(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The City of Columbus’ Department of Neighborhoods has awarded $1 million to Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Homes program, a vital part of the hospital’s Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative. The funding will support home repair work in the Linden and Hilltop communities beginning in 2025.
“Funding from the City means funding going straight into residents’ homes to help them thrive in the communities they love,” said Guadalupe Alvarez, senior engagement manager for Healthy Homes. “We are excited to hit the ground running in the new year to help address a variety of repair projects.”
The cost of these home repairs average about $30,000 per project. The grant provided by the Department of Neighborhoods will support approximately 15 projects per neighborhood, and will address renovations ranging from roof repair, siding, exterior painting, installing handrails and more.
The home repair program under Healthy Homes has been a facet of the Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative since 2009. Through the initiative, home repair grants are awarded to eligible homeowners to make exterior improvements to their homes. By the end of 2024, 226 homes in Linden and 247 homes on the South Side will have been impacted by the program since its inception, with 74 happening in 2024 in the Linden community alone.
“We know children and families live their healthiest lives in healthy homes, no matter their zip code,” said Nick Jones, vice president of community wellness at Nationwide Children’s. “This is critical funding that will allow our team to help facilitate repairs for even more residents and homes throughout our community.”
Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families was created in 2008 to create a wholistic approach to the health and well-being of local communities. The initiative focuses on five main factors including affordable housing, education, health and wellness, community enrichment and economic development.
Families must be eligible to apply for services in 2025. Homeowners can review eligibility requirements to see if they would qualify at HealthyHomesColumbus.org.