The Housing Division serves Columbus by preserving and producing housing that helps build strong, distinct and vibrant neighborhoods. The Housing Division collaborates with federal, state and local government housing agencies to strategically target its resources for neighborhood investment. These programs are available to city of Columbus residents eligible for assistance guided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Income Guidelines.

Click here for a link to the Columbus Covenant.

The AWARE Green/Universal Design Manual provides building standards and contractor
requirements for all residential projects awarded federal funds through the City of
Columbus and Franklin County. The green and universal design standards are applicable
to both new construction and housing rehabilitation. The City and County are
committed to promoting AWARE standards of construction throughout Columbus and
Franklin County.
              Aware Manual                Aware Summary Sheet January 2010

A list of the Housing Division Programs and brief descriptions are:

• Acquisition and Relocation Compliance Services: Acquisition and relocation due to a federally funded housing/highway project or code vacate order
• American Dream Downpayment Initiative: Downpayment assistance to purchase a first home
• Chores Program: Minor home repairs for seniors and/or disabled persons
• Deaf Modification Program: Special housing needs for deaf and hard of hearing individuals
• Emergency Repair Program: Heating, plumbing, and electrical repairs requiring immediate attention
• Home Modification Program: Home repair and remodel work to enable accessibility
• Home Safe and Sound Initiatives: Prioritized Home Repairs
• Housing Development Program: Developer/Builder assistance to construct or rehabilitate homes in the Neighborhood Investment Districts
• Lead Safe Columbus: Lead-based paint hazard control work (interior and exterior)
• Tool Library: Self-help home repair
• Neighborhood Investment Districts/Residential Tax Incentives: Property tax abatement on increased valuation due to property improvements in the Neighborhood Investment Districts
• Rental Housing Production and Preservation Program: Rehabilitation or new construction of affordable multi-family rental housing
• Sewer Tie In and Water Connection: Homeowner assistance in abandonment of private disposal system and connection to City water or sanitary sewage system