In 2004, Community Properties of Ohio (CPO) began a massive $100 million renovation of a scattered site, inner-city affordable housing portfolio in Columbus, once known as “the housing of last resort.” During the past five years, CPO has created a higher quality of affordable housing that encourages residents to move toward a better future.

As a mission-driven organization, CPO is focused on three objectives: to provide quality affordable housing; to link residents with resources that stabilize their housing; and to assist residents to move beyond poverty when possible.

In order to provide quality housing, CPO committed to rehabilitating more than 1,000 homes in its portfolio. To date, 926 apartment homes have been rehabbed and an additional 29% of the homes are under construction; scheduled to be completed in December 2009.

7th Avenue - Before		After

Through this renovation, each unit received changes including, but not limited to, the following:

As one satisfied resident says, “I have been here for only a few months and really do love my apartment. My leasing experience went very smoothly. The apartment itself is very comfortable and quiet. I got a rehabbed unit and really love the cabinets, counter top and appliances.  Thank you CPO!”

With the rehabilitation nearly complete, CPO’s primary focus has been to create a place in which residents can be stable and successful, thus avoiding the cycle of homelessness. CPO has developed a comprehensive approach to helping residents realize their futures through a wide range of supportive services, motivating classes, employment support and community impact strategies.

One of the unique aspects of CPO is the opportunity to use the management company’s portfolio of affordable housing as a laboratory to design new approaches to bring people out of poverty to economic and social self-sufficiency. Community Properties Impact Corporation (CPIC), a separate 501 © 3 nonprofit organization, was created by CPO to focus on special programs and initiatives that can serve as models for community impact and system change.

CPIC‘s goals address the needs of the individual and the communities in which he/she lives. Through working with programs that address moving out of poverty, implementing community safety strategies, and building partnerships that support residents and community, CPIC is making a difference in many lives.

To learn more about the CPIC initiatives, please contact Lou Seipel, Director of Supportive Services, at CPO. (614-253-0984)