The Ohio Department of Development announced $22.4 Million in grants to improve housing in the state. Areas within the Valley announced to receive the grant funds include Campbell, Struthers, Cortland, Girard, Hubbard, Columbiana, East Liverpool, and Salem.

The grants provided by the DOD are meant to help 27 communities by improving access to housing and providing homeownership and rental assistance for low- and moderate-income families.

The Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) program partners with communities to preserve and help reduce the housing shortage through initiatives such as home renovation and repair and rental assistance.??

CHIP program grants are funded by the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, the federal Community Development Block Grant, and HOME Investment Partnership Programs.

The following communities will receive grant funds:?

Mahoning County will receive a $1 million grant to rehabilitate 10 owner-occupied homes, repair 14 owner-occupied homes, and include a fair housing component. The county will partner with the cities of Campbell and Struthers. 

Trumbull County will receive a $250,000 grant to rehabilitate four owner-occupied homes, repair four owner-occupied homes, and include a fair housing component. 

The City of Niles (Trumbull County) will receive a $1.15 million grant to rehabilitate nine owner-occupied homes, repair 15 owner-occupied homes, and include a fair housing component. The city will partner with the cities of Cortland, Girard, and Hubbard. 

Columbiana County will receive a $1.3 million grant to rehabilitate 11 owner-occupied homes, repair 13 owner-occupied homes, and include a fair housing component. The county will partner with the cities of Columbiana, East Liverpool, and Salem. 

"We want all Ohioans to have a safe and stable place to call home, and these grants support that mission by improving housing, supporting homeownership, and creating opportunities for a better future," said Governor Mike DeWine.