Housing and Community Services Division
(330) 375-2050
166 S. High Street - Room 100
Akron, OH 44308
Planning@AkronOhio.gov

Nancy S. Cook, Housing Rehabilitation Manager
Thomas A. Tatum, Housing Rehabilitation Administrator
Douglas Taylor, Housing Rehabilitation Supervisor
Amanda Groeger, Secretarial Staff

The office also includes Loan and Grant Specialists and Rehabilitation Specialists

The Housing and Community Service Division performs a variety of functions related to preserving and improving the quality of life for Akron residents. Areas of responsibility include:

• Assistance in rehabilitation and remediation of lead hazards within Neighborhood Redevelopment and Initiative Areas, Neighborhood Business Districts and LEAP eligible areas
• Assistance in home rehabilitation for low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners
• Provision of funding and administrative support to Community Development Corporations and Housing Development Organizations
• Provision of grant funds for assistance in home security, accessibility, and house painting services
• Assistance in implementation of Neighborhood Stabilization Program

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) uses federal grant funds to buy, fix up, and resell foreclosed and abandoned homes. The Housing and Community Service staff assists in the implementation of the NSP by conducting inspections of foreclosed housing units, preparing cost estimates for applicable properties and overseeing the contracts for lead remediation and rehabilitation work. For more information on purchasing one of these mark up homes at a start up price please visit Akronliving.org

Akron Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program

The City of Akron, Department of Planning and Urban Development was awarded a $3 million grant from Department of Housing and Urban Development (H.U.D.) Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control’s (OHHLHC).

The program will run from 2012 until 2015. 200 housing units will be made lead safe for families and their children.

The Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program is a collaboration among 8 partner agencies operating in the City of Akron, Summit County and Barberton. Partner agencies include: East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, County of Summit, Nazareth Housing Development Corporation, Rebuilding Together of Summit County, Neighborhood Development Services.

Up to $10,000 in grants will be available to each household participating in the program to be used in the elimination of lead based paint in the home. Eligible households have incomes at 80% of the median family income, have children under the age of 6, and live in a home built before 1978 which has lead paint hazards present. For applications, please call the our office at 330-375-2050 or download the application here (484k pdf).

Minor Home Repair

The City works with several nonprofit organizations, including Rebuilding Together Greater Cuyahoga Valley and the Tri-County Independent Living Center to provide small grants to very low-income households for repair of one or two items in their homes. Most programs are targeted to the elderly or disabled. There is some limited assistance to very low-income owner occupants. Call 330-375-2050 for more information.

First Time Lower Income Home Buyer Opportunities

The City works with several nonprofit housing development corporations to provide new and rehabilitated housing for purchase at affordable prices. Households with income less than 80% of the median income can also receive matching down payment assistance to help purchase these homes. To find out more call 330-375-2050.