Category: News

Freedom Homes Apartments Officially Open

Kelly Kramer
Left to Right: Front Row: HNHC CEO Gina Gehm, HCDDS Superintendent Leia Snyder, Rep. Catherine Ingram, HNHC Board Chair Melanie Beck, Springdale Mayor Doyle Webster, Commissioner Denise Driehaus, Rep. Jessica Miranda, Rep Sedrick Denson. Back Row: OHFA Director Legislative Affairs Guy Ford, FHLB Senior VP Damon Allen, KeyBank District President Michael McCuen, DODD Director Kim Hauck

In collaboration with Inclusive Housing Resources, The Housing Network of Hamilton County officially opened its Freedom Homes development with a ribbon cutting on Friday, January 7.  With the addition of Freedom Homes there are now 12 new apartments specifically designed for those searching for an accessible, affordable housing opportunity in Hamilton County.

The Freedom Homes development consists of three buildings totaling 12 one-bedroom units located across three municipalities.  A four-family building is located on Cottonwood Dr. in Springfield Township, W. Sharon Rd. in the City of Springdale, and Werk Rd. in the City of Cincinnati. 

All 12 units are fully mobility accessible and feature numerous amenities such as extra-large roll in showers, substantial storage, and in-unit laundry hookups designed to uniquely serve those with developmental disabilities. 

“Freedom Homes has been a true labor of love and we are very excited to bring 12 new accessible housing opportunities to the community,” said CEO Gina Gehm.  “We are so grateful to our partners and funders who helped bring this project to life.” 

HNHC partnered with City Studios Architects and Graybach to design and construct these units. Funding was available because of our partners at the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, State of Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Hamilton County Community Development, Hamilton County Developmental Disability Services, the Federal Home Loan Bank, KeyBank, Cincinnati Development Fund, and the Corporation for Supportive Housing.

Ohio State House Representatives, Catherine Ingram, Brigid Kelly, Jessica Miranda, and Sedrick Denson presented staff with a proclamation recognizing the vision and foresight that became Freedom Homes.  Representatives from several key partnerships spoke during the ceremony and participated in the ribbon cutting.

The most exciting part of Freedom Homes is that 12 more individuals in Hamilton County will have housing that meets their financial, physical and location needs. 

Home

What Home Is… Art Show

Kelly Kramer

Showcasing the Talents of Artists with Developmental Disabilities

Inclusive Housing Resources hosted an art show featuring original works of art by more than 50 adults with developmental disabilities at its office on October 21, 2021. All of the submissions were phenomenal depictions around the theme of what home is. Home is much more than a building. It’s something to take pride in. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable home to make their own. 

“Showcasing the artistic talents of our community and brightening the hallways of our office served as the perfect reason to host this art show,” said IHR CEO Gina Gehm. “These pictures are a visual representation of the work we do, providing homes for individuals with disabilities in the region.” 

For this competition, IHR supplied the art materials and partnered with InsideOut Art Studioto judge the entries. First, second and third place winners and an honorable mention were named. IHR awarded Kings Island passes (1stplace), a restaurant gift card (2nd place), a movie streaming service gift card (3rd place) and a piece of art glass and gift certificate (Honorable Mention) to the winners. The plan is for this artwork to fill the hallways of the IHR offices. 

Inclusive Housing Resources manages the Housing Network of Hamilton County and Partnerships for Housing.  Through these organizations IHR provides high quality, safe, affordable and accessible housing for adults with disabilities in Butler, Hamilton and Clermont Counties. IHR staff also perform accessibility environmental modification services for individuals with coverage under their Medicaid Waiver.

If you or someone you know is looking for housing for someone with a developmental disability or accessibility environmental modifications, we’re here to help. Referrals for our housing come through your local County Board. Please contact the person’s SSA for information about leasing from IHR. For any additional questions feel free to call us at 513-619-2929. 

  • Art Show

Freedom Homes – Coming Soon!

Gehm

The Housing Network of Hamilton County is happy to announce the final funding approval for the 12 unit development referred to as “Freedom Homes”. This development will produce 3 buildings of 4 one bedroom units each across Hamilton County. All twelve units will be fully mobility accessible and the four unit buildings will be located on Cottonwood in Springfield Township, on W. Sharon Rd in the City of Springdale, and on Werk Rd in the City of Cincinnati.

HNHC has partnered with City Studios Architects and Graybach to design and construct these units. Funding partners include: Ohio Housing Finance Agency, State of Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Hamilton County Community Development, Hamilton County Developmental Disability Services, the Federal Home Loan Bank, KeyBank, and the Corporation for Supportive Housing. Construction is anticipated to begin this spring with occupancy the following year. Questions about this development can be directed to Gina Gehm, Executive Director at [email protected].

We’ve Been Featured!

Gehm

The Housing Network of Hamilton County and Partnerships for Housing were recently featured in Soapbox Media! Check out the article below:

Local nonprofits work with housing needs for the disabled

Jim SteffeyFor the past 20 years, Jim Steffey has worked to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

It’s an important mission for him, he says, because he’s met so many people over the years who have experienced life within large, institutional settings.

“Abuse, neglect and isolation were common, heartbreaking themes,” Steffey says. “Often, they didn’t have the staff to help them get out and do things they wanted to do, and I saw the effect — low self esteem, not feeling safe, a lack of a sense of belonging.”

Now Steffey has made it his goal to help individuals find safety and comfort through a sense of place — a place where they’re able to feel empowered and independent. A place that reminds them of their vital presence within a neighborhood as part of a community.

“That’s what we do at the Housing Network of Hamilton County and Partnerships for Housing,” Steffey says. “We help people find a place they can call home.”

Steffey currently serves as executive director for both nonprofits. While the Housing Network services Hamilton County, Partnerships for Housing services Butler County, where the organization functions as property manager, ensuring its clients have access to safe, accessible and affordable homes.

The most rewarding aspect of the position?

“The smile on someone’s face the day they move into their new home, or after we complete a big renovation and they see their new bathroom or kitchen for the first time,” Steffey says. “Seeing them take pride in their home is the best part of my job.”

Do Good:
• The two nonprofits just joined social media. Welcome them to Facebook by liking their new pages: Housing Network of Hamilton County, Partnerships for Housing.
• Contact Jim Steffey if you would like to support either organization by volunteering to do landscape work and other home-oriented tasks.