AHT Regional Impact Fund

Last month AHT, in collaboration with key investors, unveiled the AHT Regional Impact Fund to increase the number of housing units in Central Ohio. Championed by AHT, investors include CareSource, Crane Group, First Financial, Huntington National Bank, KeyBank, Licking County Housing Investment Fund, LLC, Nationwide, Ohio Capital Finance Corporation (OCFC), Park National, PNC Bank, and the Ohio Department of Development, this groundbreaking initiative aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the region.

Central Ohio is on the verge of rapid growth and development. We have all heard the numbers and read the reports. They tell us that almost half of Ohioans are housing cost-burdened. We also know that we aren’t building enough units for our current residents let alone the new population expected.

This fund will provide a flexible source of financing that will expand the resources available for investment in affordable housing development on a regional level. The fund will provide below-market loans to developers who commit to the fund’s affordability criteria that will increase and preserve the number of affordable rental homes in eight central Ohio counties. This innovative financing mechanism provides a creative way to leverage public and private dollars to successfully stabilize and expand housing regionally. 

“We are taking the bold step to go regional as we recognize the importance of expanding our work around housing affordability beyond Franklin County,” said Lark Mallory, President and CEO of the Affordable Housing Trust. “This fund symbolizes a shared commitment among our partners and investors to confront the housing challenges facing our communities. By providing a flexible and substantial capital source, we are empowering the Affordable Housing Trust to impact the lives of others for generations to come.

It is imperative that we engage housing solutions with a comprehensive and holistic approach. The ultimate objective is to further the successes of affordable housing initiatives in Columbus and Franklin County and beyond. The affordable housing ecosystem is constantly evolving, and organizations must adapt and think more broadly as the community strives to find solutions for the housing challenges we face. 

CEO Reflections

AHT Past Present Future

Last week AHT hosted an event to celebrate the past present and future of the Trust. AHT was established in 2001 and in our 22 years we have closed loans totaling over $300 million an investment which has funded the creation or preservation of over 14,200 units of affordable housing. The larger impact of these investments reaches far behind loan dollars and units of housing.

In addition to celebrating all AHT has accomplished we also acknowledged our gratitude to outgoing Board Chair, Robert Weiler. Mr. Weiler has served on the Board since 2001 as a founding member and as chair since 2018. AHT Board and Staff thank Bob for his dedicated service on the Board and his personal contributions to advancing the mission of AHT.

We also extend a special congratulations to Lauren Hagan who will serve as our Board Chair beginning in 2024. Lauren is the Chief Financial Officer for the Columbus Metropolitan Library. She has served on AHT’s Board since 2021. We thank Lauren for her enthusiasm to support and help lead AHT into the future.

AHT In The News

Let's Talk

Are you a developer interested in partnering with us, or do you know one who should be? Check out our FAQs here or email our Director of Lending David Butcher: david@hztrust.org