COLUMBUS, OH – March 30, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Ohio Department of Development Interim Director Mark Barbash today announced that Vinton County will receive a $20,000 grant on behalf of the Vinton/Jackson County Consortia to assist with fair housing efforts. The funds will be awarded through the New Horizons Fair Housing Assistance Program, administered by the Department’s Office of Housing and Community Partnerships.”Fair and affordable housing is necessary in ensuring that all Ohioans have access to safe and secure living conditions,” said Barbash. “The New Horizons Fair Housing Assistance Program will help both Jackson and Vinton Counties raise awareness of fair housing issues and provide accurate educational materials to their residents in need of fair and affordable housing.”
With the funds, the Vinton/Jackson County Consortia will enhance the effectiveness of their Fair Housing Program through expanded marketing efforts. These efforts include creating and distributing an educational compact disc to all fourth grade students in Vinton and Jackson Counties. In addition, the funds will be used for public service announcements, the distribution of fair housing promotional materials to students, elderly, and low- and moderate-income residents, and Web site upgrades and maintenance.
The New Horizons Fair Housing Assistance Program provides funds to local governments, or consortia of local governments, to affirmatively further fair housing in addition to those activities funded through the standard fair housing program. Affirmative fair housing strategies are to be based on locally assessed needs and commitments, as well as to further the state’s fair housing goal.
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