Mike has lived in Dayton, Kentucky his whole life. He reminisces about growing up with his seven brothers in a two-room home just down the street. From his seat in his living room, he can see the High School where he graduated. Now Mike, his wife, and their Bichon dog live in a two-story, 100-year-old home that also holds special value to the family. Mike’s parents spent the second half of their life living in the home. Once they passed away, Mike and his family moved in. “I have lots and lots of memories in this house,” says Mike. Mike, a U.S. Army veteran, reached out to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati’s Veteran Repair program when he discovered water pooling behind his walls. He worked with Habitat to repair the badly damaged roof and gutters that were causing water to enter the house. With help from the program, Mike was also able to install new handrails on the porch stairs to increase the home’s safety. Funding from The Home Depot Foundation made these repairs possible. “We were so happy about [the Veteran Repair Program]. Wow, I mean—unbelievable.” Mike says that people frequently contact him wanting to buy his home to rehab it. He says, “if we moved from here to somewhere else it's going to double the price we pay for this, you know, it's really silly. I’m going to stick it out here until I croak.” Now with the completed repairs, Mike doesn’t have to worry about having to choose between moving or living in potentially unsafe conditions. “I’ve lived in Dayton my whole life. […] It’s really nice around here. We have a very good relationship with our neighbors. We help each other out. We love it here,” says Mike.

Cincinnati, Ohio, June 13, 2023 - Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by Enquirer Media Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few. “Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.” "To be recognized again as a Top Workplace based on employee feedback from all levels of our organization is an honor," says Erin Flynn Director of Human Resources at Habitat Greater Cincinnati. "We are incredibly proud that our team has created a workplace that people want to be part of. Continuing to cultivate a culture of inclusion and support allows us to further our mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter."

CINCINNATI, OH (January 6, 2023) – Habitat for Humanity of Ohio has been awarded $25 million as part of a larger American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending package that was signed into law today by Governor DeWine. The funding will bolster a statewide effort by Habitat for Humanity including locally with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati to address the shortage of workforce housing across Ohio and provide repair services for elderly and disabled homeowners. The Habitat for Humanity network is uniquely positioned to address emergency housing needs on a statewide level. With the introduction of the Aging in Place program in June 2022, Habitat Greater Cincinnati is prepared to increase repairs for low-income homeowners in the Greater Cincinnati region. Furthermore, Habitat for Humanity is not just a builder, but a developer, making the organization ‘shovel ready’ to put the one-time APRA funding to good use. The recent ARPA allocation for Humanity for Humanity of Ohio is the largest award in the country for the international nonprofit housing organization. The funds are slated for the following purposes: $15M for new home construction to include rehabs of existing homes $9M for a critical home repair program for seniors and the disabled $1M for the creation of a statewide Habitat for Humanity apprentice program “The Ohio legislature understands the struggles of Ohioans to find affordable and available housing, and they are committed to finding real housing solutions in the next general assembly,” said Ryan Miller, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Ohio. “We are grateful our lawmakers see this one-time investment of ARPA dollars will lead to a long-term investment in communities and people throughout Ohio. We also look to build upon our 20-year relationship with our friends at the Ohio Department of Development as we partner with them on this important Habitat housing initiative.” “We are grateful to our state representatives who continue to champion the work of affordable homeownership in our community. These funds will accelerate our strategic plan and will help families in our community achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter,” says Joe Hansbauer, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati. About Habitat for Humanity of Ohio Habitat for Humanity of Ohio is a statewide 501(c)3 organization whose main purpose is to increase the capacity of Ohio's 44 Habitat for Humanity affiliates to build simple, decent homes in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. Across America, individuals and families struggle to find affordable places to live. Habitat seeks to remedy this injustice by providing families the opportunity to realize their dreams of homeownership on terms they can afford. Habitat was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. They welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serve people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion. Located in Columbus, Ohio, Habitat for Humanity of Ohio provides services to affiliates through resource development, advocacy, and training. About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati (http://habitatcincinnati.org/) is a non-profit Christian housing ministry that seeks to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. Since 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati has built, renovated, or repaired more than 680 homes throughout a nine-county region including Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn and Ohio counties in Indiana. It has also contributed to building more than 1,000 homes globally in Cambodia, El Salvador, Kenya, and Nepal. Habitat is dedicated both locally and globally to construct, rehabilitate and preserve homes; advocate for fair and just housing policies; and provide training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. ###

Thanks to Foundation Sponsor  Republic Bank  for helping to make Rock the Block in Bond Hill possible. With their help and the help of all our sponsors, we were able to complete 32 home repair and beautification projects during the April 29th event.  Republic Bank has supported Habitat for Humanity in different capacities for over 8 years. "As a bank, we do a lot of mortgage lending. It’s part of our mission and part of our culture to support neighborhoods and to help people to own their own homes. That's why Republic Bank chooses to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati." says Tom Saelinger Market President for Republic Bank Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. "We love being a part of Habitat and Rock the Block because you can really see the difference they make in the community. It’s a great organization and we’re happy to be a part of it. We are very proud to be a sponsor of Rock the Block in Bond Hill and are proud to participate in Team Build Days as well."

Monday, June 19, 2023 12:00pm-4:00pm 6409 Simpson Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45224 (Crutchfield Park) Free Register here. Sign-up to volunteer here. Juneteenth Community Cookout

Deborah built and bought her home with Habitat over 20 years ago. She reached out to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati's Aging in Place Program to make modifications to her home to help her live safely and independently in her home as she ages. For Deborah, being able to age in her home means that she will be able to continue to be surrounded by her community and the support systems that she built over 20 years. Deborah says, "my neighbors [who also own Habitat homes] have been so delightful since we moved in and got connected here. We actually call each other 'sister-neighbor-friends', and that’s what makes it so good here. We just really kind of bonded and have a kind of kinship. It’s so good for me to have that because I’m an only child. I’m just here, but not on my own because they have become family." Deborah is even the godmother to one of her neighbors' children. With the Repair Program, Deborah was able to convert her bathtub to a walk-in shower, move her washer and drier from the basement to the first floor, and remove a dangerous tree. She says, “it has really given me advantages to be able to maneuver in my home to be able to function better in my home. The shower was hard to get in and out of⎯and then you have that fear of slipping. Now it’s just easy to go right through.” “The new location of the washer and drier is excellent because I don’t have to wrestle the laundry up and down the stairs and worry about falling.” Deborah noticed the huge tree in her backyard started leaning over her neighbor’s houses. She knew it needed to be taken down, but when she got a quote for removal it was over $8,000. “I had so many frightening thoughts every time I saw on the news trees falling on people’s houses. It’s just beautiful the way that Habitat extends this opportunity because I wouldn’t have been able to afford that.” “After all the modifications I was able to make with Habitat, I will be able to stay in my home for much, much longer. The main things that I needed to get done to keep me in my home and to not be limited are complete⎯and it’s a great thing. […] that peace of mind is just wonderful,” says Deborah. When reflecting on her Habitat journey, Deborah says, "it’s a beautiful thing to be a single, African American woman with your own home. There are things that I could say that were not great in my life, but look where I am now and all the wonderful things in my life. And Habitat has always been there for me." Learn more about our programs .

“Next week is my 92nd birthday. I’ve lived in this house 18 years […] we aren’t going nowhere,” says Harry. Harry, a veteran, and his wife, Darnell got connected to Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran Repair Program through the Council on Aging. Their home had major water damage from a plumbing leak and roof damage. After a bad experience with a previous contractor, they were able to repair their home with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati. “It has just been a blessing, blessing, blessing. We are so grateful. Some of the work we probably couldn’t have gotten done without Habitat,” said Darnell. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati helped to repair the roof, replace a leaky toilet, and replace the damaged drywall, exterior water spicket, and leaking chimney. These repairs were made possible with support from The Home Depot Foundation. “It takes a lot of pressure off. You know, walking in there and seeing the big hole in the ceiling. It was leaking for a long time. When we went in the kitchen we had to have buckets catching the water,” says Harry. “They stopped the leaking and replaced the drywall.” “We have a lot of family and we’re the house that everyone comes to. So having the kitchen done made it so much better. This is just a family home, and we entertain all our family. This is where everyone gathers,” says Darnell. The couple says that the repairs will help them be able to stay in their home as they age. “We will absolutely be able to stay longer. I mean doing the roof, that’s a lot. That’s a lot of pressure taken off of us. Like Harry said, we aren’t going anywhere. But we’re happier now that we know some of the things we needed fixed are complete and we didn’t have to struggle to figure out how to pay for them,” says Darnell. The couple says that they have built a great community on the street over the 18 years they lived there. They all look out for each other and help with things like bringing in the garbage cans and shoveling the snow. “I love to plant flowers in my yard. I have some neighbors who also like planting. We split and trade plants,” says Darnell. She is excited to have a working spicket to water her outdoor flowers. Darnel says, “for Habitat to have programs like this, Aging in Place and the Veteran Repair Program, it is a beautiful thing. For a lot of seniors, we get our little check and that’s ok, but it’s the extra things that you have to do. For Habitat to come in and do that extra work is great. We explained [the program] to our neighbors, all seniors, and they were really excited too.” For more information about the Veteran Repair Program click here .

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati (HFHGC) is pleased to welcome Tracy Wells as the new Vice President of Development and Communications to help create, preserve, and advocate for affordable homeownership opportunities in Greater Cincinnati. Tracy brings over 20 years of strategic fundraising and resource development experience to the organization. “Tracy is a great fit with the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati culture. She has the desire and skills necessary to lead in the delivery of the fundraising goals outlined in the five-year strategic plan to serve a family a day by 2027,” says Ed Lee. Tracy joins HFHGC from YWCA where she served as Vice President of Development for the last 5 years. She was named one of 40 under 40 by the Business Courier in 2013, was a part of Leadership Cincinnati Class of 36, and Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2005. Tracy says, “It is an honor to join the Habitat Greater Cincinnati team. Creating affordable homeownership opportunities is a critical part of building strong communities. It is a privilege to work alongside generous people and to create opportunities for them to partner with future homeowners to build a better life for themselves and their families.”

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati (HFHGC) is pleased to announce Joe Hansbauer as the next President and CEO advancing the organization’s efforts to create and preserve affordable homeownership opportunities in Greater Cincinnati. Hansbauer brings more than 14 years of experience as an executive nonprofit leader, most recently as President and CEO of Findlay Market. During his nearly ten years at Findlay, Hansbauer demonstrated incredible visionary leadership boldly growing the market to include new programs, partnerships, and revenue streams—tripling the operating budget. “After considering a strong pool of qualified candidates, our diverse hiring committee unanimously agreed that Joe was the clear choice. With his demonstrated visionary leadership, connection to the Habitat mission, and commitment to the local community, Habitat Greater Cincinnati is well positioned to achieve its strategic goals and excel in the future,” says Amanda Hill, HFHGC Board Chair. Hansbauer began his career at Accenture as a consultant specializing in change and systems management. As a young professional, he helped to organize a Give Back Cincinnati trip to Habitat for Humanity of New Orleans in response to Hurricane Katrina. Hansbauer described the trip as a pivotal moment when he realized the opportunity for a “profession with meaning”. This experience was the impetus for Hansbauer to leave Accenture and jumpstart a career in the social sector with the founding of UGIVE.ORG, an online platform with a mission to catalyze, excite, and empower the next generation of volunteers. "I am thrilled that my path is coming full circle through this opportunity to once again further the Habitat mission of a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to live.” At Findlay Market, Hansbauer developed Findlay Kitchen, an 8,000 square foot incubator kitchen, from concept to operational. Today the project generates a net profit of $75,000 annually and supports more than 80 food businesses—80% women, immigrant, or minority owned. “I'm very excited to step into the role of President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Cincinnati. Through Ed's leadership, the organization is one of the healthiest and most respected Habitat affiliates in the country. I look forward to engaging in Habitat Cincinnati's vision to serve a family a day by 2027 and leveraging the MacKenzie Scott gift to accelerate affordable homeownership in the region,” says Hansbauer. Joe Hansbauer will succeed Ed Lee, who led the organization for over 12 years during which HFHGC has grown in its service to local families, building an organizational infrastructure that is more innovative and sustainable. Lee will continue his legacy as a champion for affordable homeownership in a new role as Vice President of Resource Development Transformation at Habitat for Humanity International. “It has been an honor and a privilege to partner with the Greater Cincinnati community to create and preserve affordable home ownership across the region. I look forward to Habitat Greater Cincinnati continuing the push towards a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” says Lee.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati (HFHGC) recently achieved LEED Gold certification for two homes built in the Evanston neighborhood of Cincinnati. This is the seventh LEED certificate HFHGC has earned for new homes built in partnership with first-time homebuyers. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati is committed to building 9 affordable homes in Evanston over the next few years- all with the goal of LEED certification. LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a globally recognized symbol of excellence in green building issued by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED projects earn points by adhering to prerequisites and credits across nine measurements for building excellence from integrative design to human health to material use. Gold is the second highest rating, earning 60-79 points. “This commitment changes very little about the way we build,” says Adam Nelson, Property Acquisition and Design Manger at Habitat Greater Cincinnati. “Every Habitat home in Greater Cincinnati is built to LEED standards. Our homes are designed to be modestly sized and well insulated resulting in less energy usage for the homeowner. By building smaller homes, we reduce carbon emissions in the sourcing and building process as well. We primarily build homes on lots with existing infrastructure. Reusing existing materials is an important part of green design.” While all Habitat homes are built according to LEED standards, not every home goes through the certification process, which according to the Green Home Institute, can cost on average an additional $3,000. However, for LEED-certified homes in Cincinnati, the 10-year property tax-abatement incentive from the City is worth the investment for Habitat Greater Cincinnati. This benefit ensures that Habitat homes will remain affordable for low-income homeowners in neighborhoods facing gentrification such as Evanston. Tyleah Pleasant, Evanston Habitat homeowner, says, “having a 10-year tax abatement is a blessing. Something I’m forever grateful for." Sustainable building practices are a top priority for Habitat for Humanity. In addition to healthier environments and lower carbon emissions, sustainable homes reduce monthly energy costs for residents. In its 2016 report, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) identified the Cincinnati metropolitan region as having the ninth worst energy affordability of 48 major metro regions in the country. Much of this burden falls on low-income households which are more likely to live in older homes and apartment buildings that are extremely inefficient. “Our new home stays a whole lot warmer than where we were before. Our bills already seem cheaper. It helps that we don’t have to have a space heater constantly running to keep it bearable like before,” says new Habitat homeowner Kristina.

Event commemorates start of 27th local Habitat home funded by Ohio National since 2009. Ohio National Financial Services, Inc. and longtime community partner Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati will host a pre-framing ceremony at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 10 at the Habitat Training Annex in Norwood. Following the ceremony, volunteers from Ohio National will begin constructing the walls of a new home to be built this summer at 434 Dexter Ave. in Cincinnati. Ohio National recently pledged $500,000 over the next four years to fund the construction of four new Habitat homes, including the Dexter property. Since 2009, Ohio National has donated more than $2.3 million to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, resulting in the completion of 26 homes to date. To qualify for a Habitat home, families must contribute a minimum of 250 hours of sweat equity and take classes on homeownership and personal finance. Families purchase their homes from Habitat with a 30-year, interest-free mortgage. “There are so many hard-working families in our community who are ready to own their own home,” said Barbara Turner, President and CEO of Ohio National. “That’s why we’ve continued our long-standing partnership with Habitat and have committed to fund a new home every year through 2025.” “The people of Ohio National recognize how important affordable homeownership is to the future of our community,” said Ed Lee, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati. “We’re proud to have them as our longest-running major corporate partner.” Since its inception in 1987, The Ohio National Foundation has donated more than $29 million to charitable causes, including $1.6 million in 2021

April 7, 2022 CINCINNATI, OH – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati (HFHGC) President & CEO Ed Lee has announced his retirement from the organization later in 2022. Lee joined the organization as Executive Director in 2010 following a 29-year career at Procter & Gamble. During his tenure, HFHGC has grown in its service to local families, building an organizational infrastructure that is more innovative and sustainable. The progress that HFHGC made under his leadership directly contributed to MacKenzie Scott’s decision to choose Greater Cincinnati as one of the Habitat affiliates to benefit from her recent $436 million investment. Lee led the merger of Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity with TriState Habitat for Humanity to create one of the country’s largest Habitat affiliates, serving nine counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Prior to being chosen to lead the organization, Lee began volunteering in 2001, first as a build site volunteer, then chair of Habitat’s Eastside Coalition, finally a member of the board of directors. Since Lee took the helm, more than 250 local families have closed on their first home in partnership with Habitat. According to Lee, it’s all about the families Habitat serves, which accounts for the thousands of people the organization has impacted during his tenure. He takes every opportunity to make sure that the families are recognized for the hard work and financial investment that they put in to become first-time homebuyers. “Habitat is not a giveaway program,” he said. “It is a true partnership in helping more families achieve self-sufficiency.” He has also worked to raise awareness of Habitat’s roots in racial equity and its role in increasing homeownership opportunities for people of color. Lee made crucial innovations in the three primary sources of growth for the organization — charitable donations, loan repayments, and ReStore revenue — which leaves a legacy of long-term stability for the organization. Results include: expanding the ReStore social enterprise from one to five stores regionally growing philanthropic support, including a multiyear corporate campaign and a modernized fundraising infrastructure improving the availability of mortgage revenue through partnership with local banks. He has also committed to collaborative partnerships in communities where Habitat builds, including: working with Community Learning Center Institute and Community Matters to raise the level of homeownership in Lower Price Hill, creating new home construction in Lincoln Heights in partnership with the Mayor and Hamilton County Community Development, preserving historic buildings while creating homeownership opportunities in the West End with Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses, The Port, and the City of Cincinnati. HFHGC has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Cincinnati Enquirer, in the top 25 largest homebuilders in the region by Cincinnati Business Courier, and as a Top 45 Habitat affiliate nationwide. Lee received a Second Act Award from the Business Courier and has served in multiple leadership positions with Habitat for Humanity International, including the U.S. Council, which sets policy for national affiliates. “I am thankful to Ed for his leadership in Cincinnati and nationally; he has made a positive and truly meaningful impact on our mission,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “I'm particularly grateful for his leadership in the Habitat affiliate community. Ed’s wisdom and grace have been essential to the progress of our collaborative work to serve more families, and his leadership by example has helped shape innovative new ways for Habitat to address the affordable housing crisis.” HFHGC Board Chair Amanda Hill said, “We are incredibly grateful for the leadership and service Ed has given to Habitat. He has left his fingerprint on the organization, including an exciting long-range vision, an award-winning organization, and creating affordable housing for hundreds of families in the Greater Cincinnati area.” HFHGC’s board will conduct a search for Lee’s successor, supported by Gilman Partners of Cincinnati. “We will conduct a thorough and careful search for a CEO who can shepherd our renewed five-year strategic plan, with the goal to serve one family for every day of the year,” Hill said.