2020 Voice & Vision Celebration Program Book by Homeport

Strong Women, Strong Foundation

A V I R T UA L C E L E B R AT I O N

Sandy Doyle-Ahern 2020 VOICE & VISION AWARD RECIPIENT

Pro g ra m G uide | T hur sda y, October 1 5 , 2 0 2 0

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.

5 Billion 50,000 900

of private investor equity

units of affordable housing

developments and partnerships

Buckeye House Uhrichsville, Ohio

Highland Village Highland Heights, Ohio

For more information contact: Peg Moertl, President & CEO Merydith Greene, Chief of Development 88 East Broad Street Suite 1800 Columbus, Ohio 43215 614.224.8446 | www.occh.org 3

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT / CEO

Dear Friends, Twenty/twenty usually means perfect eyesight but who could have envisioned the year 2020 with the Coronavirus pandemic, disruption of the economy and racial and civil unrest. And does anyone doubt we are experiencing an intense political scene? Somehow, some way, with ingenuity and great partners, Homeport has managed to stay on target in its mission of affordable housing, of closing the gap of needed homes and ensuring a laser focus on the 6300 residents that we do serve. We must! The numbers tell us we have no other choice - 54,000 low- to moderate-income households in Central Ohio are spending 50 percent or more of their income on rent. So, let me give you a recap of what we are doing, and what we are looking forward to in the coming year. Before that happens, though, I must recognize our focused and passionate staff members who have tirelessly worked with over 900 of our 2400 households impacted by the fallout of the pandemic to provide rental flexibility, rental relief and support, thus keeping them housed. And letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not downplay the success of our financial education professionals who moved quickly to virtual delivery and are now serving an ever increasing number of people. Here comes very strong news. We have a pipeline of development projects as numerous as we have ever had.

This summer we began clearing land for Kenlawn Place in North Linden – 50 apartments and homes on or near Cleveland Avenue. Five elected officials from government at all levels, Federal to local, participated on-line in our remote groundbreaking – a recognition of the importance and potential to changing lives and improving neighborhoods. Down the street, at Cleveland and Myrtle avenues, Homeport has been chosen by Columbus Next Gen Corp to build Mulby Place, a 100-unit senior community in “Downtown Linden” representing an estimated $20 million “Somehow, some way, with investment. Currently, we have cleared land and are setting the stage for a second phase of our popular senior community Hamilton Crossing in Whitehall. Hamilton Crossing Annex will provide 32 apartments for individuals of moderate income who are at least 55 years old.

ingenuity and great partners, Homeport has managed to stay on target in its mission of affordable housing, of closing the gap of needed homes and ensuring a laser focus on the 6,300 residents that we do serve.”

In Grove City, with development partner Spire, 28 apartments are in the process of being leased for a project called Arrowleaf. Move-ins start this month. Another suburban affordable housing success story occurred in Reynoldsburg, where we leased 30 apartments at Blacklick Crossing townhouse apartments across the street from Blacklick Metro Park.

Crosstown at the rear of the Graceland Shopping Center in Clintonville we witnessed the start of construction, under the direction of market rate developer CASTO, a project called Graceland Flats. Teaming up with Homeport, CASTO is designating half of the 180 one- and two-bedroom apartments to workforce

housing. It is being made possible with funding from FHA’s construction loan program and the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County. Graceland Flats is the kind of creative financing and partnership that needs to be replicated over and over again if we expect to close the gap. And CASTO and Homeport are teaming up again in CASTO’s Killarney Woods project on East Broad Street in Jefferson Township near the Limited distribution center. Killarney will have 200 units - 51% of the rents set at levels to meet the needs of those making 80% of the Area Median Income or below.

“We have a pipeline of development projects as numerous as we have ever had.”

Thank you CASTO for including us in this new development!

A creative partnership and competitive financing dollars are also making possible 50 affordable one, two and three-bedroom apartments in East Franklinton. Residents of our future McDowell Place will have access to parking and amenities from Kaufman Development’s Gravity II development on West Broad Street. McDowell Place will serve individuals and families with 30 to 80 percent of the area median income. The City of Columbus designated it as one of three developments for funding from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and its FHAct50 pilot program. Finally, let’s not forget that we received tax credit funding this year from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to build Maple Meadows, a 56-unit multi-family affordable housing development in the Northland section of Columbus behind Beechcroft High School. So, as we finish out the year, let’s celebrate, and very importantly, celebrate those who are moving the needle in the community. It is why Voice & Vision 2020 is honoring EMH&T President Sandy Doyle-Ahern with our Voice & Vision award. In addition to her success leading a top-ranked civil engineering firm, Sandy has brought the development and civic communities together to identify and breakdown obstacles contributing to

Central Ohio’s affordable housing shortage. She has made EMH&T employees knowledgeable about the disparity of housing options, barriers to economic mobility, and other biases “While we can’t clone affecting housing. Mention Sandy and you cannot forget her involvement in the Franklin County Blueprint for Reducing Poverty and as a member of the Strategic Advisory Council of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio.

Sandy, Homeport could sure benefit from more supporters like her to make a difference.”

And Sandy, just for fun, even instituted an annual holiday season “Ugly Sweater” contest at EMH&T that has netted $25,000 over the years for Homeport through employee and matching company funds. Sandy is not afraid to speak her mind, collaborate with others of influence, mentor and lead. In fact, she was recently recognized for bringing together a powerful group of 13 women who call themselves The Edge Sisters, leaders committed to pushing for equity, change and positivity. Voice & Vision’s 2020 program has a central theme of Strong Women, Strong Foundation. It is not coincidental to whom we are honoring. While we can’t clone Sandy, Homeport could benefit from more supporters like her to make a difference, to stand up to indifference and disparity, to create the affordable housing our community needs. Circle October 21, 2021 for our next Voice & Vision. We hope to hear from you many times and long before. It won’t be 2020, but together we can envision a stronger community with housing as a platform to greater success.

Bruce Luecke

H O M E P O RT P R E S I D E N T & C E O

Thank You Sponsors ST RONG COMMUNIT Y SPONSORS | $50, 000

C ORNE RSTONE SPONSORS | $25,000

companies

EDUCAT ION E MPOWE RS SPONSORS | $15, 000+

Thank You Sponsors OPPORT UNIT Y SPONSORS | $10,000

Anonymous

Michael Ahern, Sandy Doyle-Ahern & Family

SE CURIT Y SPONSORS | $5,000

Bruce & Mary Ann Luecke

Â® TM

PARK

NATIONAL BANK

Patti & Steve Steinour

Thank You Sponsors DIGNITY SPONSORS | $2,500+

Program 5 :1 5 p m

C o c ktai l C o unt d own s pon s o r e d by Buc k e y e Life s tyl e f eat ur i ng C o pacet ic

5 : 3 0 p m | PROG RAM B EGINS

C lo se t h e G a p L a se r F o c us Awar d s P r e se ntat io n 11

Mission Create strong communities by developing quality, affordable homes on a cornerstone of dignity, security and opportunity. ST R AT E G I C PR I O R I T Y #1 :Â CLOSE THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING GAP

1. Top priority is to house at least 250 new individuals per year through profitable Low-Income Housing Tax Credit development. 2. Supplement our tax-credit development projects with profitable workforce-market products that leverage common design, construction and operational practices. 3. Leverage Homeportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique capabilities to assist third parties in developing affordable units and use the returns to supplement our housing development funding. 4. Continue to work closely with public and private sectors to advocate for an environment that embraces the growth of affordable housing. 12

ST R AT E G I C P R I O R I T Y #2 : LASER FOCUS ON OUR RESIDENTS

1. Be the standard for safe, quality, innovative affordable housing development, communities and operations. 2. Connect residents to community services and assets essential for housing and economic stability. 3. Prepare our residents and other prospective buyers for successful homeownership by building their confidence and financial literacy. 4. Be a thought-leader to educate and advocate for our residents’ needs using a fact-based approach.

ST R AT E G I C PR I O R I T Y #3 : ENSURE OUR CORE PURPOSE ENDURES

1. Be fiscally responsible – fund necessary programs/administration through earnings; maintain sufficient capital to fund “close the gap” investments. 2. Ensure impact and effectiveness - act with intent, clarity and transparency when prioritizing our time, talent and capital. 3. Promote a high-performance culture characterized by trust, accountability, collaboration, respect and quality using effective, innovative leadership practices. 4. Continue to build brand awareness focused on the support of our core purpose and business strategy. 13

AN HONOREE’S PERSPECTIVE

Sandy Doyle-Ahern

What a strange new world we are navigating. As we each contemplate and manage our own personal challenges with the health implications, policy effects, and economic significance of COVID-19 on our lives, it is easy to be solely occupied with only ourselves. It is understandable how that can happen – we are faced with truly unprecedented impacts on our health, jobs, schools, families. Our understanding of the world as we knew it less than a year ago has been turned upside down. Some days it feels like there is no end in sight, wounding our ability to be hopeful and positive. And yet, human decency and resilience should guide us to keep our chins up, look forward and remember to think of others. The weight of our current environment is more oppressive for some than others. COVID-19, by its necessary public health response and subsequent ravaged economy, has sharpened the edges of a housing access divide that was already present. In today’s world of increasing housing costs, fewer available units, and an affordable housing void, the pandemic has served to underscore what we already knew in a more prolific way - disparity in housing equity is certain and substantive.

In the last decade, our collective region has benefited from strong economic development and low unemployment. We are blessed to live in a region rich with amazing institutes of higher education, superb healthcare, beautiful natural spaces to enjoy, and opportunities for entertainment, learning, and expanding our personal horizons. These things don’t come about by accident – they occur as a result of strong leadership, willful intent, and a driven purpose to be a great community. Despite a pandemic that has put a pause on that trajectory, I believe we will be back on track for all these things and more. As we recover (and we will), we must acknowledge that the benefits of living in the region I describe above are not realized by everyone. We know that housing stability is paramount to positive, healthy life experiences for both children and adults but access is limited. We were in a competitive housing “Gratitude is easy to live market before the pandemic and despite the pandemic, housing by when times are good. competition remains fierce. In It is much harder, yet so addition, regional population growth in the coming decades much more necessary, will further the affordable housing gap if we don’t improve housing when times are bad.” options now. I try to live my life with a mindset of gratitude. In our current divided and politically charged environment, it can be challenging to keep a gratitude driven life in the forefront. Gratitude is easy to live by when times are good. It is much harder, yet so much more necessary, when times are bad. When I need to reset my thinking I remind myself - I have a place to call home where I can safely rest at night, enjoy dinner with my family, create memories and recover from a bad day. I don’t worry about eviction, paying the mortgage, affording repairs, internet access for on-line school, or juggling a family and two jobs. I have housing stability and that is a poignant reminder of why my gratitude should prevail. In the midst of already doing so much to support our community, Homeport has gifted me a recognition that is a privilege to receive. To be named the 2020 Voice and Vision Honoree, particularly during such a troubling time, is a humbling gesture because I 15

am awed by the work and dedication of the Homeport staff and volunteers. If during this time of COVID-19 you can work from home with all its challenges, difficulties, and distractions, I hope you are grateful to have a place you call home, whatever that might look like for you. If you leave every day for work elsewhere in our community, I hope you have a place to come home to that gives you peace of mind. And if you would take a moment to consider the work of Homeport, who exists every day to create strong communities for our neighbors, I would be grateful. My pledge is to continue to be a voice for others, seeking to promote housing stability in our community – remembering always to keep gratitude as my beacon. In moments of crisis, we must come together to assist our neighbors, treat one another with respect and kindness, and lift our community. Without it, we may be surviving, but we’re really not living.

SA N DY D OY L E -A H E R N

Thank You 2020 Homeport Board of Directors Anthony Anzic JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Mike Lange Contractors, Inc.

Stephen R. Buchenroth Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease, LLP

Cindy Millison PNC Bank

Dawn Carpenter Peoples Bancorp

Sara Neikirk Community Volunteer

Melissa Centers State Auto

Larry Price L. Price & Associates

Robert “Bo” Chilton IMPACT Community Action

Mark A. Pringle (Chair) Capital University

Julius Cox AEP

Michael Purcell GBQ Partners

Scott Failor Nationwide

Denise Robinson Alvis House

Linda Flickinger Supreme Court of Ohio

Jose Rodriguez Equitas Health

John Geha Columbus REALTORS

Stefanie Steward-Young 5/3 Bank

Paula Hughes (Secretary) Heartland Bank

Jill Tangeman Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease, LLP

Chris L. Hune (Past Chair) Team Fishel

Charles Thompkins Milo-Grogan Area Commission Ohio Lottery

Matthew Keating Huntington National Bank Michael Kelley (Vice Chair) Kelley Companies Emmett M. Kelly (Treasurer) Frost Brown Todd, LLC

Kristopher “Kip” Wahlers Ice Miller NON-VOTING BOARD FELLOWS:

Derek Bergman, OSU Fisher Fellow Madison McDowell, OSU Moritz Fellow

Thank You 2020 Homeport Board of Directors

Anthony Anzic

Stephen R. Buchenroth

Dawn Carpenter

Melissa Centers

Robert “Bo” Chilton

Julius Cox

Scott Failor

Linda Flickinger

John Geha

Paula Hughes

Chris L. Hune

Matthew Keating

Michael Kelley

Emmett M. Kelly

Mike Lange

Cindy Millison

Sara Neikirk

Larry Price

Mark A. Pringle

Michael Purcell

Denise Robinson

Jose Rodriguez

Stefanie Steward-Young

Jill Tangeman

Charles Thompkins

Kristopher â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kipâ&#x20AC;? Wahlers 19

Congratulations

Sandy Doyle-Ahern 2020 Voice & Vision Award Recipient

from everyone at Homeport

2020 Spirit of Homeport Award

Brenda Moncrief

Brenda Moncrief Takes Flight Helping Others with Housing Every night Homeport’s affordable housing mission provides a roof for almost 6,300 individuals. And that helps Homeport Real Estate Project Manager Brenda Moncrief rest, too. “The work we do at Homeport is what allows me to sleep at night, knowing I have made a difference in someone’s life,” said Moncrief. Twenty-five years of service and many important jobs with Homeport, Moncrief is the latest “Spirit of Homeport” honoree. It is the third year of the “Spirit” honor by Homeport but the first time the organization looked internally.

The award was announced at Homeport’s 2020 Voice & Vision program. It was presented earlier in a surprise visit to Moncrief’s home by Homeport President & CEO Bruce Luecke and Homeport Board Chair Mark Pringle The award is a recognition of not only her long-term devotion to helping others, but the diversity and quality of her performance in asset management, construction management and lease-option, to name a few assignments. One of those who has seen the value of Brenda’s work is Homeport Chief Financial Officer Valorie Schwarzmann. “I worked closely with Brenda in two major capacities…as an asset manager and as the person working with lease option. In both cases, her No. 1 concern “The work we do at Homeport has always been our residents,” Schwarzmann is what allows me to sleep at said.

night, knowing I have made a difference in someone’s life.”

“During construction of a property, she was the first to notice if something wasn’t going to ‘work’ for a resident. If the wrong shower rollbars were being installed for our senior residents or if we had used an appliance (refrigerator, stove, HVAC unit, etc.) in a prior development that was causing problems, she was sure to tell development to ‘think again’ and ‘think better.’ She took special pride in designing the color schemes and workout rooms and artwork and community spaces for our senior residents so that they could truly feel as if their new home was REALLY their new home. “After residents had moved in, she often served as their sounding board .... She easily could distinguish between a ‘constant complainer’ and someone who was truly with her trying to make things better. As a former property manager, she knew how to get our property managers to focus on what needed to be done for

our residents. That’s why we have our properties and why we have hired property managers, to take care of our residents.” Moncrief came to Homeport in 1993 when the organization was called Columbus Housing Partnership. She started as a fill-in receptionist answering the phones while on sabbatical from the State of Ohio. She had 10 years of service in the Bureau of Unemployment, Department of Corrections, and Boards and Commissions (the last under Gov. George Voinovich). Moncrief said CHP’s Director, Beth Hughes, asked her, “Tell me about yourself and what you have done?” After telling her, Hughes told her: “You are staying here!”

“I truly believe in our Mission. Knowing my coworkers also believe in our Mission is an added benefit.”

Said Moncrief: “I began working in the Development Department that next day. After six months, my time was split between the Development and Accounting departments. I soon became full time as a payroll officer and partnership accountant. I later moved onto becoming Executive Assistant to Maude Hill, who at the time was overseeing the Housing Advisory Department and our property management companies. That’s how I got to love property management! After five years of service with Homeport I left to work with outside property management companies. Homeport came back after me in 2000, and I worked in the Asset Management Department with the now late Ray Prendeville. “What I am most proud of is the knowledge I learned in housing and construction. When I first started, it was unheard that a female was in construction, let alone being a person of color. I got no respect, to quote Rodney Dangerfield. Even in all my classes in construction I was sometimes the only female. I worked hard and made like a sponge, soaking in everything I could. I surrounded myself with the best contractors and they taught me well. Finally, I got the recognition. I would love it when I would go on a construction site 23

and workers knew me and treated me with respect.” Moncrief is also very proud of her involvement in creating and rolling out a “smoke-free” policy for Homeport’s apartments, homes and properties. The program was recognized with a platinum or highest-level award from the state Department of Health in 2016 as part of its anti-smoking and cessation initiative. ODH arranged for a billboard on East Broad Street to tout Homeport and its smoke-free initiative. Moncrief also participated in videos for Columbus Public Health and the state on the importance of not smoking. Moncrief, besides the anti-smoking program, is very well known by Homeport residents in the lease-option program where individuals leasing a Homeport home can be eligible to purchase it once the home is 15 years old. Some residents in the program were uncertain about being a homeowner, but with Moncrief’s assistance and encouragement they crossed the finish line. One of her lease-option success stories was Joyce Mayne, who garnered national attention and a Congressional Record congratulation for becoming a first-time homeowner at age 75. Moncrief remains enthusiastic over her work as Project Manager/ Owner Representative over construction projects for Homeport. She is responsible for project budgets, costs and delivering on schedule. “Our Mission is ‘to create and preserve healthy, stable and affordable communities, one neighborhood, one person at a time.’ I truly believe in our Mission. Knowing my co-workers also believe in our Mission is an added benefit. Over two decades of service and many jobs at Homeport, I can say I am proud of what I do.”

PROUD SUPPORTER FOR THREE GENERATIONS 25

CLOSING THE GAP

Sisters First In at Blacklick Crossing

Homeport is about keeping families safe and together. Sometimes, however, there is a good reason to bust them up. Until November 1, 2019 Lakeisha Harrell, her younger sister Jazmine, and their two children, shared a cramped apartment in Whitehall. Now they live down the street from each other in Homeport’s Blacklick Crossing, a new, affordable 30-unit townhouse development in Reynoldsburg. “Oh my God. It’s so spacious,” Jazmine shouted to her sister as they entered her apartment for the first time. “I am smiling so wide my jaws hurt.” Minutes later it was Lakeisha’s turn to stick a key in the front door 26

of her new home – only to race out of her apartment to direct a furniture store delivery truck driver with a new couch she had ordered. “Great timing!” said Wallick Communities property manager Michelle Roberts. “Thank you,” said Lakeisha. The Harrell sisters, each of whom are medical assistants working for different hospital chains, consider themselves fortunate to be leasing at Blacklick Crossing across from Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Livingston Avenue. One-hundred twenty-six individuals over a two-day period in August applied to live in the 30 apartments built with Low Income Housing Tax Credit financing from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Another 300 individuals had inquired over the phone about the apartments.

“When we got approved, we were in shock and so excited.”

The sisters learned about Blacklick Crossing through their mother, who herself had been looking on-line for a senior community. Since Blacklick was geared to families, Lakeisha and Jazmine’s Mom suggested it to them. “She told us to call, to get on the list so we would be contacted,” Lakeisha recalled. The morning of the lease-up at Blacklick, the Harrell sisters rose early with their five-year and five-month-old daughters. They were in line before sunrise near the back-door entrance to the community room of Homeport’s Eastway Village where the lease application process began 9:30 a.m. “I can say that we were up and ready at 6 a.m. to get our day started,” Jazmine said. “We made sure we had everything we needed the day prior. I was really anxious because I didn’t really know what was going to happen or how the process would go that day.”

The sisters were ninth and tenth in line that morning. “My sister and I both waited in line that morning full of hope and prayer,” Lakeisha said. “We both had our daughters right along with us that morning. All of us waiting patiently to complete the application process. My sister and I prayed daily that we would be blessed with one of these homes.” A few weeks later their prayers were answered.

The sisters say they are looking forward to their children benefiting from Homeport’s holistic approach to its residents.

“When we got approved, we were in shock and so excited,” Jazmine said. “Me and Lakeisha honestly couldn’t do anything but thank the Lord because we needed something to break for us and we were just unhappy with where we were. The day they told us we were accepted was the day we start playing and putting life in motion. We were really grateful.”

The sisters say they are looking forward to their children benefiting from Homeport’s holistic approach to its residents and encourage others to try to live in a Homeport community if an opportunity arises. “Don’t be scared to take that chance,” Jazmine said. “It’s worth it and it comes with a lot of resources that will benefit us and our children in the future for the better.” Older sister Lakeisha agreed. “Affordable housing is much needed in our city and our communities,” Lakeisha said. “I am able to live in a new home, in a nice area and still be able to provide my daughter the things that she needs. I would tell others that the process is so well worth it. I would stand in line again to provide my daughter this opportunity to live comfortably and be happy. Because her happiness and safety are what matter.”

LASER FOCUS ON CLIENTS

A Journey to Home Ownership

P i c t ured le ft t o r ig h t : C ar l H e a r n, Te r r i H e a r n a nd H om e po r t’s Bren da M on crief

HOMEPORT: To begin the story, tell us a little about yourselves. TERRI AND CARL HEARN: We are hard workers, who love the Lord and are faithful believers and trust that with God all things are possible. We have seven children between us and have seven grandsons ranging in age from 23 to 9 months. We attend services at God’s Way Ministries International and both work in ministry in various capacities within the church. Terri is also the business owner of His Image Events of Distinction LLC, planning, coordinating and decorating many events throughout central Ohio and across the country. HOMEPORT: Your home was the model house in Homeport’s Framingham Village. How did you learn about it? 29

TERRI HEARN: Our family attended New Covenant Believers’ Church and drove by the neighborhood weekly. I saw they were building new units and inquired and found out about the (15-year leaseoption program.) HOMEPORT: When you moved in, what was your family makeup? TERRI HEARN: I moved into the twin singles of (Framingham Village) in 1997 with my five children ages 15, 9, 8, 6 and 4. HOMEPORT: What were your expectations? TERRI HEARN: I received notice that we were approved to move into Framingham Village and was thrilled, only to learn that we were approved for the twin singles. I was so disappointed, but upon accepting the opportunity to move into the twin singles, I learned that since I was the first one to move into the neighborhood, I would be the first eligible to move into the (single family) houses when one became available. So, at the time, I wasn’t sure when that would be and we weren’t sure which house we would receive, I just knew that one day we would be able to move into a home and that someday we could possibly own our home. In 2000, I received notice that we would be able to move into one of the (single family) homes and it turned out to be the 4-bedroom model home. Ownership was closer than I thought. That was such a blessing! HOMEPORT: What happened in your life as (milestones, significant events) during the first 15 years in the house? TERRI HEARN: We moved in one weekend and the following weekend my oldest daughter celebrated her prom . . . (eventually) all of our children graduated in the home. In 2011, I married my long-time friend Carl J. Hearn, whom we affectionately call Jeff, who moved into the home after our April wedding. In 2009, a city funded program came through the neighborhood and began beautifying the properties and did a major landscaping job on all of the yards, especially mine. When Jeff and I started 30

dating, he took it upon himself to continue to manicure the lawn, generally taking 4-6 hours to just cut the grass and 8-plus hours making the yard beautiful. We pride ourselves on having a beautiful yard!! HOMEPORT: When Year 15 came, did you consider trying to buy the house or was it not practical? TERRI HEARN: Upon receiving notice in November of 2013 that we would be able to begin purchasing our home in 2014, Jeff and I started doing the work to become homeowners. We worked with a close family friend in getting our credit together “We knew that there and preparing for ownership. would be so many benefits The family friend also was a mortgage lender and began to being a homeowner, to take us down the road to because if we owned the purchasing our home. Month home, it could certainly be after month, after month, there was always “another” issue passed down to one of our that the lender would find to children.” hinder us from completing the process. He moved from one company to another and finally we found ourselves in a situation that homeownership was not possible, basically, they took us for a long haul that we couldn’t recover from. We tried to get another lender, but then months later, Jeff lost his job and things went downhill from there. We tried again later in 2015 and again in 2017, but because of many different obstacles were not able to secure a lender that would take a chance on us. HOMEPORT: After year 15, why did homeownership remain a consideration for you? TERRI HEARN: Who doesn’t want to purchase a home? We certainly did and with this deal of purchasing our home at such a great price, it was definitely something that we had to do. We knew that there would be so many benefits to being a homeowner and if we wanted to, because we owned the home, it could certainly be passed down to one of our children. 31

HOMEPORT: As you signed the homeownership closing paperwork with your husband, how are you feeling? Can Carl share some thoughts as well? TERRI HEARN: For me, it was totally an unrealistic feeling. We trusted God for this to become a reality and I was so grateful to God for this dream coming true. How can this be? We just purchased a home and was told a few months ago, November to be exact, that we weren’t ready. [Homeport Senior Counselor] Layden Hale met with us and said, ‘I don’t think you’re ready but you could try.’ He knew the deadline we were under to purchase the house at the “discounted” rate since effective 1/1/2020 the price would increase. I left that meeting and emailed every lender that Homeport works with, explained our story and asked who would be able to help us. The story is that I had NO CREDIT SCORE. When Layden pulled my credit, it came up BLANK. Jeff’s score was fine, but mine not so much, which is why Layden said he thought we weren’t ready. I received a response from 2 of the 5 lenders and Mike Smith from Huntington National Bank and I went to work. CARL “JEFF” HEARN: Honestly, I wasn’t too excited about purchasing the home. [Homeport Real Estate Development’s] Brenda Moncrief would come to our home and try to encourage us to keep trying, and I told her that we could go buy another house somewhere else because I was tired of picking up the trash. The house is nice, but I’m constantly picking up trash because people just don’t seem to care. I sometimes feel that people throw trash in our yard because they know I’m going to pick it up. That would frustrate me and make me not want to live here, let alone purchase the home. But I knew it was too good to be true and something that Terri and I shouldn’t pass up. HOMEPORT: What are your future plans? TERRI HEARN: Our future plans are to pay off this home by the time the second mortgage goes away and we have some upgrades that we’d like to continue. HOMEPORT: What were the benefits (financially and other) to you and Carl on becoming a homeowner? Lower monthly payment 32

(rent versus owner)? Tax benefits? Peace at knowing you are a homeowner? TERRI HEARN: All of the above are benefits to being a homeowner. The best part is that the home will be yours to do whatever you want and (it) shows that you are investing in yourself. [It is a] blessing in so many ways by the savings from rent payments to mortgage payments and so can you! HOMEPORT: What would you tell others residents in the leaseoption program? What do they need to do to become eligible and ready to be a homeowner? TERRI HEARN: This program was designed to set you and your family in the best possible position to become homeowners and be financially stable. Take advantage of ALL of the programs that Homeport offers, follow them to a tee and it will eventually pay off for you. We listened earnestly to what they told us and got rid of all of our debt, minus the necessities. And we were able to purchase the home almost debt free. Learn to sacrifice and be committed to the process; give up a few things now for homeownership – it’s totally worth it in the end! HOMEPORT: Have you celebrated the purchase yet? TERRI HEARN: We have yet to celebrate and not sure if we really will since the house is already blessed, and we’ve been there for 20 years. We’re just enjoying the monthly cost savings!

ENSURING CORE PURPOSE ENDURES

Partner Profile: IMPACT

HOMEPORT: What have you been asked to do by the City of Columbus with “CARES Act” funding from Congress? IMPACT: The City of Columbus is the largest funder for the eviction prevention HOPE Fund. There are 1,100 Community Action agencies across the nation that receive Community Service Block Grant funding. The CARES Act legislation awarded our network additional block grant dollars and IMPACT’s allocation was $3.6 million. We pledged up to $1 million of our CARES Act funding toward an eviction prevention match fund that we named the HOPE Fund. Our goal was to leverage a total of $2 million to serve over 1,000 people. Homeport was our first partner to pledge $200,000 in order to leverage the match funding. As we began to promote the HOPE Fund, multiple organizations 34

came on board to join the partnership. The Funders include: City of Columbus - $2,650,000 IMPACT CSBG - $1,000,000 Franklin County JFS - $500,000 Columbus Foundation - $100,000 Nationwide Foundation -$100,000 Siemer Family Foundation - $50,000 HandsOn - $50,000 Ohio Capital Corp/Fifth Third - $25,000 United Way - $20,000 Crane Group Foundation - $15,000 NiSource Foundation - $10,000 and a host of individual contributions. HOMEPORT: Why is this important, that organizations like Homeport are receiving funds? How many organizations are involved locally? IMPACT: Homeport provides critically important affordable housing and supportive services to some of our most vulnerable residents who especially need to maintain stable housing in the wake of this COVID-19 pandemic. We have engaged 16 nonprofit human service organizations that provide some type of rent assistance programming. HOMEPORT: How do CARES Act funds tie into IMPACT’s overall mission? In other words, tell us about IMPACT. IMPACT: IMPACT’s mission is to fight poverty by providing hopeinspiring help and real opportunities for self-sufficiency. We execute our mission with a two-pronged approach that begins with stabilizing families in crisis via emergency rent, utility and furniture assistance. Secondly, our Empowerment Services department provides workforce development, financial capability training, reentry programming and comprehensive life coaching to support customers in overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency. HOMEPORT: Congress has offered up billions of dollars to keep American’s stable in the short term due to the loss of 30 million jobs in a short period. What are your concerns for potential future evictions, homelessness, in Central Ohio? 35

IMPACT: Franklin County had 1200 Eviction filings sitting with Municipal Court at the time the moratorium was lifted on June 1, 2020. Our main goal was to help as many people as possible to continue sheltering in place so we could avoid overwhelming an already overburdened emergency shelter system. We have made an IMPACT; however, more people are being laid off, the Federal unemployment kicker of $600 per week will end the last week of July as will the Federal eviction moratorium…my concern, is that there will likely be a second more powerful wave of evictions in the Fall. We could have people losing their homes and overcrowding our shelter system at the same time we have a possible resurgence of COVID-19 and Flu season along with a “We will need to garner broad volatile election that is community support for shaping up to be very contentious. maintaining housing stability

during this pandemic. It is in our best interest both economically and from a public health standpoint.”

HOMEPORT: Homelessness and evictions were problematic even before the Coronavirus. Longterm, what is the danger of not addressing those challenges and are you looking for other community support to help on this issue?

IMPACT: I like to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. We will have another wave of evictions and I believe the Federal Government will need to step in. I fully support Senator Sherrod Brown’s Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stabilization Act (S. 3685, H.R. 6820) in the next coronavirus relief package. This bill, which is similar to a provision in the Housepassed HEROES Act, would provide $100 billion in emergency rental assistance to help keep America’s lowest-income tenants stably housed during this pandemic. We will need to garner broad community support for maintaining housing stability during this pandemic. It is in our best interest both economically and from a public health standpoint. 36

HOMEPORT: A year from now, looking back, what do you think we will know about our lives and community? IMPACT: We will know if we are who we say we are for all people. Both the city and the county have declared Racism as a Public Health Crisis. We must be honest and lean in on some tough conversations about systemic racism and economic inequity/ disparity. I like the branding of One Columbus formerly Columbus 2020. The tag line of, â&#x20AC;&#x153;prosperity for all,â&#x20AC;? is an excellent ideal to be achieved. I believe in balance, if our community is willing to invest in access to opportunities for all then I believe that can achieve peace and prosperity for all.

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October 21, 2021

ENSURING CORE PURPOSE ENDURES

Partner Profile: NeighborWorks America

HOMEPORT: Tell us about NeighborWorks America (NWA), its mission and purpose, and how it relates to the affordable housing industry? NWA: For 40 years, NeighborWorks America has worked to create opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, both rented and owned; improve their lives; and strengthen their communities. It accomplishes this mission through a network of nearly 250 nonprofit organizations in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. NeighborWorks America supports its network organizations with grants, technical assistance, peer-to-peer learning opportunities and strategic partnerships. It also is a leading provider of training to the broader housing and community development field. Together,

NeighborWorks America and its network leverage public and private resources to better the lives of families across America. Over the past five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $30 billion in investment in their communities. HOMEPORT: Who is Dorothy Richardson and where does she fit into what NeighborWorks America has become? NWA: NeighborWorks America exists today because 40 years ago, a coalition of residents, government officials, bankers and community members decided to experiment with a new way of making communities better places to live. Instead of housing projects, this coalition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Federal Home Loan Bank, William Whiteside of the Coro Foundation, resident leader Dorothy Richardson and many others â&#x20AC;&#x201C; envisioned better, more affordable homes in the places where people need them the most. Dorothy Richardson led her neighbors in the Central North Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh to fight back against community decay, resulting in the creation of a group that ultimately became the first NeighborWorks organization. HOMEPORT: What role does Homeport play in the NeighborWorks America organization? NWA: All of the organizations in the NeighborWorks network contribute to the overall strength of the network and of every organization in it. NeighborWorks America offers many things to network members, including unrestricted grants, training and oversight to help organizations stay strong, but network leaders consistently tell NeighborWorks America how much they also value peer sharing and peer learning opportunities. So, one of the most important roles Homeport serves is sharing with other network members the many innovative approaches to affordable housing and community development that it has developed through its 30 years of work in Columbus. Homeport is uniquely situated to do this because it is one of 10 network organizations in Ohio, where NeighborWorks America also has a statewide collaborative, so there are many opportunities for Homeport to share its expertise with other organizations in the state in addition to the broader network.

HOMEPORT: What does NeighborWorks America envision as its key characteristics, role and impact 10 years from now? NWA: The work that NeighborWorks America and its network members do is being impacted by rapid changes that make it difficult to predict impact 10 years from now. However, for 40 years NeighborWorks America has consistently been a leader in affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization and community development, and NeighborWorks America will continue to focus on these areas guided by a five-year plan that was adopted in 2017. NeighborWorks America’s vision states that: “Through NeighborWorks and its partnerships, America is a nation of vibrant communities all are proud to call home,” and the plan reaffirms NeighborWorks’ commitment to the core mission established nearly 40 years ago: creating opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities.

ENSURING CORE PURPOSE ENDURES

Employee Profile: Tuhru Derden

Title: Real Estate Project Manager As a member of Homeportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rental Development team, my job is to work on multi-family tax credit projects from conception to completion. I am responsible for pursuing new multifamily projects and managing the development of multifamily housing projects so that they meet -- and surpass -- the needs and wants of the communities and residents we serve. Some of the developments I am working on include Kenlawn Place and Mulby Place in Linden and Hamilton Crossing Annex in Whitehall. 42

What do I like most about the organization? I like that we are bringing affordable housing to our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents and address the housing shortage in Central Ohio. There are several organizations that provide both affordable and senior housing, but I feel like Homeport not only does good buildings it also engages with community stakeholders on an ongoing basis. Homeport places a strong emphasis on being part of the neighborhood, staying active by providing residential services and having long term relationship with neighborhood partners. What have I done in my life that I am most proud of, that people may not be aware of? Some of the most rewarding activities are those you can see the impact immediately, like when I worked on providing 200 backpacks with learning materials to Pre-K and Kindergarten students at Eastgate and Trevitt elementary schools and Pre-K children at the Columbus Early Learning Center on Champion Avenue and Broad Street. The backpacks were filled with new story books including My First 100 Words, in Spanish and English, sticker books, Sesame Street workbooks, phonics flash cards, magnetic and lace letters, spiral notebooks, glue sticks, pencils and crayons. Additionally, there were toiletries donated and hand sanitizer. The backpack giveaway represented nearly $20,000 worth of donated materials to children. What I enjoyed most about the backpack give away was the excitement of the kids to have something new, and to know how excited they were about reading, writing and coloring due to the materials that we were able to give them. The other service that I enjoyed was providing grants and managing repairs for over 80 home repairs. We hired contractors to repair porches, paint, build retaining walls, pour sidewalks, and build and repair fences. We also installed siding, new roofs, energy efficient windows, new doors and screen doors. What I appreciated most about providing home repairs was knowing that we were providing an improvement that homeowners probably would not have had without 43

us. It was rewarding to be able to find over a million dollars in grant money and hire and work with contractors to serve the community. Many times, people are forced from their homes when unable to afford needed repairs. We were able to help assure that their homes were in livable condition and that they could be proud and secure. Favorite things I do outside of work? I like to enjoy the outdoors and stay active by working out, walking, riding a bike, playing tennis, watching sporting events, spending time with friends, and traveling. Personal heroes? It changes constantly. Most recently, I have been most impressed with the words of James Baldwin and the philanthropy of LeBron James. I have appreciated James Baldwin for his literary skills and response to culture. Although he died in 1987, Baldwin’s writings remain helpful in navigating societal issues today. I appreciate Lebron James for his passion to help people improve their condition. He has been one the most creative philanthropists from sports. He has helped to build a school, get parents to go back for their education and sent students to college free of charge. He has donated millions, including paying fines so ex-felons could have the right to vote. He is not afraid to be politically active. What do I like about Central Ohio? I was born in Northern California’s Bay Area and moved to Colorado when I was 8 years old. Central Ohio has been my home since I came to Columbus for college at The Ohio State University. I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Architecture from OSU and an MBA from Ashland University. My career includes 10 years in Architecture and eight years in Real Estate and Mortgages. I have worked in non-profit housing for the past seven years. Columbus is a good place to raise a family. It is a close drive to a lot of great places in and out of Ohio. Columbus is very quickly developing. I have found a lot of new places to visit in the Metropolitan area. 44

ENSURING CORE PURPOSE ENDURES

Employee Profile: Ryan Manton

Title: Systems Administrator Responsibilities: Your friendly neighborhood IT guy. I help manage the network, servers, printers, phones, workstations, software, security, and even dabble in some facilities work like bathrooms, elevators, heating and cooling systems.

What do I like most about the organization? I love working with so many people that are passionate about making a difference in their community. Coming to Homeport everyday knowing that the work I do helps to improve people’s lives is a reward unlike any other. What have I done in my life that I am most proud of, that people may not be aware of? It’s not much, but I’m up to four gallons of blood donated through the American Red Cross and even volunteered with them for some time. Each pint from a single donation can save up to three lives. If you haven’t thought about donating, look for a local drive near you and give it a try -- https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html. Regularly taking 30 minutes out of your day every 8 weeks can save a lot of lives over a few years. Recently, a trivia team I am on won the Columbus championship and a $1000 prize, a state semi-final game for $500 and an invitation to the state championship. Next April, we’ll be heading to Las Vegas for the Nationals. Hopefully one day I’ll be good enough to get my butt kicked on Jeopardy! too. Favorite things I do outside of work? Spending time with my girlfriend Lauren. We’re addicted to Jeopardy! and bar trivia. You’ll find us at Endeavor Brewing in Grandview every Tuesday. We enjoy biking around town, eating terrible food, and watching movies together (and we’re proud Gateway Film Center members!). I love Blue Jackets hockey, Reds baseball, OSU football, and everything Cleveland sports (I grew up in Akron). I travel frequently to go to games. In the last year I’ve been to Reds games in San Francisco, Indians games in Oakland and Chicago, an NBA game in Indianapolis, and the Ohio State football game in East Lansing. A few years ago, I even drove up to Boston to see the NHL Winter Classic in Gillette Stadium. 46

In addition to traveling for sports, I like to get out and experience the world. I recently took a trip to New Orleans for some great Cajun food and jazz music, and even left the country for my favorite trip of all – Iceland. Taking a road trip around Iceland and seeing some of the most beautiful sights on the planet is easily my most memorable vacation. We even got to see Iceland claim their first point in World Cup history watching from a brewery in the eastern fjords! Personal heroes? My parents – all four of them. They taught me to be compassionate, kind, hard-working, and to always have a curious mind. They shaped me into the man I am today and have supported me 100 percent in everything I do. There’s nothing more you could ask for growing up. What do I like about Central Ohio? Columbus has everything for me. It’s one of the most affordable cities in the country, has a small town feel in a huge city, more than 50 craft breweries, amazing restaurants and is a short road trip or flight to almost any destination in the United States. Columbus also has some great parks. Other beautiful sights are right next door in Hocking Hills, Cuyahoga Valley and Red River Gorge.

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Employee Profile: Roy Lowenstein

Title: Real Estate Project Developer

Responsibilities: I help put housing projects together, from concept through placed-in-service/cost certification. I evaluate real estate and also prepare spreadsheets on most projects, especially on tax credit projects. I advise our development team regarding strategy to help get tax credit applications funded. I am kind of a Qualified Allocation Plan (tax credit plan) scientist, trying hard to learn the scoring and the nuances that inform decisions on what projects to pursue and how to maximize scores. What Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m able to do is integrate the understanding of project costs, design, funding sources, QAP strategy and politics to recommend or shape a project concept to run with.

Then I help prepare tax credit and gap financing applications (to Ohio Housing Finance Agency, City, County, Federal Home Loan Bank) and, if I’m also Project Manager, work with all the design, construction and financing partners to bring a project forward to closing and construction start. The level of responsibility varies by project, but I like to have some role in as many projects as possible. I’ve been doing this kind of work so long that I can contribute in many ways. What do I like most about the organization? Homeport is a friendly place to work and emphasizes teamwork. The culture of the organization is supportive. People talk to each other and I hear laughing sometimes. I don’t feel we are competing against each other or have a cutthroat attitude about our competitors. We take the moral high ground in our work. And we do get a lot of important work done to meet the mission of the organization, which is itself really impressive. As this is my third stint at Homeport, I can really appreciate its accomplishments over time. What have I done in my life that I am most proud of, that people may not be aware of? Well, I don’t have a lot of secrets so at least some folks know these things, but there are 3 things in my life I am proud of: 1) As a really young man I made a commitment to do good in the world. Later on, I found ways to make money doing that -- but I didn’t abandon the commitment. In my career I have worked on over 200 affordable housing projects that were developed, resulting in more than 7,000 homes. A lot of these are for people who have mental disabilities, extremely low-income or seniors. It is very satisfying to think about all the people who have had a good place to live as a result. 2) I am proud of being Dad to five kids who have grown up to be smart and ethical adults; and I’m proud to have a wonderful marriage of 30 years. 3) I am proud of not getting old too soon, continuing to learn and explore new things. One contributor is staying in shape (weight work, aerobics, yoga) and eating a (mostly) healthy diet. 50

Favorite things I do outside of work? On a daily basis, I like physical activity better than sitting on the couch. Hanging out with my wife, exploring the craft beer universe, seeing the “kids” (and grandkids) are also favorites. We like to go hiking, camping, traveling when we can. Mountains, woods and beaches are my favorite places away from home. I particularly enjoyed a vacation to Italy where I visited Manarola, Vernazza and Rome. I’ve had a vegetable garden every year since 1976, so that has to make the list. I like woodworking, too. Personal Heroes? When I was young, I wanted to be like Thomas Jefferson, because he was really good at so many things (this is before less savory things about him became well known). So, I have tried to be like that within the framework of my own life. I’m not big on heroes, really. A hero of mine would have to combine very high integrity with important accomplishments and the problem is, the accomplishments usually come through an exercise of power that tends to compromise integrity. Someone who has achieved both things is Bill Faith (COHHIO Director), but he’s been a friend of mine for 40 years, so I hadn’t thought of him as a hero. I quit thinking about heroes a long time ago, although I know that below the radar, especially, there are thousands of people doing heroic things. What do I like about Central Ohio? I like how Columbus has become a real city, finally. This was never going to be the New York I grew up in (I didn’t want to live there anyway), but it was such a different place when I came here in the ‘70s. For example, there were 3-4 Chinese restaurants and that was the entirety of “ethnic” food. We now have all the restaurants, entertainment venues, cool neighborhoods and diversity you could want. We have a commitment to improve the community and to try to plan effectively for its future. I like that, except for a few hours in the day, you can get places relatively easily. I like watching Central Ohio grow and change and, hopefully, we don’t lose these things as we continue to grow. The other thing is, within about a 2-3 hour drive, you can get to lots of beautiful places (woods, hills, water) and some other cool cities. 51

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We’re big fans of people who look out for people. Congratulations to EMH&T President Sandy DoyleAhern, on receiving the 2020 Voice & Vision Award. 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.