Richland County Programs Offer Homeowners Funds for Vital Repairs

Mansfield, OH – Richland County homeowners may qualify for assistance with essential home improvements through two programs offered by the Richland County Land Bank: Lead Safe Ohio and the Thriving Home program. These initiatives aim to improve housing stock, address potential health hazards, and stabilize neighborhoods.

Lead Safe Ohio: Mitigating Lead Exposure

The Lead Safe Ohio program provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners to address lead-based paint hazards in their homes. Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978, and while it poses minimal risk when intact, it can become a health hazard when deteriorating. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that millions of homes still contain lead-based paint.

The Richland County Land Bank initially received $1.358 million in Lead Safe funds in November 2023 and assisted 28 property owners. Recently, the land bank was awarded an additional $400,000 in reallocated state funds, with a deadline of June 30th for project completion. As reported by Richland Source, the land bank is prioritizing applications on a first-reach, first-served basis.

Eligible projects under the Lead Safe Ohio program include:

• Replacing siding
• Replacing windows
• Replacing exterior doors
• Repairing or replacing downspouts and gutters
• Repairing or replacing exterior trim, fascia, or soffit
• Repairing or replacing porches

Residential properties, including rental units, can receive up to $50,000 in renovations, while childcare centers and congregate care facilities are eligible for up to $100,000. According to the Richland County Land Bank, the program prioritizes households earning at or below 80% of the area median income, but may likewise consider those earning up to 120% of the median income who can document housing insecurity – defined as uncertainty about the safety of their home due to lead-based paint concerns.

Thriving Home: Stabilizing Richland County’s Housing Stock

Launched in 2026 with a $750,000 grant from the Richland County Foundation, the Thriving Home program offers grants of up to $25,000 to eligible homeowners for approved home improvements. Richland Source reported that the program aims to help at least 30 homeowners over the next three years.

The Thriving Home program focuses on stabilizing Richland County’s housing stock by funding improvements that prevent homes from falling into disrepair and aims to prevent at-risk residents from becoming homeless. Eligible repairs include:

• Windows
• Exterior doors
• Siding
• Roofing
• Fascia and soffit
• Gutters and downspouts
• Porch repair
• Tree trimming and removal
• Garage repair or demolition

Unlike Lead Safe Ohio, Thriving Home is available only to owner-occupants and applies to homes built in or before 2000. Beneficiaries of the Thriving Home program are required to cover 15% of the total rehabilitation cost, with financing options available through Mechanics Bank.

Applying for Assistance

Applications for both the Lead Safe Ohio and Thriving Home programs are available on the Richland County Land Bank’s website: richlandcountylandbank.org. The land bank has received over 60 applications for both programs and will likely award Lead Safe funds first due to the state’s June 30th deadline. Homeowners may be considered for Thriving Home funds if they meet the program requirements.