Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity Receives $200,000 Grant to Expand Affordable Homeownership Opportunities

Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce it has been awarded a $200,000 grant through Ohio’s Welcome Home Ohio program. The funding will help support the purchase and rehabilitation of a home in Geauga County, creating another affordable homeownership opportunity for a local family.

This investment is part of a statewide effort to increase access to safe, affordable housing and strengthen communities throughout Ohio.

Affordable Homeownership Opportunities for Families in Lake and Geauga Counties

Affordable housing continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing families across Northeast Ohio. Rising housing costs have made it increasingly difficult for many hardworking families to achieve the dream of homeownership.

The Welcome Home Ohio program was established to help communities expand housing opportunities through the rehabilitation of existing homes and the construction of new homes. In this latest funding round, nearly $26.9 million was awarded across Ohio to support the creation of 246 homes in 57 counties.

For Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity, this funding represents another important step toward creating safe, stable, and affordable housing opportunities for families in our service area.

Building Strength, Stability, and Self-Reliance

Since 1987, Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity has partnered with families, volunteers, donors, and community organizations to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership and critical home repairs.

Unlike traditional housing assistance programs, Habitat's homeownership program provides qualified families with affordable, zero-percent mortgages and the opportunity to build equity through homeownership. Families also complete sweat equity requirements and participate in educational programs designed to support long-term success.

Celebrating the Construction of Our 100th Home

This year marks a significant milestone for Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity as we celebrate the construction of our 100th home. The home, currently under construction in Eastlake, will provide a safe and affordable place to live for a local family of three.

Every Habitat home represents more than a house—it provides stability for families, stronger neighborhoods, and opportunities for future generations to thrive.

A Partnership That Creates Lasting Impact

"Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity is honored to partner with Welcome Home Ohio to expand our affordable housing program," said Chad Collins, Executive Director of Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity.

"We have witnessed firsthand the profound impact affordable housing has on the 100 families we have served. Our homes transform not just the lives of our families but also strengthen the neighborhoods and communities where they are built."

The Welcome Home Ohio program has awarded nearly $86 million statewide since its inception, supporting the creation of more than 727 homes across Ohio.

How You Can Help Build More Homes

Community support makes projects like this possible. Whether you volunteer, donate, shop at ReStore, or make a financial contribution, you help local families achieve safe and affordable housing.s

You can support Habitat's mission by:

• Volunteering on a build site or repair project

• Donating gently used furniture and home goods to ReStore

• Shopping at ReStore to support affordable housing initiatives

• Making a financial gift to help build and repair homes

About Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity

Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization serving Lake and Geauga Counties since 1987. Through affordable homeownership programs, critical home repairs, and community partnerships, Habitat helps families build stronger futures through safe, affordable housing.

To learn more about our programs and impact, visit the homepage and explore opportunities to get involved.