Housing

The West End neighborhood is home to one of the most vulnerable populations in the City of Cincinnati. The future developments have increased the vulnerability of this community and exposed numerous residents to gentrification and tax increases. The results from the Housing Study of the West End neighborhood performed by Design Impact have shown that nearly 44% of the neighborhood residents are at risk of displacement. Today, we all watch as many residents are being taken from their homes without many places to go. It is now that we need to step up to educate these residents on their rights, create advocacy for affordable housing, assist with eviction assistance, and help low income homeowners with home improvements and repairs. Seven Hills has been at the forefront of protecting neighbors, promoting inclusive development and advocating on behalf of the community.

2019 West End Housing Study

Homeownership Home Improvements Eviction Assistance Properties

Habitat for Humanity:

The PORT Authority has sold two properties to Habitat for Humanity to be preserved for low to moderate income homeowners. If interested in these properties, download the application below and submit to Tia Brown @ Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses.

Habitat for Humanity Application

Community Land Co-Op:

The Community Land Cooperative of Cincinnati (CLCC) is a community land trust removes land and housing from the usual real estate market and then leases or sells the housing to residents at affordable prices. Founded in 1981 by an ecumenical association to prevent the displacement of low-income, African-American residents from their neighborhood, the CLCC was the first urban community land trust in the United States. In addition to helping community residents secure affordable housing, the organization works to empower families and enhance the community. For example, CLCC has supported a community garden and organized a summer camp for area children. CLCC joined under the umbrella of the Neighborhood House in the Summer of 2017.

Other Sources:

West End Housing Improvement Fund:

The West End Housing Improvement Fund is used to support the immediate housing needs of low-to-moderate income homeowners in the West End. These funds will initially be used for preservation and creation of affordable homeownership and rental housing opportunities, including but not limited to assisting residents with code enforcement orders or citations. To be eligible for these funds the home must be owner-occupied and have a household income below 80% median income in the West End. The home must be current on property taxes. Due to the limited amount of funds, appropriate projects must cost $5,000 or less. Any request considered that is estimated to be in excess of $10,000 will be discussed with the Port before approving such request.

In order to apply for the funds, please print the application below and drop off to Tia Brown @ Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses. If you have additional questions about these funds, contact Tia Brown.

Tia Brown Contact Information:

Call: (513) 407-5362 | Email: tia.brown@7hillsnh.com

HIF Application

Other Sources:

Eviction Assistance Program:

Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses understand that life doesn’t always work in the ways we predict, whether that be job loss, illness, tax increase, or other changes. We are there to help you when life throws you a curve ball and you just can’t seem to make ends meet. In recent days, many West End residents are facing increasing rental rates, taxes, and other inconveniences and that is when we are able to offer eviction support.

If you or someone you know is in need of this support, please fill out the attached form or come into Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses and ask for support.

For Questions contact Tia Brown:

Call: (513) 407-5362 | Email: tia.brown@7hillsnh.com

DISCLAIMER: In order to apply for these funds, you need to be a West End resident. We ask that you attach your late rent letter from your landlord to the application.

Eviction Assistance Application

Other Sources:

St. Vincent de Paul
Legal Aid: (513) 241-9400
People Working Cooperatively: (513) 351-7921
Community Action Agency: (513) 569-1840
Hamilton County Jobs and Family Service PRC: (513) 946-1000

Baymiller Row Houses

This project demonstrates how collaboration can create mixed-rate housing and preserve neighborhood character.

As development continues in Cincinnati’s historic West End neighborhood, residents and housing advocates have been working to ensure that creation and preservation of affordable housing is part of the equation. A set of historic rowhouses in Cincinnati’s West End is being redeveloped as a combination of affordable and market-rate, rental and homeownership.

1803 and 1807 Baymiller are being rehabbed by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati. 1805 Baymiller is being developed by Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses as an affordable rental unit, with Habitat as the general contractor.

This collaboration responds to the critical need for equitable housing in the West End, long identified by West End community organizations and planners. For example, the project dovetails with three of the housing goals of the West End Speaks Plan (2016): the condition of all West End properties is improved; the quality of affordable units in the West End is upgraded; the West End supports the expansion of homeownership in the neighborhood.