Director's Message 
Welcome to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA). At OHFA, we work hard every day to provide quality, affordable housing options for thousands of low- to moderate-income Ohio families. For more than 25 years, we have opened the doors to an affordable place to call home through our innovative programs and our dedication to creating and maintaining safe, stable communities throughout the state.
Since 1983, more than 120,000 families have realized the dream of homeownership by utilizing the First-Time Homebuyer Program. In March 2008 we launched Ohio Heroes, an initiative to further assist borrowers in critical professions by offering a mortgage rate at a quarter percent below our traditional First-Time Homebuyer Program rate.
Our partnerships in Governor Strickland’s Foreclosure Prevention Task Force and the statewide Save the Dream initiative led by the Department of Commerce allow us to help even more troubled borrowers. We work with housing counseling agencies throughout the state to provide resources to homeowners in danger of losing their homes. Thousands of Ohioans have utilized these options to get the assistance they need.
OHFA is also responsible for awarding federal housing tax credits to encourage the development and preservation of affordable rental units throughout the state. More than $23 million in housing tax credits were announced in 2008 funding 2,115 properties. Properties receiving awards include senior communities, permanent supportive housing communities, and lease-purchase developments.
We continue to introduce innovations that address current housing issues, including Opportunity Housing in Cleveland. As the number of abandoned and vacant properties rise as a result of foreclosures, neighborhoods have suffered. This partnership between nonprofit organizations and government agencies will help revitalize six of the hardest hit areas in Cleveland.
We invite you to contact us if you have additional questions about our services. You can reach us toll free at 1.888.362.6432.
Douglas A. Garver
Executive Director
Ohio Housing Finance Agency
