the market.
Someone who can’t find housing at her income level doesn’t look for housing that she can’t afford. Instead, she looks for lower priced housing, thus taking a unit from someone making less. We need enough housing for our neighbors regardless of their income.
“We need housing at all income levels, of every type, across our entire region.”
If we focus on the main thing, drop the labels and just focus on housing, we can use our energy to put forward solutions. Why is housing important and what are some things we can do? Housing is the fundamental building block of lives, community and society. To remain on our current growth trajectory, we must solve for housing. Multifamily rental housing and for sale homes. What do we need?
Hats off to the city of Columbus and its zoning update. However, we need zoning updates for our entire region. Such zoning should encourage density where density makes sense, for example, where there is existing infrastructure and along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors. I’m sure we have all heard of the LinkUS effort being spearheaded by COTA. It makes sense for there to be equitable and sustainable development along the corridors. By building where it makes sense, we also increase our chances of preserving more of our existing green space.
We need funding, funding at lower interest rates so that developers can offer lower interest rates. In fact, in addition to loan funds, I would love to see an equity fund. Where is there an equity fund for those developers in need of patient capital outside of the LIHTC space? Not only would I love to see an equity fund, I would especially love it for my emerging developers. By adding sustainability to our focus, there is also the potential to bring green dollars to our region. These dollars can be used to make sure new housing is climate resilient, especially in those neighborhoods that have traditionally gone without investment. We know that those neighborhoods are also the first to suffer from climate conditions.
Since I am waving my magic wand, I would love to see a database
for developers. In my previous position, I led the effort to raise a regional fund for developers of affordable housing. I learned that there are so many communities where the level of information is not the same as that in Franklin County. It is much easier for a developer to determine the governing authorities and available incentives if that developer is working on a project in Columbus or Franklin County. Can we develop a database where a developer can insert a project site and immediately learn which entity has oversight of the project site, zoning and permitting requirements and available incentives? Such a database would save developers time and money. Reduced cost of development increases the ability to make a project pencil out at lower rental rates. The database would be especially helpful to small and emerging developers, making the space for equitable.
Building a future that is affordable, equitable and sustainable is hard work. I’m proud of what I accomplished while at The Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County (AHT) – including the Emerging Developers Accelerator Program, AHT’s first program with an equity focus – but the work is not done. It’s why I created Mallory Economic Development Advisors consulting firm. I don’t quit when there is hard work to do, I roll up my sleeves and dig in. I stand ready to assist Homeport in this work at the local level and similar organizations around the country. Whether it’s serving on the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) first advisory committee or working independently as a consultant to public and private entities, I am committed to affordable, equitable and sustainable housing, no matter where I am. So let’s drop the labels and keep the main thing the main thing. Housing.
“I don’t quit when there is hard work to do, I roll up my sleeves and dig in.”
NON-VOTING BOARD
Thank You Homeport Staff for Your Commitment!
Co-Author, Just Action
Homeport is proud to announce Leah Rothstein as the keynote speaker for our 10th annual Voice & Vision event. As our speaker, Rothstein will lend her expertise and insight into the importance of equitable development in building strong communities.
Rothstein, co-author of Just Action with Richard Rothstein, brings a wealth of experience in public policy and community change. Her work spans from grassroots initiatives to the halls of government, where she has led significant reforms focused on rehabilitation over punishment in the Alameda and San Francisco probation departments. As a consultant to various entities on affordable housing policy and finance, Rothstein’s insights are deeply informed by her years as a labor and community organizer, advocating for housing, environmental justice, workplace safety, and youth leadership.
Just Action, a sequel to the influential The Color of Law, offers strategies to redress the wrongs of segregation. While The Color of Law revealed the government’s role in creating residential segregation, Just Action provides a roadmap for local community groups to initiate change. It underscores the importance of starting with local victories to spark a national movement aimed at remedying our unconstitutional racial landscape.
Rothstein’s expertise aligns with Homeport’s values and mission to build equity through affordable housing development. Her presence at Voice & Vision is not only an honor but will hopefully inspire action on behalf of our attendees in the communities they represent across Central Ohio.
Join us as we welcome Leah Rothstein, a visionary leader and advocate for equitable community development, to inspire and guide us towards a future where everyone has access to affordable housing and the opportunity to thrive.
This year, with the help of many private and public partners, Homeport became the administrator of the Maude Hill Growing Homeownership Fund, a down payment assistance program to boost homeownership among Black and Brown buyers. Since the fund launched in February, the fund has helped 70 people close on a home in Central Ohio, with an average assistance amount of nearly $12,092. For Shawquista Patrick, the fund meant more than financial assistance, but an opportunity to forge a new path forward for herself and her family.
Born and raised in Central Ohio, Shawquista’s life was marked by challenges from an early age. Growing up in foster care and becoming a young mother, she largely relied on public assistance and tenancy, never imagining homeownership could be in her future. It was the stark reality of rising living costs and the prospect of perpetual rent increases that shifted her perspective.
“I never really looked at owning a home because I said, you know, as long as I am a single woman, I didn’t want to be responsible for the furnace or the hot water tank or plumbing, electricity, none of that,” Shawquista reflected.
The turning point came when Shawquista realized the financial drain of renting.
Paying $2,200 a month for a twobedroom apartment, she faced the daunting prospect of giving her landlord
The Fund has supported 70 individuals in purchasing homes across Central Ohio, providing an average assistance of almost $12,092.
$38,000 over another year. This realization propelled her to explore homeownership. Shawquista’s path was not straightforward; as a business owner, she faced rigorous scrutiny during the mortgage application process. Despite the challenges, she persevered, attending homeownership classes and partnering with a trusted realtor.
The Maude Hill Growing Homeownership Fund played a pivotal role in Shawquista’s success. It provided the crucial financial assistance needed for closing costs, allowing her to transition into her new home without incurring debt.
“The Maude Hill Growing Ownership Fund tremendously helped me because I did not have all the monies that I needed to have for the closing costs,” she said. Today, Shawquista revels in the joys of her new home, particularly
“I’m very thankful and grateful to be here. And I love saying that it’s mine.”
her beloved balcony. More importantly, she recognizes the significance of her achievement for her family’s future.
“I’m very thankful and grateful to be here. And I love saying that it’s mine,” she says, emphasizing the importance of legacy and the opportunity to support her daughter through college.
Shawquista is one among many who have realized the dream of homeownership thanks to support from the Maude Hill Growing Homeownership Fund. Her story underscores the importance of equitable opportunities and the profound difference they can make in someone’s life. Shawquista’s newfound stability not only changes her
After health complications left Lawrence Harris housing unstable, a series of serendipitous events brought him to a stable, accessible apartment in Homeport’s Franklinton community, McDowell Place.
Growing up in northeastern Ohio, Lawrence ventured into the music industry and later pursued his own business. However, life threw him a curveball with a series of health challenges, including diabetes, heart issues, and a stroke. Lawrence became disabled, losing part of his foot and a finger, and relying on a walking aide to get around.
In order to recover properly, Lawrence spent eight months in a nursing home. But while he was getting the care he needed, he lost the apartment he had. Despite these setbacks, Lawrence remained determined. Facing homelessness, he moved to Columbus to live with a relative. But when he could no longer stay there, he found himself in an extended stay hotel, struggling to afford the high rental rates and looking for a way to find permanent housing.
“Having a stable dwelling has changed my life tremendously.”
“I ran out of resources. I had nowhere to turn,” Lawrence recalled. “I had tried to reach out to different agencies for help, and then a cousin of mine suggested that I call our senator.”
Upon hearing his story, Senator Herschel Craig invited Lawrence to a housing forum where he met Leah F. Evans, president and CEO of Homeport. She provided him with the information that led to him becoming the first resident of McDowell Place. This accessible apartment changed everything for Lawrence. With features like wide doorways, low countertops, an elevator, and a walk-in shower, he could navigate his home with ease.
The most significant impact, however, was the peace of mind that stable housing brought him.
“Having a stable dwelling has changed my life tremendously,” Lawrence said. “I can actually think clearly now as opposed to worrying. I can make decisions now.”
Lawrence can now plan for the future without the stress of being uprooted. He now dreams of returning to his passion for music and performing, goals that felt out of reach before finding a stable home.
Reflecting on his own journey to McDowell Place, Lawrence remarked on the overall need for more affordable communities in Columbus and Central Ohio.
“Everyone deserves to have a quality dwelling over their head, you know, the safety, the security,” he said. “There are so many people that need homes.”
“Everyone deserves to have a quality dwelling over their head.”
Lawrence’s story is a reminder that a safe and stable home is more than just a shelter—it’s a foundation for rebuilding lives and pursuing dreams.
At age 74, Don Allen, Victorian Heritage resident, has led many lives that have taken him through cities and circumstances and shaped the person he is today. Growing up in the bustling city of Chicago, Don found his way to Columbus, where he’s been for several decades, finding community and opportunity through his participation in At Home By High.
At Home By High, under the leadership of Katie Beaumont, has been a beacon of support for seniors like Don. A neighborhood based
Watch the Video ›
non-profit, it holds events and meet-ups, provides check-in calls and dog walking, offers handy services and accompaniment at medical appointments, and delivers a long list of other services for seniors, who are more likely to be alone and struggle with mobility and transportation. Don’s membership with At Home By High has enabled him to find stable housing and employment and develop years-long friendships.
“At 74, a lot of doors don’t open... I’m just now beginning to live again.”
Don’s brother’s influence brought him to Columbus, a move that would set the stage for a new chapter in his life. Don recalls, “Chicago – very beautiful city, hard to live in. It’s rough, but I love it. I never want to go back. Columbus, this was a great place to live and had jobs. I thought that I might as well stay here.”
Katie Beaumont has played a central role in Don’s journey. Even as the executive director, Katie wears many other hats, writing grants, planning events, and even driving members to and from appointments. Her connections and the doors she opened for Don have been instrumental in his growth. Through At Home By High, Don found a community that embraced him, offering opportunities that once seemed out of reach, including employment at the nearby Kroger and help obtaining a hearing aid.
“Katie has opened a lot of doors with her connections with the people that she knows,” he said. “I’ve had great jobs. I went from being a convict to a security guard, and that doesn’t usually happen.”
Don sees life not as a winding down but as a beginning.
“At 74, a lot of doors don’t open,” he said. “But I see 74, I’m just now beginning to live again.”
Don’s story with At Home By High is one of many that highlight the impact of supportive services on the lives of seniors.
“One of the main aspects of what we do is we bring the community together.”
Katie Beaumont
“At home by high really tries to fill a lot of gaps,” Katie said. “Most [members] get a social security check on a monthly basis, but that does not come with a social network. One of the main aspects of what we do is we bring the community together.”
Katie’s vision and dedication have given rise to countless stories like Don’s, each unique but united in the theme of community and care.
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