IMPORTANT Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) UPDATE. Click for more information. ‘Laser Focus’ — key to Homeport successes Whether its preventing evictions or helping families reach a lifelong goal of homeownership, Homeport has a “laser focus” for its clients and residents. On Oct. 21, Homeport used the organization’s annual Voice & Vision program to showcase successes from the programs it offers, the people it serves and partners who help make it possible. In one video at the virtual program, Guy Tshimanga shared his story of perseverance in becoming a homeowner — thousands of miles and several decades from where it began in Central Africa. His story explained how Homeport’s homebuyer education class had enhanced his life, the lives of his wife and three small children – and thousands of other residents throughout Central Ohio. In 2020 he was one of 501 Homeport home buyer education and counseling clients who became home- owners, purchasing $78.9 million in homes. Voice & Vision also addressed the impact of the Downpayment Assistance Program that Homeport administers with funds from Franklin County. Loan Program Manager Isabel Giles discussed how the downpayment funds moved 130 people the past five 5 years into homes they might not otherwise have qualified for. Remarkably, the downpayment program -- for two decades – has made possible 280 home mortgages worth $27.3 million – a significant impact to the local economy. The Voice & Vision audience also heard how Homeport Resident Services team and Homeport partners coordinated and delivered remarkable aid in the face of pandemic. This included safe out-of-school learning environments with internet access, nutritious meals and snacks, and summer programs. The laser-focus commitment to Homeport residents provided more than 46,000 meals in 2020, reaching two-thirds of the children living in six apartment community properties. The children at Homeport’s Emerald Glen and Indian Mound communities also benefited from fully renovated playgrounds courtesy of $80,000 in grants from Installed Building Products. Another important aspect of Homeport’s laser-focused commitment was eviction prevention. Many Homeport residents lost employment or work hours during the pandemic. Keeping a roof over head lowered stress levels and enabled a regrouping. In 2020, 217 families in Homeport communities received more than $475,000. The help was triple what it was in 2019. All indications are that the final numbers for 2021 will be greater than 2020. Major providers of emergency housing funds included IMPACT Community Action and The Columbus Foundation. The Voice & Vision audience heard the story of eviction prevention through the lens of Homeport Resident Service Coordinator Mark Childs, IMPACT CEO Bo Chilton, and Columbus Foundation Vice President Dan Sharpe. They will were joined in gratitude by resident Nicole Howard, who, with community support coordinated by Homeport, overcame hardships to stay in the Georges Creek community she has called home for 19 years. 1 Likes Share Newer Post Want To Avoid A Holiday Spending Hiccup? Ask Layden! Older Post 2021 Voice & Vision behind the scenes photos MORE NEWS Nov 15, 2021 WANT TO AVOID A HOLIDAY SPENDING HICCUP? ASK LAYDEN! Looking to learn how to manage your holiday season expenses and avoid being upside down in your finances come January? Watch the latest “Ask Layden!” Read More → Oct 27, 2021 ‘LASER FOCUS’ — KEY TO HOMEPORT SUCCESSES Hear inspirational stories of how partnerships are making a difference in our communities. Read More → Oct 27, 2021 2021 VOICE & VISION BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS Hundreds of guests joined us virtually for our 2021 Voice & Vision Celebration. Take a look at some photos from behind the scenes during the evening’s production. Read More → Oct 27, 2021 HOMEPORT HAPPENINGS: NOVEMBER 2021 From filling stomachs with nutritious food to filling home ownership dreams thanks to downpayment assistance, Homeport continues to make a difference. Read Homeport Happenings. Read More → Oct 26, 2021 ‘YOU GUYS ARE THE HEROES’ In recognition of its 100-year commitment to Central Ohio -- including sponsorship of Homeport’s educational bus tours -- State Auto Insurance has been honored with Homeport’s 2021 “Voice & Vision” award. Read More → SUPPORT HOMEPORT FIND A HOME HOMEPORT RESIDENTS CLASSES CAREERS HOMEPORT, 3443 AGLER RD, COLUMBUS, OH, 43219614-221-8889 © 2021 Homeport. All Rights Reserved. Accessibility Statement | Website Terms of Use | Website Privacy Policy | SMS Terms By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively.