2022 Voice & Vision Award Celebration Program Book

We’re all about your community. Because it’s ours, too.

Every day, while we’re bustling about our lives, it can be easy to get so focused that we forget to stop and appreciate this place: our community. At Huntington, we see it as our responsibility to not just appreciate Central Ohio, but to always be looking for ways to make it better. That’s why we’re making a number of investments right here. Check them out at huntington.com/Community. Because when our communities thrive, we all live better.

Letter from the President & CEO

Honoring Partners, Celebrating Resiliency And Growth

By Leah F. Evans

Tonight, Homeport celebrates its 35th anniversary – and a partnership with you that has enabled us to house, counsel and support thousands of Central Ohio residents. Together, our partnership has made possible millions of dollars in housing and community improvements.

Sometimes, our successes and growth have come in the face of adversity. The past three years have been hard. Yet, when our world went sideways from a global pandemic, we found new and innovative ways to work, live, play and serve the

“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller

community. We made needed changes to protect the health and safety of our team, our residents and our partners. Our development pipeline increased as did service connections for our residents. Our resiliency – together – has allowed us to do more than what we could do on our own.

Thirty-five years ago, our founders from the business, civic, government, and faith communities came together because they knew access to safe and affordable housing was a key component to our growth and strength as a region. They knew affordable housing was a means to achieving greater individual and family stability and economic growth. This is still true -- and perhaps even more important today. Housing affordability is a key building block to strong communities and housing stability is a key component to positive health, education, social and economic outcomes for individuals and families.

In coming together, we are more committed than ever to being the conduit for individual and family success through housing and housing services. By protecting some of the area’s most vulnerable, we are giving them hope for stability and tools to succeed long-term. As we look forward, we are planning the needs of a Central Ohio community that is twice the size it was in 1987 and one that will potentially be even 50 percent larger by 2035.

“Housing affordability is a key building block to strong communities and housing stability is a key component to positive health, education, social and economic outcomes for individuals and families.”

None of us can predict what the next major disruption will be, but our organization has been resilient and growing, from our first Low Income Housing Tax Credit development, Indian Mound Apartments, to our current 42 communities across Central Ohio. We do not know what is next, but you can expect Homeport will be here, advancing the mission, and working towards housing for everyone in our community.

I want to thank our outstanding staff, committed Board members and invaluable partners like our Voice & Vision honoree Huntington. Since our start, Huntington has supported us with funding, programming, Board service and civic leadership. Thank you. It is great to look back and reflect on the tremendous impact Homeport has had in our community and it is exciting to look forward.

Leah F. Evans PRESIDENT & CEO, HOMEPORT

“You can expect Homeport will be here, advancing the mission, and working towards housing for everyone in our community.”

Thank You Sponsors

Thank You Sponsors

Thank You Sponsors

STRATEGIC PRIORITY #1:  CLOSE THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING GAP

1. Top priority is to house at least 250 new individuals per year with average annual incomes ranging from $20,000 to $45,000 with a secondary focus on growing our workforce housing portfolio for those earning $45,000 to $75,000.

2. Maximize and leverage our portfolio of 2,400 units - be the standard for safe, quality, innovative affordable housing communities by employing strong portfolio management and operations

3. Continue to work closely with public and private sectors to advocate for an environment that embraces the growth of affordable housing.

Create strong communities by developing quality, affordable homes on a cornerstone of dignity, security and opportunity.

Mission

STRATEGIC PRIORITY #2: LASER FOCUS ON OUR RESIDENTS

1. Keep our residents stable and housed. Support residents impacted by COVID-19 with rental support and payment flexibility.

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.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY #3: ENSURE OUR CORE PURPOSE ENDURES

1. Promote an inclusive, equitable and high performance culture characterized by trust, accountability, collaboration, respect and quality.

2. Ensure impact and effectiveness - act with intent, clarity and transparency when prioritizing our time, talent and capital.

3. Be fiscally responsible – fund necessary programs/ administration through earnings; maintain sufficient capital to fund “close the gap” investments.

4. Continue to build brand awareness focused on the support of our core purpose and business strategy.

Huntington National Bank is very fortunate to partner with Homeport in bringing to life our mission of looking out for people, and we’re proud to be selected as Homeport’s 2022 Voice & Vision honoree.

Homeport and Huntington are united in making sure everyone has access to high-quality affordable housing. We want to overcome our current challenges and to ensure future generations have opportunities for success and prosperity.

Like Homeport, Huntington is dedicated to increasing the availability of capital to historically under-resourced people, businesses and communities. This is a key focus of our $40 billion community plan we launched in 2021.

Our five-year Community Plan focuses on three critical areas:

• Home & Consumer Lending: Huntington committed to providing $24 billion in affordable mortgage lending, with $12 billion committed to meeting the needs of diverse and under-resourced populations.

• Small Business: Huntington expanded its Small Business lending programs into its recently expanded geographic footprint and committed $10 billion over five years, with $2 billion focused on lending to business owners from diverse backgrounds.

“At Huntington, we believe doing good is good business.”

• Community Development Lending & Investment: Huntington is dedicated to increasing the availability of capital to historically underresourced people, businesses and communities.

Since our founding in Columbus in 1866, Huntington has been a purposedriven bank, and we challenge ourselves to do more to help people and to support underserved consumers, businesses and communities.

“At Huntington, we have long believed doing good is good business. Our Purpose guides us to help as many people as possible to improve their financial health and well-being, and affordable housing is critical to achieving these goals,” said Steve Steinour, Huntington’s chairman, president and CEO. “People of all ages deserve high-quality affordable housing and the benefits it brings—a sense of ownership and belonging, security, safety, health, digital connectivity and peace of mind.”

For more than a decade, Huntington’s brand has been Welcome. Welcome to all. Our colleagues’ passion and commitment to serving others align perfectly with the mission of Homeport, and we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with Homeport to make homeownership a reality for more people in Central Ohio.

“Since our founding in Columbus in 1866, Huntington has been a purposedriven-bank.”

Thank You Homeport Staff for Your Commitment!

Don ButlerShelee Brenneman

Josh CasperJessica Byassee Mark Childs

ShaVaughn Blunt

Angela Cradle

Tasha Crawley

Tuhru Derden

Tanisha Drummond

Isabel Giles

Lawrence Furst II

Ray George

Leah F. Evans

Susie Gray

Maude Hill

Josh MartinRyan Manton

Brenda Moncrief Steve Nichol

Laverne D. Price

Donnya Sparrow

Will Wahler

Netta Whitman

Aaron Wasserman

Lisa Roberson

Valorie Schwarzmann

Jeney

Wilkins

Mercadiez Wilson

David Rawn

Layden Hale

Jill Guinan TeNiqka Hairston

Thank You

2022 Homeport Board of Directors for your service!

Anthony Anzic JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Tasha Booker City Year Inc.

Stephen R. Buchenroth Community Volunteer

Dawn Carpenter Peoples Bancorp, Inc.

Robert “Bo” Chilton IMPACT Community Action

Scott Failor Nationwide

Linda Flickinger Supreme Court of Ohio

John Geha Community Volunteer

Matthew Keating Huntington

Chris L. Hune Team Fishel

Michael Kelley Kelley Companies

Robyn Judge Fifth Third Bank

Cindy Millison PNC

Jose Rodriguez Lighthouse Behavoral Health

Emmett Kelly Frost Brown Todd LLC

Michael Purcell GBQ Partners

John Rothschild Newmark Knight Frank

Kristopher “Kip Wahlers Ice Miller

Jim Weiler

The Robert Weiler Company

Sara Neikirk Community Volunteer

Danielle Kaminski Moritz School Fellow

Derek Bergman OSU Fisher School Fellow

Larry Price L. Price & Associates

Denise Robinson Alvis House

Jill Tangeman Vorys

Brent Swander Columbus Realtors

NON-VOTING BOARD MEMBERS

Congratulations to Huntington!

Thank you for your commitment to a community of dignity for all.

Laying the Foundation for 35 Years

“I remember James Rouse saying, ‘Whatever ought to be, can be,’” said Maude Hill, a Homeport employee since 1990 and the organization’s de facto historian. “He wanted to see safe, affordable housing, to improve dilapidated housing.”

RETURN MORE THAN INTEREST.

We give to our neighborhoods. Sponsor youth sports and education. And support other good causes. While our communities enjoy the philanthropic dividends, so do we. Because we are the community. We’re the little league coach approving your car loan. Or the financial advisor volunteering for a city park cleanup. We are neighbors and bankers. In that order.

Keeping the Faith

Since the start of Homeport in 1987, the faith community of Central Ohio has worked with and supported Homeport’s mission of affordable housing -- and to this day remains steadfast in its partnership.

Community is the commitment we make to each other

When a community is strong, it’s more than a collection of streets and buildings. It’s a place that nurtures and helps its residents thrive. That’s what happens when people share the commitment to make things better together. That’s why we’re proud to support Homeport.

‘Lions and Tigers and Bears. Oh my!’

Imagination ruled in 1995 when a Homeport apartment community sprung to life on the southwest side of Columbus with a tip of the hat to the “Emerald City” from the Wizard of Oz.

Staying with the Plan

Barbara Jackson has three children, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandsons. Jackson is also executive assistant to the president at Columbus State Community College. Now, with the help of Homeport, she has gained another title: firsttime homeowner.

In February, a few months shy of being 70, she purchased a single-family home in Northeast Columbus – an accomplishment she credits to the knowledge she gained taking Homeport’s homebuyer education classes and one-on-one financial counseling.

‘They Would Have Killed Us’

Brothers Abdul and Ahmad Hamidi knew their fates would be inextricably tied to their father, a police officer in the northern province of Kunduz.

“My father had arrested many Taliban,” said Abdul, 23.

The brothers said they fled Afghanistan last August aboard a crowded C-17 from Kabul. Mid-January, they learned their next destination. “They told us, ‘You’re going to Columbus,’” said Abdul. “We looked it up on Google.”

Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services

“The relationship between Homeport and ETSS began the day the five non-profits gathered for a photo shoot and a shake of the hands between Dr. Seleshi and then Homeport President and CEO Mr. Bruce Luecke. He is a great man who stands for his word and a trusted colleague and partner. When we look back at ETSS from 2017, we have doubled our budget and tripled the reach of our services.”

ETSS President & CEO Dr. Seleshi Ayalew Asfaw, left, at Columbus Foundation “Five to Watch” gathering in 2017. Center, former Homeport President & CEO Bruce Luecke. To his right is Denise Robinson, President and CEO of Alvis, Inc. and Homeport Board Member.

A Look Back

1986 | Founders

Robert S. Crane, Jr | Daniel M. Galbreath | Max W. Holzer | Donald W. Kelley Katherine S. LeVeque | Paul M. Minus | Robert H. Potts | Irving E. Schottenstein

Robert N. Shamansky | Robert J. Weiler, Sr. | Carole Williams | Dr. C. Dexter Wise

As an innovator in the real estate market since 1926, we believe it is essential to support our community.

is proud to sponsor

YOU TO HOMEPORT STAFF

the gap," being

focused," and "ensuring our core purpose endures.”

Board Pofile: Emmett Kelley

Profile: Emmett Kelly

The love and support I received from my parents and my family instilled in me the desire to try and provide that same love and support to others.

I have been very fortunate to be involved with Capital University Law School, my employers, colleagues and friends who foster those same values of engaging with your community and participating within the community has always been one of those values promoted by all of those I have been associated with in my life and career.

I have been fortunate to have great mentors and opportunities that have allowed me to be able to participate in many great organizations.

Being involved in what your interests or passion directs is the best advice I have received from those mentors, so that is what guides me.

Participating on the boards of Homeport and The Buckeye Ranch have been a great fit and opportunity for me. Growing up in a stable and loving home certainly made Homeport a great vehicle to hopefully provide that same opportunity to others.

“Having grown up in a stable and loving home certainly made Homeport a great vehicle to hopefully provide that same opportunity to others.”

Emmett Kelly, left, at announcement of Leah F. Evans, right, as Homeport’s new President & CEO.

Staff Profile: Aaron Wasserman

Board Pofile: Emmett Kelley

“I’m proud to have played a small part in Chelsea’s Box District, which, in my biased opinion, embodies neighborhood redevelopment for the existing community. It features 250 new homes for people with a range of incomes, new transit service, new playground, lighting and sidewalks, and brownfields clean-up.

One day, while walking around a construction site, I saw several kids playing at the new playground, and snapped what’s probably my favorite photo.”

THE WAY IN

AN

AN EQUITABLE

Thank You IBP for investing in our communities!

Congratulations Doug Buchanan

Editor in Chief, Columbus Business First

Spirit of Homeport Award Winner!