CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio — More than $1.5 million is coming to Clermont County for a variety of projects benefiting communities and nonprofits, ranging from urgent home repairs for seniors to street assistance programs for the homeless in the community.

Funding comes from two grants, the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).

We spoke to a senior citizen from Clermont County who found a solution to his own housing problem thanks to the funding.

“The steps were too steep, we couldn’t carry food and other things up them. And when I got to the top, I was out of breath,” said Everett Alsip, who received a ramp with CDBG funding.

Everett has lived in his home for 13 years, but recently he’s found it increasingly difficult to get around. But that changed last month when Clermont Senior Services used funding to replace his steep stairs with a ramp.

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“CDBG and HOME funds are primarily intended to help low- and middle-income people in the counties,” said Desmond Maaytah, Clermont County’s community development administrator. “That can be for economic development, job training, infrastructure projects, nonprofits, public services.”

The money is provided to the county through federal funds and then distributed to various organizations and nonprofits. This year, Clermont Senior Services will receive $100,000 to help renovate and repair homes for seniors – just like Everett’s ramp.

WCPO

Everett said he was stuck in front of the ramp at home and couldn’t get off his porch without help.

“My hospital bills and stuff, doctors and medications, it was pretty draining,” Everett said. “I couldn’t afford this ramp, but they’re helping me.”

Clermont Senior Services said with this year’s money they will be able to help about 50 seniors.