LISC and Warsaw Federal: A Partnership That Helps the Community

2024-10-11

Partnering with organizations that are committed to their communities is a top priority for us. That’s why it was an easy decision to do so with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), an organization that identifies priorities and challenges for low-income communities, formulates strategies to address them and delivers effective support to meet those needs on the ground. They have over 38 offices and work across the country.

LISC’s Greater Cincinnati chapter, in partnership with the Hamilton County Commission through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, launched the Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program to help Hamilton County homeowners who struggle to get funds for improvements such as roof repair, new floors, and more.

That’s where our partnership comes in. Through the program, we’re offering a below-market 2% interest rate with loan amounts that range from $5,000 to $25,000.

“We’re proud to partner with Warsaw Federal for this initiative,” says Kristen Baker, executive director of LISC Greater Cincinnati. “As Cincinnati’s first Minority Depository Institution, their commitment to ensure accessible, below-market financing aligns perfectly with our mission. This program isn’t just about home repairs—it’s about preserving the housing stock in our region and helping families build generational wealth. By making it possible for homeowners to invest in the health and safety of their homes, we’re creating a pathway for long-term stability, allowing families to remain in their homes and pass them down to the next generation.”

The main goal is to help individuals build equity in their homes when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

“The program was modeled after successful, similar ones in Detroit and Memphis, and we are excited that Cincinnati is the third city to kick off,” says Shane Dixon, operations administrator at Warsaw Federal.

“This program is multi-faceted,” he continues. “LISC works in low-income communities and identifies candidates, and Working in Neighborhoods (WIN) helps those individuals with the applications. Warsaw Federal will then service the loan and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati will take over afterwards and begin construction.”

Interested in applying or know someone who would be a good fit? All interested applicants should call the United Way of Greater Cincinnati 211 helpline. For more details, head to hamiltoncountyhome.org.

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