Cincinnati is witnessing a significant milestone as a new affordable housing development is set to break ground. OTR Community Housing (OTRCH), a community-based nonprofit, is leading the way with the construction of Gloria’s Place. This 44-unit service-enriched building will transform a parking lot into a vibrant community for single adults facing chronic homelessness.

Transforming Lives through Affordable Housing

Gloria’s Place will not only provide a physical home but also offer a range of essential services. Community meeting spaces, case manager offices, and 24/7 onsite support will empower residents to address their physical and mental health issues. OTR Community Housing emphasizes that service-enriched housing projects like Gloria’s Place are a best practice in ending homelessness. 1: The significance of this development cannot be overstated. In a city where the number of people sleeping outside has increased by nearly half in just one year, from 752 in 2022 to 1,100 in 2023, affordable housing is a crucial need. Strategies to End Homelessness' data clearly shows the extent of the problem. 2: Gloria’s Place and OTR Community Housing are stepping in to provide the exact type of supportive housing our community requires. By ensuring that our most vulnerable neighbors have a safe and affordable place to live, we are taking a significant step towards addressing homelessness.

Financing and Community Support

The over $14 million development is funded through a combination of sources. A $10 million Low-Income Housing Tax Credit grant, $2.5 million in funding to prevent homelessness from the City of Cincinnati, $900,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, and $600,000 from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s HOME funds have made this project possible. Additionally, Cincinnati-based Stock Yards Bank & Trust and the National Equity Fund (NEF) are providing financing. The local philanthropic community has also played a vital role in filling the gaps. 1: These financial contributions demonstrate the collective effort to make affordable housing a reality. By pooling resources from various sources, OTR Community Housing is able to create a sustainable housing solution for those in need. 2: The support of the local community and financial institutions shows that there is a growing awareness of the importance of affordable housing. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing social issues.

The Impact on the Neighborhood

Director of Resident Services at OTRCH, Andy Hutzel, expresses that the state-of-the-art facility and programmatic design at Gloria’s Place are the gold standard for serving our community’s most vulnerable homeless individuals. It will be a tremendous asset for the neighborhood and our broader community in properly addressing homelessness for decades to come. 1: The construction of Gloria’s Place is not just about providing housing; it is about creating a sense of community and support. The on-site services and community meeting spaces will foster connections and help residents reintegrate into society. 2: This project has the potential to have a lasting impact on the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. By providing affordable housing and support services, Gloria’s Place can help revitalize the area and improve the lives of its residents.

The Importance of Affordable Housing

Tara Immele, Director of Outreach and Crisis Services at Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services, emphasizes that Gloria’s Place will be a crucial source of both housing and collaborative wrap-around services for residents. It will provide them with a safe and secure environment to get and stay on the path to stability. 1: Affordable housing is not just a basic need; it is a foundation for a better life. With Gloria’s Place, residents will have the opportunity to focus on their recovery and well-being without the constant stress of housing insecurity. 2: This project serves as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. By demonstrating the positive impact of affordable housing and support services, we can inspire others to take action and address homelessness in their own areas.The groundbreaking ceremony for Gloria’s Place will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at 2000 Dunlap Street. This marks an important step in the fight against homelessness and the creation of a more inclusive community.