 The Greater Linden Reinvestment Area Report & Action Plan adopted in the mid-1990’s shortly after GLDC’s formation identified housing as a priority issue for the Linden area. The community report noted five specific areas of most concern:
- The high percentage of renter-occupied residential units in Linden and the need to increase the percentage of home ownership
- The questionable quality of rehab work completed in the community by unscrupulous and/or unqualified contractors and the need for quality rehab work
- Poorly maintained properties owned by “absentee” owners and the need to address deteriorated, vacant and/or abandoned structures which create an impression of community decline
- The need to provide information to Linden residents on proper home maintenance and preventative maintenance measures
- The need to disseminate information about available resources for housing rehab and/or purchase.
GLDC implements programs and offers services designed to address several of the specific issues identified by community leaders and residents. Some of the programs have been an integral part of GLDC’s repertoire since its first years of operation. Other programs were started within the past few years, and still new programs continue to be developed to address the community’s evolving needs. Call 294-9600 for more information on any of GLDC’s Housing Programs.
H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone) Buyer Education Program
GLDC offers one of the few City-certified homebuyer education programs. The H.O.M.E. Buyer Education series prepares individuals to become homeowners. The program consists of two-hour sessions (five classes and a graduation ceremony) held on Monday nights for six weeks. In addition, each participant receives two one-on-one individualized counseling sessions with a H.O.M.E. Counselor. These sessions focus on developing a budget and reviewing the student’s credit history. Because the program is City-certified, graduating students could qualify for up to $5,000 in down-payment assistance (based on income eligibility). The H.O.M.E. Program is offered at least five times per year. For a detailed schedule and class agenda, click here.
Greater Linden Landlord Association
Since “absentee landlords” are frequently blamed by Linden residents for many of the community’s housing woes, GLDC took a proactive approach to involve Linden’s landlords in Linden’s revitalization process by forming the Greater Linden Landlord Association (GLLA). The GLLA meets monthly, providing an opportunity for Linden landlords to network, hear presentations on topics of interest, learn about community initiatives, and become more integrally invested in the community. GLLA members also receive the Landlord Link quarterly newsletter which provides helpful tips, resource information, and community updates.
Housing Development
New Linden Heights – GLDC was one of three members of the Greater Linden LLC (along with Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing and Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority) that developed seven new single-family homes on Chittenden Avenue. This development, called New Linden Heights, provided a “move-up” opportunity for individuals who wanted newer housing stock in the Greater Linden community.
Housing Development Partnerships
In 2008, GLDC will apply to be certified by the City of Columbus as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). As a CHDO, GLDC will be able to access funds specifically designated for the development of affordable housing. GLDC will partner with experienced investors and contractors to develop affordable housing stock (either new build or rehab) primarily for home ownership in concentrated areas within Linden. Additionally, GLDC will provide ancillary services (such as Blockwatch formation, Welcome Wagon, etc.) to encourage a sense of community and neighborhood pride in the areas surrounding the housing development.
Financial Fitness
Considered both a Housing program and a Community Building program, GLDC’s Financial Fitness series is designed to assist participants to gain control over their personal finances. In many cases, participants are preparing for a major purchase such as a home or auto. However, the program has valuable information for all individuals and will help participants account for their finances and experience financial freedom. The four-session series includes information on Budgeting, Credit, Banking, Savings and Investments.
GLDC is currently working with Linden McKinley High School and the UPLYFT partnership (for youth programming) to offer a Financial Fitness program for Linden teens.
Nuisance Abatement
Categorized as one of GLDC’s Crime Prevention programs, the Nuisance Abatement program also addresses Housing. A significant focus of the Nuisance Abatement program is resolving complaints about deteriorated, vacant and/or abandoned structures which create an impression of community decline. Through the Nuisance Abatement program, concerned residents can call in complaints about a wide variety of property nuisances. Many of the calls involve unkempt or vacant houses. Complaints range from overgrown weeds that harbor rodents, trash-filled yards, unsightly or unsafe structures (such as dilapidated garages or porches), unsecured vacant properties that pose a safety hazard or harbor squatters, and suspected illegal activity (typically drug dealing or prostitution). GLDC’s Nuisance Abatement staff will partner with the Strategic Response Bureau, Narcotics, City Code Enforcement, the Health Department, and the property owners to eliminate these nuisances. GLDC also works with other community groups, such as the Greater Linden Advisory Council and the South Linden Area Commission, to collaboratively address the “worst” community eye-sores.
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