Subject: Please Prioritize Affordable Homeownership Resources in the Ohio State Budget

Message:

Dear [Representative's Name],

There is a historic shortage of affordable homes across Ohio, which is driving up housing costs and making the dream of homeownership harder to achieve for hard-working families in every corner of our state. As your constituent and a supporter of Habitat for Humanity, I am urging you to protect and prioritize critical resources for affordable housing in the 2025 Ohio State budget.

Specifically, I ask that you:

1. Fully fund the Welcome Home Ohio program, which has been instrumental in revitalizing communities and providing pathways to affordable homeownership. This investment is creating real opportunities for families across Ohio to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.

2. Maintain the Ohio Housing Trust Fund as it currently exists.
   The Ohio Housing Trust Fund is a cornerstone of housing stability and community development in our state. The current proposal to change the Trust Fund’s structure would severely impact organizations like Habitat for Humanity of Ohio, effectively eliminating $1.2 million annually that supports new home construction, critical home repairs, and statewide program support. These dollars are especially vital for rural communities, where housing resources are already scarce. While the proposed changes may help larger cities, they would come at the expense of rural Ohioans who deserve the same opportunities for safe, affordable housing.

Strong, stable housing is foundational to strong, stable communities. Every dollar invested in affordable housing strengthens our workforce, promotes economic growth, and builds a better future for Ohio families. By preserving the integrity of the Ohio Housing Trust Fund and ensuring robust support for Welcome Home Ohio, you are investing in the future of all Ohioans — urban, suburban, and rural alike.

Therefore, I urge you to:

• Oppose any changes to the structure or distribution of the Ohio Housing Trust Fund that would reduce support for critical affordable housing programs.

• Protect and fully fund the Welcome Home Ohio program.

• Champion affordable homeownership initiatives that serve all communities across Ohio.

Thank you for your leadership and for recognizing the vital role that affordable housing plays in strengthening communities and transforming lives across our state.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City], Ohio
[Your Email]
[Optional: Your Phone Number]