About the Webinar

Identifying students as homeless on the FAFSA can be complex. To qualify, students must be unaccompanied (not living with their parents or legal guardian) and experiencing homelessness, or unaccompanied and at risk of homelessness and self-supporting.

This webinar will walk participants through real-world scenarios to help professionals assess whether students meet this criteria.

From this webinar, participants will:

• Submit real-life scenarios in advance to be reviewed and addressed during the webinar

• Gain a clear understanding of who qualifies as an unaccompanied homeless youth on the FAFSA

• Apply their knowledge by working through common case scenarios

• Learn strategies to help students complete the FAFSA as an independent student

Presenters:

• Jillian Sitjar – Director of Higher Education, SchoolHouse Connection

• Caleb McKay – FAFSA Completion Senior Manager, SchoolHouse Connection

About this event

Join us on Tuesday, August 26 at 9:45 a.m. for:

Q&A between Buffie Patterson, Columbus REALTORS® 2025 President, and Kevin Sears, NAR 2025 President, where they will be discussing the state of Real Estate in central Ohio and how it affects YOU.

Keynote by James Dwiggins, the Co-Founder and CEO of NextHome will follow the Q&A with a presentation focused on some of the key issues that brokers and agents are facing today and how to maintain relevance in an ever-changing landscape.

Panel featuring the following three local leaders, set to explore the development and growth in central Ohio outside of Columbus City Limits.

• Michele Reynolds, Ohio Senator, 3rd District, and REALTOR®

• Chris Amorose-Groomes, Mayor of Dublin

• Curtiss Williams, President/CEO of Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation (COCIC)

This event will focus on the overall growth FOR ALL in central Ohio — Including conversations on affordable housing and what our legislators are doing to help YOUR business and YOUR clients.

Are you a Broker?

Join us from 8:15 - 9:30 a.m. for:

VIP Broker Breakfast with Kevin Sears, NAR’s 2025 President, and Jarrod Grasso, Senior Vice President and Industry Relations from NAR.

This portion of the day is a Broker only event and can be added during registration. Any non-Brokers that register for the VIP Broker Breakfast will automatically be taken off the breakfast registration, but will still be registered for the main event.

North Linden residents: New water service lines are coming to your neighborhood soon!

Join us on Thursday, August 21, for “Pipes and Pizza” - an opportunity to learn more about the Lead Service Line Replacement Program. The City of Columbus is replacing lead and galvanized water lines at no cost. This $6,000 upgrade helps proactively prevent lead exposure and adds long-term value to your home.

Pizza will be available starting at 5:30 PM, followed by a presentation and open house from 6-7:30

Join Kevin Nowak, CHN Housing Partners, and Brian Pickett, North Peak Solutions, as they share how they have harnessed the power of Salesforce to create technology platforms that support collaboration across sectors, among like-minded nonprofits, and between staff and customers. From creating a shared technology platform for the Detroit Housing Network to implementing an evergreen data model and universal intake for CHN Housing Partners, learn how CHN and North Peak Solutions have partnered on solutions that support creative collaboration. These data-driven platforms allow the organization(s) to standardize outcomes to measure the true impact of the work being done.

The next three years will challenge housing counselors like never before.

This course offers practical tools, strategic insight, and real-world examples to help you adapt, stay compliant, and continue serving your community in a changing landscape.

Join us for Surviving the Next Three Years: A Roadmap for Housing Counselors and prepare your agency for what’s ahead.

The United States has the resources to ensure that all of us have the freedom to live in a safe and affordable home. Join the National Housing Law Project for a training to learn about the nuts and bolts of public housing authority funding shortfalls and how to protect tenants from the fallout. This 60-minute training will explain what shortfall status means from both a financial and policy perspective, the range of cost-saving measures housing authorities may implement in the face of funding shortfalls, how to ascertain whether a housing authority is in shortfall status, and actions to take with housing authorities to ensure shortfall policies have the least impact on tenants.

The United States has the resources to ensure that all of us have the freedom to live in a safe and affordable home. Join the National Housing Law Project for a training to learn about the nuts and bolts of public housing authority funding shortfalls and how to protect tenants from the fallout. This 60-minute training will explain what shortfall status means from both a financial and policy perspective, the range of cost-saving measures housing authorities may implement in the face of funding shortfalls, how to ascertain whether a housing authority is in shortfall status, and actions to take with housing authorities to ensure shortfall policies have the least impact on tenants.

Join the City of Columbus for a behind-the-scenes walking tour of Grandview Crossing — a bold, mixed-use development that’s transforming a former landfill into a thriving, walkable neighborhood.

Located on a 55-acre site, Grandview Crossing features more than 1,000 new residential units, modern Class A office space, and a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants. The development also incorporates thoughtfully designed public spaces that foster connection and community.

As part of the city’s Zone In initiative, this tour offers a firsthand look at how updated zoning is helping to shape more sustainable, mixed-use and transit-friendly neighborhoods throughout Columbus.

Event Details:

Meeting Location: The Little Grand Market, 710 Grandview Crossing Way

Date: Wednesday, August 13

Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Can’t make it?

We still want to hear from you! Share your ideas and feedback on how Columbus should grow by completing our short online survey.

www.columbus.gov/zoningupdate

We’ll also be out and about in a neighborhood near you. Stop by and chat with us at one of the following community events:

• National Night Out – Franklinton | August 5

• National Night Out – MAC | August 5

• National Night Out - Far East | August 5

• Franklin Park Farmer’s Market | August 6

• Rise Up CBUS! at Bethel International UMC | August 7

• Cap City Festival at Barack Community Center | August 8

• Avenue for All at 946 Parsons Ave | August 9

We look forward to seeing you!

Join us for our Q3 Policy Update as Emily Cadik and Jennifer Schwartz break down the affordable housing wins embedded in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and talk about the new “ROAD to Housing” proposed legislation.

While we’re not here to celebrate politics, we are here to acknowledge the meaningful impact: expanded support for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the potential to develop 1 million additional affordable homes across the country. We greatly appreciate Emily, Jennifer, and many others who worked so tirelessly to obtain this housing win!

But housing doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

That’s why we’re also turning our attention to the proposed Medicaid changes that could deeply affect the stability and well-being of the residents we serve. Ann Oshel, MS, will join us to unpack what these changes mean for access to care, housing retention, and supportive service delivery—particularly for our most vulnerable communities.  We will also be joined by Lisa Sloane to unpack the Administration’s recent homelessness Executive Order.

It’s a conversation rooted in reality—hopeful about what’s possible, and honest about what’s at risk.

Columbus Auto Dealers presents Concert for a Cause, in partnership with WCOL and iHeartRadio, starring Tyler Hubbard and Runaway June!

All proceeds benefit Star House, the Butterfly Guild at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and the Ryan & Christina Day Fund at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

📍 KEMBA Live
🗓️ Saturday, August 9

🎟️ Get your tickets below and enjoy a great night for three great causes!

Can't attend but want to support Star House? Click here.

Virtual 1/2-Day Eviction Prevention Workshop for Professionals

About the Course

Learn the skills needed to assist tenants and landlords in preventing evictions and their harmful effects on a community.

What You Will Learn

• How best to help tenants and landlords reduce their risk of involvement in an eviction.

• Top 10 tenant mistakes that often lead to eviction and how to prevent them.

• Common eviction-related vocabulary used by the Court.

• Community resources available to help tenants during a housing crisis.

• Ways to help tenants with past evictions or poor credit access decent housing.

Continuing Education Credit

Lawyers: 3.25 CE hours
Social Workers, Counselors, & Marriage and Family Therapists: 3.25 CE hours (Accepted by the OH CSWMFTB based on approval from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Board.)
Nurses: Ohio Board of Nursing accepts CEUs approved for Counselors, Social Workers & Marriage and Family Therapists for CNEs, RNs and LPNs.
Chemical Dependency Professionals: 3.25 CE hours (RCHs)

Learn the skills needed to assist tenants and landlords in preventing evictions and their harmful effects on a community.

What You Will Learn

• How best to help tenants and landlords reduce their risk of involvement in an eviction.

• Top 10 tenant mistakes that often lead to eviction and how to prevent them.

• Common eviction-related vocabulary used by the Court.

• Community resources available to help tenants during a housing crisis.

• Ways to help tenants with past evictions or poor credit access decent housing.

2017 and 2018 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendments

Public Hearing

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 3:30 pm

Michael J. Dorrian Building
Commissioners Hearing Room

369 South High Street, Columbus OH 43215

Join virtually via Zoom: https://franklincountyohio.zoom.us/j/82228084899 

Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Department will conduct a public hearing on the Substantial Amendments to the 2017 and 2018 Annual Plans to solicit comments on the draft plans and proposed activities. The amendments are necessary to allocate unobligated HOME funds to Homeownership Assistance.

Public Comment Period Open
July 23, 2025 - August 22, 2025

The draft 2017 and 2018 Substantial Amendments are available for review and comment for a 30-day public comment period beginning on July 23, 2025 and ending on August 22, 2025.

View Draft Amendments

This self-guided, open-house-style event features five interactive stations where you can learn about the Zone In initiative and share your feedback on project goals, priorities and draft land use maps.

Depending on your level of engagement, your visit may take as little as 20 minutes or up to the full two hours. All are welcome to drop in at any time during the workshop.

A comprehensive Housing-Focused Street Outreach strategy must consider the health and safety of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, the broader community, and the dedicated staff who work with the most vulnerable populations. To achieve this, outreach teams must adopt practices that promote well-being, reduce harm, and foster safe environments for all. In this webinar, hear from communities that have successfully integrated health and safety practices into their Housing-Focused Street Outreach strategies. Communities will share lessons learned, practical approaches, and the impact of their efforts on both individuals and the wider community.

TALK ONE-ON-ONE with experts from every department

DISCOVER SERVICES that protect, support and inform

LEARN MORE about the Homestead Exemption , including application process and eligibility

Council President Shannon G. Hardin will host a public hearing to hear from the community regarding upcoming legislation on the Columbus Housing Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) policy. The hearing will include testimony from the Department of Development, which will provide background on the current policy and renewal details.

Those interested in providing testimony should email their remarks, name and address to Jessica Clinger at JNClinger@columbus.gov with the subject line "7/24 Housing CRA Hearing" by July 24 at 11 a.m.

When and Where:

Thursday, July 24

3 - 4:30 p.m.

Columbus City Hall

City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

90 W. Broad Street

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Credit scores are a foundational component of the US housing finance system and a key indicator of a homebuyer’s ability to access homeownership’s wealth-building benefits. Credit scores are central to risk-based pricing decisions, loan terms, down payment requirements, and more.   

Join the Urban Institute for a data-driven, evidence-based discussion on the evolution of credit scores in the housing finance ecosystem. Experts and policy practitioners will examine the historical development of credit scoring, its applications across different aspects of housing finance, and the ways consumers can better understand and improve their scores. Finally, we will look ahead to how innovations and emerging technologies are driving the next phase of progress in credit scoring and the implications of these developments for the future housing finance system.    

Credit scores are a foundational component of the US housing finance system and a key indicator of a homebuyer’s ability to access homeownership’s wealth-building benefits. Credit scores are central to risk-based pricing decisions, loan terms, down payment requirements, and more. 

  
Join the Urban Institute for a data-driven, evidence-based discussion on the evolution of credit scores in the housing finance ecosystem. Experts and policy practitioners will examine the historical development of credit scoring, its applications across different aspects of housing finance, and the ways consumers can better understand and improve their scores. Finally, we will look ahead to how innovations and emerging technologies are driving the next phase of progress in credit scoring and the implications of these developments for the future housing finance system.    

This self-guided, open-house-style event features five interactive stations where you can learn about the Zone In initiative and share your feedback on project goals, priorities and draft land use maps.

Depending on your level of engagement, your visit may take as little as 20 minutes or up to the full two hours. All are welcome to drop in at any time during the workshop.

Join Columbus City Councilmembers Otto Beatty and Rob Dorans, together with CONVERGENCE Columbus, for a screening of United: The Hidden Story of the Humble Duplex, a film by Anita Kwan that explores how the duplex rose as a symbol of Columbus’ middle-class mobility, was nearly outlawed in the era of segregationist zoning, and is now an architectural icon being reclaimed by a new generation as a tool for growth, wealth, and individuality.

Afterwards, join a conversation on the future of housing, exploring parallels between duplexes and Columbus’ history of carriage homes and in-law suites.

Celebrate National Peach Ice Cream Day with the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio!

Join us for a film screening of the new documentary, “United: the Hidden History of the Humble Duplex.” This is a powerful story of how the duplex rose as a symbol of Columbus’ middle-class mobility, was nearly outlawed in the era of segregationist zoning, and is now reemerging as a tool for growth, wealth, and individuality.

Meet us at the Community Impact Center at 215 North Front Street Doors open at 5:45 PM. We’ll bring the ice cream!

The just-enacted reconciliation bill makes sweeping changes to the tax code impacting investment in housing and community development, including the largest expansion of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit resources in a generation.

During this July 16 members-only webinar, NCSHA and key affordable housing industry partners will break down modifications to tax law that will impact how our nation finances affordable rental housing with the Housing Credit, revitalizes Opportunity Zones, and invests in community and economic development with the New Markets Tax Credit.

Registration is complimentary and open to all NCSHA members: HFAs, Associates, and Affiliates. Preregistration is required by July 14. On July 15, each registrant will be emailed a unique Zoom link to access the broadcast. Please contact sromanoff@ncsha.org if you do not receive that link by COB on July 15.

he City of Columbus, Department of Finance and Management is holding a public meeting on July 10, 2025 at 3:00PM to present and collect public input on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project applications received by the City and anticipated allocations for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants.

The meeting will be held at the Columbus Metropolitan Library – Hilltop Branch at 511 S. Hague Avenue, in Meeting Room 1. There will be an opportunity at the end of the meeting to provide public comment on project applications and anticipated allocations. For those who are unable to attend, a recording will be available on our webpage following the meeting: www.columbus.gov/grants-management.

A summary of project proposals is also available on our webpage. We are accepting public comments on this document until July 31, 2025. Comments should be sent to grantsmgmt@columbus.gov.

If you are in need of any reasonable accommodations or modifications in order to access this meeting, please email grantsmgmt@columbus.gov in advance of the meeting to ensure we can best serve you.

Want to learn more about Ohio’s LIHTC programs available for your organization to utilize? Ohio CDC Association, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, and the Ohio Housing Finance Agency are co-hosting a Webinar to go over the basics of the Ohio Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program and the 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program.

Our country has the resources to ensure that all of us have the freedom to live where we want and take care of our families, without fear of being evicted. But some lawmakers point the finger at immigrants to divide, distract, and disempower us. Join the National Housing Law Project for a webinar to learn how to protect immigrants and keep immigrant families whole and housed. The 90-minute webinar will feature a range of speakers from NHLP and the Housing Justice Network covering critical topics including immigrant eligibility in subsidized housing, fair housing issues impacting immigrants such as language access and national origin discrimination claims, as well as key insights and practical tips for representing immigrants in housing cases in today’s challenging environment.

Join the Housing Solutions Lab for a free, 45-minute lunchtime webinar, the ninth of our Data Talks series. This episode will focus on how cities can use local data sources to identify, analyze, and address tangled title issues in their communities.

Join us on Thursday, July 10, starting at 12 p.m. Ryan Brenner, Research Analyst at the NYU Furman Center, will provide an overview on tangled titles, from the causes of title issues to the risks they pose to residents and cities alike. A fireside chat will follow with Vinita Wagh, Project Manager at Detroit Future City. She will share her approach to tracking heirs’ properties in Detroit and how other localities can learn from her experiences. Register below for Session 9 of Data Talks: Navigating Tangled Titles to join the live session, where you will be able to ask the panelists your questions.