2023 Voice & Vision Award Celebration Program Book

PRESENTED BY

PROGRAM GUIDE Thursday, October 19, 2023

Stephanie Hightower

2023 VOICE & VISION AWARD RECIPIENT

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OCCH is proud to be part of Homeport’s Voice & Vision celebration

Catherine Cawthon, President and CEO, 614-591-9379 Brian Langmeyer, EVP, Development, 614-545-7827 88 East Broad Street, Suite 1800 | Columbus, Ohio 43215

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WELCOME HOME Together with Homeport, we’re powering the American Dream for everyone. aep.com/community 3

Letter from the Board Chair

Why I’ll Always Be an Advocate for Homeport and Affordable Housing

By Emmett Kelly

As we celebrate another year of Homeport, I am taking this opportunity to reflect on my tenure as a part of this great organization’s board of directors. I first came on in 2014 during my career in public finance, where daily I was brokering development deals, seeing what was being built – and what needed to be built.

Joining Homeport has allowed me to be a part of necessary change, to understand the bigger picture and the importance of affordable housing. As we know, the need has not abated but grown. Columbus and the surrounding area have benefited from great economic advancement while many residents have felt the pressure of stagnating wages, rising costs, and shrinking housing stock. In the face of all of this, I am proud to see the ways Homeport and our partners have never run from these challenges but risen up to solve them. As the need has increased, so has our capacity to meet it.

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At this time, we operate 44, soon to be 46, communities in and around the city, and that is thanks in large part to the public and private partnerships we have fostered. From the first investment we ever received in the vision and effort poured into Homeport by our founders in 1987, to our sustaining partners that have helped advance our mission, to the new partners we bring in every year – all have empowered Homeport to provide housing and services to our 7,000 residents.

“Our people don’t just

In my 10 years with Homeport, I hand residents a key have seen more people come to and disappear. They the table with a desire to help in some way. I think it is because they come back time and have seen what we do, how we again to connect them not only build quality homes, but with other resources communities. Our people don’t just they may need.” hand residents a key and disappear.

They come back time and again to connect them with other resources they may need, from childcare to health care to programs for youth. Housing may be the foundation, but we are always adding to it. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

I have seen the affordable housing landscape shift in ways large and small, and I am proud of how Homeport has led the charge in closing the affordable housing gap here in central Ohio. As I reflect on my time on the Homeport board, I can truly say that my life has been enriched by what we as an organization and as a community have achieved. I extend my sincerest gratitude to Homeport’s passionate board, committed staff, and invaluable partners. Know that Homeport has a lifelong advocate in me.

E M M E T T K E L LY, B O A R D C H A I R 5

Letter from the President & CEO “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

More voices elevating our vision Another year is behind us – one of many changes, a few challenges, and a world of opportunities.

Franklin and its surrounding counties are poised for a population of more than 3 million by 2050. As a housing shortage persists and available land for development dwindles, this level of growth is cause for concern. But it is also cause for creativity and renewed commitment. As more people are feeling the squeeze, more leaders are coming together to discuss solutions that disrupt the status quo and advance our mission to close the housing gap.

In 2023, Homeport stands strong in the values we have had since our founding while always keeping our eyes on what is next. With the help of our donors and community partners, the future of Homeport – and Central Ohio – is bright.

It all starts at home Access to stable housing shapes who we are as people and determines the level of success we have at school, at work, and as participants in our greater community.

At Homeport, provision of housing is step one in getting residents on solid footing. Once they are with us, they have someone to turn 6

to for anything else that might come up. If a family is overburdened by housing expenses, if they need an after-school program for their children, or if they are having trouble filling their pantry, we collaborate with our partners to help them overcome any hurdle they may face.

This laser focus on our residents keeps Homeport informed and adaptable. We use the data we receive from housing 7,000 people to not only make improvements internally but also provide recommendations for programs and policies that help our public partners address the broader issues at play.

Together, we can do great things As the housing landscape continues to evolve, where we build, who we serve, and how we develop is evolving with it. We are moving into cities we have not yet developed and pilot building innovations that allow us to build faster and with more energy efficiency. Through it all, Homeport ensures our core purpose — to house people and strengthen our community — stays true. Today, we oversee 44 communities and growing, support residents with wraparound services, and continually collaborate to advance policy and funding that supports the creation of new housing.

I want to extend immense gratitude to our committed staff, forwardthinking board members, and irreplaceable partners, including our Voice & Vision honoree, Stephanie Hightower, and the Columbus Urban League. The value they add to our community is immeasurable, every year equipping more people with education, funding, and resources to build businesses, gain new skills and employment, and achieve housing stability. No one can do this work alone, and I am so thankful we have organizations like the Urban League to share this work with.

L E A H F. E VA N S , P R E S I D E N T & C E O 7

Thank You, Sponsors PRE SE NT ING SPONSOR | $100,000

ST RONG C OMMUNIT Y SPONSOR | $50,000+

CORNE RSTONE SPONSORS | $25,000+

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Thank You, Sponsors EDUCAT ION E MPOWE RS SPONSORS | $15, 000

Anonymous

OPPORT UNIT Y SPONSORS | $10,000+

SE CURIT Y SPONSORS | $5,000+

Leah & William Evans III

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Donna & Larry James 9

Thank You, Sponsors DIGNIT Y SPONSORS | $2,500+

ALVIS, Inc. | Crabbe Brown James | BIA | Bruce & MaryAnn Luecke Frost Brown Todd LLC | Ice Miller LLP | John & Lane Rothschild | Scott Failor Emmett & Nicole Kelly | Matt Keating | Nationwide Children’s Hospital Scout Columbus | Steve Buchenroth | Third Federal Savings & Loan

STABILIT Y SPONSORS | $1,000+

Barb Poppe & Associates | Dawn Carpenter | Denise Robinson Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. | Hal Keller | KeyBank Kip Wahlers | PrimaryOne Health | Molly Yeager

SUPPORT ING SPONSORS | $500+

Choice Property Resources | Chris Hune | Community Shelter Board Creative Housing | ETSS | James & Laverne Price | McGohan Brabender Michael & Molly Purcell | Sara Neikirk

C ONT RIBUTORS

Amy Albery | Lisa Roberson | Roy Lowenstein | Scott Dowling | Michael Silberstein Zack Hadley | Justin Metzler | Wallace McLean | Lisa Hinson | Gabrielle Whittaker Concrete Orkidz Foundation | La’Tonya Brittman | Carrie Johnson 10

Program 5:00pm

Cocktails & Communit y F E AT U R ING :

Cop acetic

6:3 0pm

Program & Award Celebration

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MISSION

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

S T R AT E G I C P R I O R I T Y # 1

C LOS E THE AF F O R DAB L E HO U S I N G GAP

Make a meaningful impact by providing housing to at least 250 new individuals annually, focusing on average annual incomes from $20,000 to $75,000. Maximize our portfolio of 2,400 units, setting the standard for safe, innovative affordable housing communities.

S T R AT E G I C P R I O R I T Y # 2

LAS ER F O CUS O N O U R R E S I DE N TS

Prioritize the well-being of our residents, offering support during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Connect them with essential community services and empower them for successful homeownership.

S T R AT E G I C P R I O R I T Y # 3

ENS URE O UR CO R E PURPO SE E N DURE S

Embrace an inclusive, equitable, and high-performance culture defined by trust, accountability, collaboration, respect, and quality.

Act with transparency and fiscal responsibility to maintain our mission-driven focus.

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HOMEPORT CORE VALUES

Trust, Accountability, Collaboration, Respect, Quality EXPECT TRUST [trust] 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.

EMBRACE IT [accountability] 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.

STOP, COLLABORATE AND LISTEN [collaboration] 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!

ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT [respect] 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.

STRETCH YOURSELF [quality] 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.

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AN HONOREE’S PERSPECTIVE

Stephanie Hightower

Your Columbus Urban League (CUL) has stood tall for Black and underserved urban communities for 105 years. Like Homeport, we collaborate and deliver critically needed resources, advocacy and education so people and families find and stay in safe and affordable homes, to the ultimate benefit of everyone in Central Ohio.

Most important, we share Homeport’s mission of tapping the unlimited potential of our community by strategically and respectfully investing in people’s gifts, talents and passions. Our approach leads to real success for our clients and advances an inclusive economy for all.

“Columbus Urban League has stood tall for Black and under-served urban communities for 105 years.”

CUL has acted as a HUD-approved home buyer education and down payment assistance provider for 13 years. We proudly point out that these efforts have created 321 more homeowners and $38 million in mortgages.

Getting into a home counts. And so does the ability to maintain it longterm. We work to increase earning power. Whether enrolling in one of our three different small business entrepreneur initiatives or earning new professional certifications and job skills through our Career Services institute, we help people get the experience and know-how to grow their income and better support their families.

In addition, we unapologetically advocate for fair housing. We investigate and take action when discrimination redlines people out of their homes.

In 2021, more than 1,240 complaints of housing discrimination were filed in Central Ohio with The Columbus Urban League Fair Housing Department. 2022 saw 1,753 claims, which is a 41% increase over the previous year.

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Also, like Homeport, we teach financial literacy skills. People can only take command of their financial future when they understand budgeting, mortgages, loans, financing options, investing saving and overall smart money management. This is the stuff that creates greater family stability and sets the stage for economic mobility. Graduates of our Journey to Wealth increase their credit scores by an average of 22 points and add to their overall savings by $250 on average. Smart money today builds a foundation for safe, affordable housing available tomorrow.

We face the future with optimism and resolve. This confidence, in part, draws upon our urban community’s many natural strengths. Black women constitute the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs. Black dads remain the most involved fathers and those most likely to enlist in America’s armed forces, like my own father. Greater numbers of people of color are graduating from college, and, as evidenced by the highly dedicated coaches and managers at CUL, these bright, young minds are taking increasingly more responsible leadership roles that “Homeport and CUL open lift up the urban community.

doors and knock down the walls that constrain and constrict people’s hopes and dreams.”

Homeport and CUL open doors and knock down the walls that constrain and constrict people’s hopes and dreams. We do so arm in arm with many, many donors and funders from leading companies and foundations, such as the McKenzie Scott Foundation, Columbus Foundation and so many others, as well as with community partners likely Zora’s House, Freedom Equity and the Equity Now Coalition. Collaboration creates systems that integrate and not duplicate, giving those we seek to uplift a seamless, more responsive way of securing basic needs.

I’m so honored and privileged to have served as the President & CEO of CUL for more than 12 years. This award from Homeport numbers among my most humbling and rewarding recognitions. Thank you for spotlighting the amazing organization with which I work and for partnering with us to advance the lives of our neighbors and families.

Stephanie Hightower 15

Thank You Homeport Staff for Your Commitment!

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ShaVaughn Blunt

Don Butler

Jessica Byassee

Mark Childs

Angela Cradle

Tasha Crawley

Tuhru Derden

Leah F. Evans

Lawrence Furst II

Ray George

Susie Gray

Jill Guinan

TeNiqka Hairston

David Mahan

Ryan Manton

Josh Martin

Brenda Peterson

Laverne D. Price

David Rawn

Lisa Roberson

Nick Rozier

Valorie Schwarzmann

Lauren Sega

Donnya Sparrow

Greg Trevino

Aaron Wasserman

Netta Whitman

Jeney Wilkins

April Wills

Lin Wilson

Mercadiez Wilson 17

Thank You

2023 Homeport Board of Directors for your service!

Anthony Anzic JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Sam Adams KeyBanc Capital Markets

Tasha Booker City Year Inc.

Dawn Carpenter Fifth Third Bank

Robert “Bo” Chilton IMPACT Community Action

Scott Failor Nationwide

Robyn Judge Fifth Third Bank

Matthew Keating Huntington National Bank

Michael Kelley Kelley Companies

Emmett M. Kelly Stephanie Meredith Frost Brown Todd LLC State Auto Insurance Companies

Cindy Millison PNC Bank 18

Larry Price L. Price & Associates

Michael Purcell GBQ Partners

Denise Robinson Alvis House

Jose Rodriguez City of Columbus

John Rothschild Newmark

Angie Rybald American Electric Power

Brent Swander Columbus Realtors

Jill Tangeman Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease

Charleta B. Tavares PrimaryOne Health

Kristopher “Kip” Wahlers Jim Weiler Ice Miller The Robert Weiler Company NO N-VOTING B OA RD MEM B E R S

Stephen R. Buchenroth Community Leader

Chris L. Hune Team Fishel

Sara Neikirk Community Volunteer 19

Congratulations Stephanie!

2023 Voice & Vision Award Winner

Thank you for your leadership in advancing the well-being of all people in Central Ohio.

FROM EVERYONE AT HOMEPORT 20

CONGRATULATIONS 2023 VOICE & VISION AWARD RECIPIENT

STEPHANIE HIGHTOWER Installed Building Products is proud to support Homeport’s mission to create strong communities by developing quality, affordable homes on a cornerstone of dignity, security and opportunity.

installedbuildingproducts.com 21

Opening doors to homes, opportunities and hope.

Our longstanding partnership of 30+ years with Homeport fills us with both pride and humility, as we share a collective vision for the betterment of central Ohio residents. While there is still much to be done, our unwavering commitment ensures that we will continue this journey together.

57+

years as a trusted leader in affordable housing.

managed communities across the midwest.

400+

1100+

constructed family, senior and affordable communities.

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190+

dedicated associates helping families and seniors.

CLOSING THE GAP

Five years later: A home-buying success story

Maggie & Bryan in 2023

This fall, Maggie Parks marked five years in the Milo Grogan home she purchased after completing Homeport’s Home Readiness course. After years of renting a small apartment for herself, her son Bryan, and her aging mother, Maggie wanted more.

With the help of Homeport – and a whole lot of self-discipline and determination – Maggie became a homeowner, achieving stability and security for her family.

Read Maggie’s Story › 23

LASER FOCUS ON CLIENTS

Star guard shoots and scores with homeownership

DeVon Price, red shirt, at Denison University practice.

For years, DeVon Price has aimed for the sweet sound of his shot swishing through a basketball net – first as a 6-foot-2 guard at Pickerington North High School and subsequently at the University of Rio Grande. Now, Price, 28, an assistant basketball coach at Denison University, is enjoying a winning shot off the court, having reached his goal of homeownership.

“Being young doesn’t mean you can’t make wise, big decisions to set yourself up for a better future,” said Price.

Read DeVon’s Story › 24

LASER FOCUS ON CLIENTS

Radio veteran ready for return thanks to healthy living environment

Michael Roebuck calls his Hamilton Crossing apartment kitchen “The Red Zone.”

Beginning in the mid-1980s, Michael Roebuck’s deep baritone was a constant in the Columbus radio market, from WVKO to “Power 106.3” and “Sunny 95.” Somewhere around 2012, Roebuck found himself landscaping and working other types of jobs to make more money.

He also began living in not so healthy environments, breathing mold particles into his lungs, he says. He experienced a heart-attack.

Then, in October 2020, based on a tip from a friend, he moved into Homeport’s Hamilton Crossing.

Read Michael’s Story › 25

PA R T N E R P R O F I L E

Columbus Next Generation Corporation

Columbus Next Generation Corporation Executive Director Boyce Safford by Homeport’s Mulby Place.

“A 100-unit senior housing project over two significant attractive buildings will set the tone of other development to happen.

It will show the immediate and broader communities that something can happen in the Linden neighborhood with the right folks. Homeport is the right folks. The project can bring back the Linden pride which I remember.”

Read Profile › 26

BOARD PROFILE

Tasha Booker

“In my previous work at United Way of Central Ohio, I got a crashcourse in the needs of our community, and affordable housing was and continues to be a priority. Homeport is an organization that takes a unique approach to helping our community solve this pressing challenge. I’m encouraged by the work of Homeport because homeownership is a gateway for creating generational wealth for families.”

Read Profile › 27

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

Nick Rozier

“Affordable housing development projects can be complex, and I still have a lot to learn. Working together with our team, we’ve managed to keep Easton Place Homes on budget, I would call that a success!

I am excited about the impact that the Easton project will have on the community. I hope to contribute towards additional affordable housing developments in the region that provide fellow community members with the housing stability they need to experience all that life has to offer.”

Read Profile › 28

Thank you, 2023 interns!

Deja Darling

Ismail Guled

Faith Sager

Kaylee Lear

Trebion Wolf

Proud to Support Homeport Voice & Vision

REAL NEWS SINCE 1871

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Join us for Voice & Vision 2024!

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Thank You, 2023 Vendors!

Battiste Lafleur Galleria

L!VE

Cameron Mitchell Premier Events

Masyn Brown

Copacetic Smooth Jazz

Matt Reese Photography

Dazzling Darlings

Photography by Jovan

Epic Engraving

James D. Price

Ethan Nielsen Design

Michael Roebuck

Gimme Some Sugar

Premier Valet Parking

I Heart Party Rentals, LLC

SignMaster

Legendary Ink

Vincent Noble Photography

Lincoln Theatre

Congratulations, Stephanie Hightower.

It’s our honor to join Homeport and others who are passionate about building up our communities as we unite to celebrate your advocacy for the housing and economic needs of Central Ohio residents. Your leadership, vision and impact are inspiring to many.

Congratulations from your local Park National Bank team!

614-228-0063 | parknationalbank.com 31

Thank you to Installed Building Products (IBP) Foundation and Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) for Columbus and Franklin County for their continued support of our communities!

The new Raspberry Glen playground funded by the IBP Foundation.

Seniors at Homeport’s Elim Manor feel more secure with new fencing, thanks to AHT. 32

Congratulations to Stephanie Hightower on a much deserved honor!

Proud to support Homeport!

EMH&T will hold it’s 10th annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Auction fundraiser for Homeport in 2023!

OPENING DOORS TO DEPENDABLE HOUSING FOR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES. We believe every individual deserves to be empowered in their life through quality, affordable housing.

Since 1934, we’ve been providing innovative housing for families in the Columbus area.

We’re proud to collaborate with our partner organizations to create more diverse communities and make a place where everyone belongs.

Learn more about our work at cmhanet.com  33

Community: The True Return on Investment We believe in helping our communities prosper through more than just attentive banking – we volunteer, sponsor education, and dig in.

That’s because we are our communities. We’re the dependable little league coach approving your car loan, or the welcoming financial advisor stocking shelves at the food pantry. We are neighbors first, and bankers second. For more information, call 1.800.205.3464 or go to firstmerchants.com.

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THE ROBERT WEILER COMPANY APPRAISAL I BROKERAGE I CONSULTING I DEVELOPMENT Proud Supporters of Homeport Voice & Vision

Central Ohio's Trusted Commercial Real Estate Experts Since 1938

10 N High Street, Suite 401 Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-221-4286 www.rweiler.com 36

PROUD SUPPORTER FOR THREE GENERATIONS 37

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We’re making the best possible investment: Our community.

It can be easy to 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.

Member FDIC. ⬢®, Huntington® and ⬢ Huntington. Welcome.® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2023 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.

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D.R. Horton believes the American dream of homeownership is for everyone.

Proud supporter of Homeport’s Voice & Vision. www.drhorton.com/Ohio/Columbus 40

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.