Ross County Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP)

Funds are available to income eligible homeowners needing housing repairs or first-time homebuyers wishing to purchase homes in Ross County outside the city limits of Chillicothe.

Basic eligibility requirements:

• Your home must be in Ross County but outside the city limits of Chillicothe
• The home’s value must not exceed $144,000.00
• Household income must meet area Income Guidelines defined by HUD

The Home Repair Program provides up to $5,000 per unit to address emergency situations or to repair or replace one or two major systems such as roof, furnace, plumbing and/or electrical upgrades, and septic systems. Assistance is available in the form of a grant.

In addition to basic eligibility requirements, property taxes and mortgage payments must be current in order to receive assistance.

The Down Payment Program provides up to $8,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance and the Down Payment with Rehabilitation Program provides up to $32,500 for combined down payment assistance and home repair. Each client will be required to complete homeownership counseling provided at no charge by MORPC. The loans will be secured with zero percent interest deferred mortgages on the property, which means no monthly payments are made and no interest is charged. To qualify you must meet the basic eligibility requirements and be a first-time homebuyer.

The Single-Family Rehab program provides up to $30,000 to rehabilitate a home. The types of allowable repairs include roof, electrical and plumbing upgrades, siding, windows, heating systems, weatherization and lead-based paint hazards. Qualified homeowners will receive a zero percent interest, deferred mortgage, which means no monthly payments are made and no interest is charged.

In addition to the basic eligibility requirements:

• The property must be owner-occupied for at least one year
• Homeowners insurance, property taxes and mortgage payments must be current
• There must be sufficient equity to support the additional mortgage

These programs are sponsored by the Ross County Board of Commissioners with funding provided by the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Housing and Community Partnerships.

Please contact Joanne Price with the Ross County Planning Department at 740-702-3008 or email rcpd-jp@bright.net for additional information.