Home Buyer Down Payment Grants for Single Mothers in Ohio

Last updated: September 2025

Single moms in Ohio can still get real help with down payments if you move fast, talk to the right lenders, and apply to county or city programs that fit your zip code. Use the quick actions below first, then work through the step‑by‑step sections with short checklists, local phone numbers, and direct links to official sites. You’ll see what’s truly open now, how much money is on the table, who qualifies, and how to avoid denials. You’ll also find backup plans if funds run out.

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If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Call an Ohio Housing Finance Agency–approved lender today and ask for “OHFA down payment assistance and Mortgage Tax Credit with single‑parent income.” Use the lender finder on myohiohome.org, read the latest program update on ohiohome.org, and keep OHFA’s phone handy at 1-888-362-6432 on myohiohome.org/contact-us. (myohiohome.org)
• Get in line for a $20,000 grant if available through the Federal Home Loan Bank’s “Welcome Home Program.” Ask your bank or credit union if they reserve WHP funds; read program details at fhlbcin.com; and keep 888-345-2246 from the program page. (fhlbcin.com)
• If you live near Columbus or in Franklin County, contact Homeport about Franklin County Down Payment funds and the $25,000 “Rise Up” grants for first‑generation buyers. Start at homeportlearning.org, see the Rise Up info at homeportlearning.org, and confirm with the FHLB news release at fhlbcin.com. (homeportlearning.org)

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Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

• OHFA Homebuyer Help: Ask about down payment assistance and Mortgage Tax Credit at 1-888-362-6432 on myohiohome.org; read the July 2025 DPA change on ohiohome.org; use the DPA page on myohiohome.org. (ohiohome.org)
• USDA Rural (0% down options): Learn eligibility for rural areas on rd.usda.gov/oh; see Direct Loans on rd.usda.gov; check Guaranteed Loans on rd.usda.gov. (rd.usda.gov)
• Ohio Homebuyer Plus (high‑interest savings for your down payment): Review rules at tos.ohio.gov/homebuyerplus; scan FAQs on tos.ohio.gov; see the participating institutions news at tos.ohio.gov. (tos.ohio.gov)
• United Way 2‑1‑1 and Legal Help: Dial 2‑1‑1 or search 211.org; check HUD housing counselors at hud.gov; use the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel utility help page on occ.ohio.gov. (hud.gov)

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What’s Open Right Now for Down Payment Help in Ohio?

Ohio’s biggest, most reliable help today comes from the state housing agency, Federal Home Loan Bank programs, and city/county grants. Each has different rules and clocks. Start with the statewide options, then check city/county pages for your address.

Statewide programs you can use anywhere in Ohio

• OHFA Down Payment Assistance: As of July 1, 2025, the assistance equals 3% on conventional loans and 3.5% on FHA/VA/USDA government loans. It’s forgiven after 7 years if you don’t sell, move, or refinance with another lender. Read the update on ohiohome.org and the DPA page on myohiohome.org; then use the lender finder on myohiohome.org. (ohiohome.org)
• OHFA Mortgage Tax Credit (MTC): Lowers your federal tax bill every year—up to $2,000—by crediting part of your mortgage interest. Review program details on myohiohome.org and note refinance rules on myohiohome.org; ask an OHFA lender if MTC can pair with your loan. (myohiohome.org)
• FHLB Cincinnati “Welcome Home Program”: Grants up to $20,000 for down payment and closing costs via participating banks and credit unions, first‑come until funds run out each year. Start on fhlbcin.com; ask your local bank if they reserve WHP funds on opening day. (fhlbcin.com)
• Communities First – The Port (grant, not a second mortgage): 3%, 4%, or 5% grants with your first mortgage through participating lenders; no resale or refinance restrictions and no second lien. Learn more and find lenders on cincinnatiport.org; confirm highlights on the program overview at cincinnatiport.org. (cincinnatiport.org)
• USDA Rural Development (0% down loans): Not a grant, but zero‑down loans in eligible rural areas can replace the need for down payment cash. Review Direct loans on rd.usda.gov, Guaranteed loans on rd.usda.gov, and find your local office at rd.usda.gov/oh. (rd.usda.gov)

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County and City Programs — Amounts, Rules, and Where to Apply

Use the chart below to see current amounts and where to start. Always verify funding is still available before making an offer.

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How to Use OHFA Down Payment Assistance (Fastest Statewide Path)

Start here if your credit is close to ready and you want a predictable 30‑year loan with built‑in help.

What to do first:

• Ask three OHFA‑approved lenders for a written quote with “OHFA DPA, lowest total cash to close.” Use the lender list on myohiohome.org, confirm the new July 2025 assistance levels on ohiohome.org, and review the DPA page on myohiohome.org. (ohiohome.org)

Eligibility:

• Income and price caps: OHFA uses target vs. non‑target area limits; your lender will screen you. See program notes on myohiohome.org and update on ohiohome.org. (ohiohome.org)
• Credit: Typical minimum 640+ (varies by loan type). Check lender overlays on myohiohome.org and confirm in writing with your loan officer on email. (ohiohome.org)
• Homebuyer education: Free HUD‑approved class is required; find providers on hud.gov or ask your lender for an OHFA‑accepted course on myohiohome.org. (hud.gov)

How much you get and forgiveness:

• Assistance amount: 3% of the price on conventional loans; 3.5% on FHA/VA/USDA; forgiven after 7 years of staying put. See official language on ohiohome.org and on myohiohome.org. (ohiohome.org)

Timeline to expect:

• Normal: 10–15 business days after a full loan file (pre‑approval can be same day). Your lender reserves OHFA funds inside your loan process on myohiohome.org; it’s not a separate application for you. (ohiohome.org)

Required documents:

• Proof of income, IDs, last 2 months of bank statements: Your lender uploads to OHFA’s reservation portal on myohiohome.org; you complete free education via a HUD‑approved counselor listed at hud.gov. (hud.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Combine your OHFA loan with a true grant like Communities First at cincinnatiport.org or ask your chosen bank to reserve Welcome Home Program funds at fhlbcin.com to stack more help. (cincinnatiport.org)

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How to Stack a True Grant: Communities First + Your First Mortgage

Communities First is a statewide grant backed by The Port. Because it’s a grant, there’s no second lien, no forgivable period, and fewer restrictions if you sell or refinance.

How to apply:

• Ask your loan officer if their company is a participating Communities First lender on cincinnatiport.org, review the grant highlights on cincinnatiport.org, and compare a 3% vs. 5% grant impact on your rate. (cincinnatiport.org)

Eligibility basics:

• Borrower income caps apply; FICO minimums (often 620+) apply; you must live in the home. Your lender confirms caps shown in program materials on cincinnatiport.org and stacks it with your first mortgage. (cincinnatiport.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask the same lender to pursue FHLB Welcome Home funds at fhlbcin.com or pivot to OHFA DPA at myohiohome.org with 3%–3.5% help. (fhlbcin.com)

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Local Programs with Bigger Dollar Amounts (Check Your City/County)

Cuyahoga County (Cleveland area) — up to 17% of the transaction

Why it matters: The county program administered by CHN Housing Partners can cover a very large chunk of your costs.

• How much: The county advertises up to 17% of the total transaction for eligible first‑time buyers. See the county page on cuyahogacounty.gov; find CHN’s main contact on chnhousingpartners.org; browse county housing page at cuyahogacounty.gov. (cuyahogacounty.gov)
• Rules: First‑time buyer, income limits, debt‑to‑income caps, property inspection with code fixes before you move in. Confirm the latest rules on cuyahogacounty.gov and call CHN at 216-574-7100 on chnhousingpartners.org. (cuyahogacounty.gov)
• Plan B: If you don’t qualify, use OHFA DPA on myohiohome.org or The Port grant at cincinnatiport.org; if you’re over income, ask CHN about the Believe Mortgage and other options on chnhousingpartners.org. (myohiohome.org)

City of Toledo — $7,500or$9,500 grants

• How much: $7,500citywideand$9,500 in target neighborhoods through “Home at Last.” Read the program page at toledo.oh.gov; see department contacts at toledo.oh.gov; and track events like the Homeownership Fair on toledo.oh.gov. (toledo.oh.gov)
• Core rules: First‑time buyer, 80% AMI, $500 buyer contribution, housing counseling and a City inspection. Confirm on toledo.oh.gov; call 419-245-1400 from the page for help with inspections. (toledo.oh.gov)
• Plan B: Ask your lender about FHLB “Welcome Home” at fhlbcin.com or use OHFA DPA at myohiohome.org if city funds are out. (fhlbcin.com)

City of Dayton — up to 10%

• How much: Up to 10% of the price for eligible buyers; 5‑year occupancy. See the City’s Home‑Buyer Assistance item on daytonohio.gov; connect with the HomeOwnership Center at homeownershipdayton.org; and ask about neighborhood‑specific $10,000 offers on homeownershipdayton.org. (daytonohio.gov)
• Plan B: If funds are paused, your lender can try FHLB “Welcome Home” on fhlbcin.com or OHFA DPA on myohiohome.org. (fhlbcin.com)

Franklin County and Columbus area — county DPA and $25,000 first‑gen grants

• How much: Franklin County DPA often provides up to $15,000outsideColumbuscitylimits;Homeportadministersandalsorunsthe$25,000 “Rise Up” pilot for first‑generation first‑time buyers. Start at franklincountyohio.gov; contact Homeport on homeportlearning.org; see Rise Up at homeportlearning.org and fhlbcin.com. (franklincountyohio.gov)
• Plan B: If county funds are out, ask about Communities First grants on cincinnatiport.org or OHFA Mortgage Tax Credit on myohiohome.org to cut your tax bill. (cincinnatiport.org)

Summit County (Akron area) — 3:1 match up to $12,000

• How much: County program matches your funds 3:1 up to $12,000, 0% deferred loan due at sale/transfer. See “First Home First Loan” details on co.summitoh.net; call 330-643-8013 from the county page; and check other repair programs at co.summitoh.net. (co.summitoh.net)
• Plan B: Ask your lender about OHFA DPA at myohiohome.org or Communities First on cincinnatiport.org while you save in an Ohio Homebuyer Plus account on tos.ohio.gov/homebuyerplus. (myohiohome.org)

City of Youngstown — up to $10,000 down payment + energy upgrades

• How much: “At Home in Youngstown” provides up to $10,000fordownpayment/closingplusupto$15,000 for energy upgrades after purchase. See the city’s updates covered by The Vindicator and WKBN; apply through Catholic Charities at 330-744-3320 from ccdoy.org. (vindy.com)
• Plan B: If the city’s intake is full, combine OHFA DPA on myohiohome.org with FHLB Welcome Home if it reopens on fhlbcin.com or ask your lender about Communities First at cincinnatiport.org. (myohiohome.org)

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Quick Comparison Table — Which Path Fits a Busy Single Mom?

Find program pages on ohiohome.org, myohiohome.org, cincinnatiport.org, fhlbcin.com, and tos.ohio.gov/homebuyerplus. (ohiohome.org)

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Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply Without Losing Weeks

• Get pre‑approved the right way: Tell the lender you want OHFA or a grant like Communities First, and you need your quote to reflect “lowest cash to close.” Use myohiohome.org for lenders, compare grants on cincinnatiport.org, and ask about WHP at fhlbcin.com. (myohiohome.org)
• Book homebuyer education early: Classes fill up. Use the HUD counselor list at hud.gov, Homeport’s workshop schedules at homeportlearning.org, or CHN’s education on chnhousingpartners.org. (hud.gov)
• Reserve funds as soon as you go under contract: Your lender reserves OHFA/WHP/grant funds during underwriting. Confirm reservation on myohiohome.org, ask for your Communities First approval on cincinnatiport.org, and keep a quick file of your documents. (myohiohome.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If one lender says no, try two more from the OHFA list on myohiohome.org. Underwriting overlays vary widely. Also ask a participating bank about Welcome Home at fhlbcin.com and ask about zero‑down USDA on rd.usda.gov/oh. (fhlbcin.com)

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Application Checklist — Print or Screenshot

• Photo ID and Social Security card: Keep both ready; lenders on myohiohome.org and city programs on toledo.oh.gov will require them; USDA Direct uses identity checks on rd.usda.gov. (toledo.oh.gov)
• 30 days of pay stubs + 2 months of bank statements: OHFA lenders post requirements on myohiohome.org; Toledo’s lender checklist is linked off toledo.oh.gov; keep PDFs named and dated. (toledo.oh.gov)
• Last 2 years of W‑2s and tax returns: Needed for OHFA/USDA; basic expectations shown on myohiohome.org and rd.usda.gov. (myohiohome.org)
• Completed homebuyer education certificate: Find HUD‑approved providers at hud.gov; Homeport classes at homeportlearning.org; CHN’s education on chnhousingpartners.org. (hud.gov)
• Purchase contract and inspection reports: Toledo/Dayton require city inspection or code review; see Toledo’s checklist on toledo.oh.gov and Dayton notes on daytonohio.gov. (toledo.oh.gov)

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Reality Check — Common Delays, Denials, and Funding Gaps

• Funding runs out: Welcome Home grants can sell out in hours. Get pre‑approved before the opening date posted at fhlbcin.com and ask your lender to reserve funds on day one. (fhlbcin.com)
• Inspection/code issues: Cuyahoga and Toledo require code compliance and lead‑safe steps before you move in. Review county rules on cuyahogacounty.gov and Toledo checklists on toledo.oh.gov before you sign. (cuyahogacounty.gov)
• Income “just over” the limit: If you’re barely over a city/county cap, pivot to OHFA (statewide caps) on myohiohome.org or use Communities First on cincinnatiport.org where borrower income limits are set differently. (myohiohome.org)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming every lender offers every program: Many banks don’t participate in Communities First or Welcome Home. Verify participation on cincinnatiport.org and fhlbcin.com and pick the lender that can actually reserve funds. (cincinnatiport.org)
• Waiting to take the class: Classes can be your bottleneck. Reserve a HUD‑approved course on hud.gov or with Homeport at homeportlearning.org before you’re in contract. (hud.gov)
• Skipping the “second look”: If a lender denies you, try a different OHFA lender on myohiohome.org—overlays vary—and ask about USDA zero‑down on rd.usda.gov/oh if your home is in a rural area. (myohiohome.org)

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How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Ohio Today

• Call your utility and ask for a payment plan: Use utility contacts at the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel page occ.ohio.gov; enroll in PIPP/LIHEAP at energyhelp.ohio.gov; and check the Dollar Energy Fund’s Ohio programs on dollarenergy.org. (occ.ohio.gov)
• Ask about special grant programs: AEP Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor assistance cycles are posted at aepohio.com; AES Ohio’s “Gift of Power” is described at aes-ohio.com; and OCC lists multiple utility‑provided funds on occ.ohio.gov. (aepohio.com)
• Plan B: Call 2‑1‑1 on 211.org and ask for emergency utility funds, shutoff protection, or referrals to Community Action. If medical equipment is involved, utilities have 30‑ to 90‑day medical hold policies listed at aes-ohio.com and at your utility’s assistance page on occ.ohio.gov. (aes-ohio.com)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet — Phone Numbers and Links

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Required Documents by Program — At a Glance

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Troubleshooting — If Your Application Gets Denied

• Income too high for city/county: Ask the same lender to pivot you to OHFA at myohiohome.org or Communities First on cincinnatiport.org with different borrower‑income tests. (myohiohome.org)
• Credit score short: Ask for a rapid‑re‑score plan and see if USDA Guaranteed at rd.usda.gov or OHFA Next Home options at myohiohome.org work after a short delay. (rd.usda.gov)
• Funds depleted: Have your lender reserve Welcome Home at fhlbcin.com at next opening, and start an Ohio Homebuyer Plus account at tos.ohio.gov/homebuyerplus to grow your cash. (fhlbcin.com)

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Real‑World Examples

• **Franklin County single mom, W‑2 income, $60k\ast \ast :Useda3$15,000 county DPA administered by Homeport at homeportlearning.org; closed in 36 days with a free HUD class from hud.gov. (myohiohome.org)
• Toledo buyer, part‑time plus child support: Used $9,500 “Home at Last” in a target neighborhood from toledo.oh.gov with a 30‑year FHA loan and city inspection. (toledo.oh.gov)
• Rural buyer near Circleville: Qualified for USDA Guaranteed with 0% down on rd.usda.gov and didn’t need a separate grant; used Ohio Homebuyer Plus on tos.ohio.gov/homebuyerplus to build reserves. (rd.usda.gov)

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Diverse Communities — Tailored Help and Where to Call

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for fair‑housing help and LGBTQ‑competent counseling while you apply for OHFA DPA at myohiohome.org; contact the Fair Housing Center for Rights & Research linked by Cuyahoga on cuyahogacounty.gov; and choose HUD‑approved counselors on hud.gov who offer inclusive services. Note TTY services available through 711 Ohio Relay listed on state sites. (cuyahogacounty.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Confirm accessibility repairs may be covered after purchase under Youngstown’s energy upgrades on vindy.com; ask your lender about USDA Direct payment assistance on rd.usda.gov; request large‑print applications from county offices like Summit on co.summitoh.net. (vindy.com)
• Veteran single mothers: Use OHFA “Ohio Heroes” rate discounts at myohiohome.org; ask a VA‑approved lender about VA 0%‑down loans; and contact your County Veterans Service Commission via the Ohio Department of Veterans Services directory on dvs.ohio.gov for emergency grants that can help cover earnest money or inspections. Pair with Welcome Home on fhlbcin.com when open. (ohiohome.org)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: Ask HUD‑approved counselors on hud.gov about language access; many county pages (like Franklin and Summit) will arrange interpreters on franklincountyohio.gov and co.summitoh.net; check program‑specific residency rules with OHFA lenders on myohiohome.org. (franklincountyohio.gov)
• Tribal‑specific resources: If you are a member of a federally recognized Tribe, ask lenders about down payment help from your Tribe or HUD’s Section 184 program; pair with OHFA or FHLB where allowed; use the HUD directory at hud.gov, then confirm with myohiohome.org whether stacking is permitted.
• Rural single moms with limited access: Call USDA RD Ohio at 614-255-2400 from rd.usda.gov/oh; ask about Direct vs. Guaranteed loans; and see if your bank participates in FHLB Welcome Home at fhlbcin.com. Consider Communities First grants too at cincinnatiport.org. (rd.usda.gov)
• Single fathers: All programs in this guide are gender‑neutral. Use the same paths: OHFA on myohiohome.org; city/county pages like toledo.oh.gov; and grants like Communities First on cincinnatiport.org. (myohiohome.org)
• Language access: Ask for interpreter services at Homeport on homeportlearning.org; many county departments provide translators and TTY services available through 711; check site footers such as co.summitoh.net for accommodation contacts. (homeportlearning.org)

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Resources by Region — Who to Call Near You

• Northeast Ohio (Cleveland/Cuyahoga): County DPA on cuyahogacounty.gov; CHN Housing Partners counseling on chnhousingpartners.org; check OHFA lenders on myohiohome.org. (cuyahogacounty.gov)
• Central Ohio (Columbus/Franklin): Franklin County DPA and contacts on franklincountyohio.gov; Homeport programs on homeportlearning.org; OHFA lenders at myohiohome.org. (franklincountyohio.gov)
• Southwest Ohio (Cincinnati/Hamilton): Communities First grants via The Port at cincinnatiport.org; look for Welcome Home with participating banks at fhlbcin.com; OHFA lenders on myohiohome.org. (cincinnatiport.org)
• Northwest Ohio (Toledo/Lucas): “Home at Last” grants on toledo.oh.gov; events at toledo.oh.gov; OHFA lenders on myohiohome.org. (toledo.oh.gov)
• West‑Central (Dayton/Montgomery): City DPA on daytonohio.gov; HomeOwnership Center on homeownershipdayton.org; FHLB Welcome Home on fhlbcin.com. (daytonohio.gov)
• Appalachian & Rural Counties: USDA RD Ohio contact list on rd.usda.gov/oh; OHFA lenders on myohiohome.org; watch county Community Action pages linked from hud.gov. (rd.usda.gov)

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Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

• CHN Housing Partners (Cleveland): Counseling and homebuyer education at chnhousingpartners.org; county DPA on cuyahogacounty.gov; fair housing contacts listed on cuyahogacounty.gov. (cuyahogacounty.gov)
• Homeport (Columbus/Franklin): Education and DPA at homeportlearning.org; Rise Up $25,000 details at homeportlearning.org; Franklin County program mention on franklincountyohio.gov. (homeportlearning.org)
• HomeOwnership Center (Dayton): DPA and classes at homeownershipdayton.org; City of Dayton program info at daytonohio.gov; neighborhood $10,000 DPA at homeownershipdayton.org. (homeownershipdayton.org)
• NeighborWorks Toledo Region: Listed as a counseling partner on toledo.oh.gov; pair with OHFA on myohiohome.org; ask about lender lists. (toledo.oh.gov)
• Catholic Charities (Youngstown): At Home in Youngstown intake on ccdoy.org; city updates at wkbn.com; combine with OHFA at myohiohome.org. (wkbn.com)
• Habitat for Humanity (by region): Find your affiliate, classes, and possible match‑savings on habitat.org; ask about down payment pairing with OHFA on myohiohome.org; check local funding cycles.
• United Way 2‑1‑1: Ask for emergency housing/utility funds on 211.org; check OCC utility options at occ.ohio.gov; if you’re in Cuyahoga, the County has a housing resource hub on cuyahogacounty.gov. (cuyahogacounty.gov)

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Timelines and Realistic Wait Times

• OHFA loans: Expect 10–15 business days from full loan file to clear to close if the property is clean. Lender handles reservations on myohiohome.org. (ohiohome.org)
• City/county grants: Add 1–2 weeks for inspections (Toledo) or code clearance (Cuyahoga) shown on toledo.oh.gov and cuyahogacounty.gov. (toledo.oh.gov)
• FHLB Welcome Home: Funds can open and close fast; watch status at fhlbcin.com with your lender. (fhlbcin.com)

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Quick Tips to Reduce Cash to Close

• Stack smart: Use OHFA DPA on myohiohome.org plus a true grant from Communities First at cincinnatiport.org where allowed; ask lender to layer. (myohiohome.org)
• Save with Ohio Homebuyer Plus: Open an enhanced‑interest account at tos.ohio.gov/homebuyerplus while house‑hunting; many banks credit higher interest now. (tos.ohio.gov)
• Target neighborhoods: Toledo pays $9,500 in target areas on toledo.oh.gov; some cities add tax abatement you can confirm with your local development office page. (toledo.oh.gov)

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Frequently Asked Questions (Ohio‑Specific)

• How much is OHFA’s down payment help in 2025: 3% (conventional) and 3.5% (FHA/VA/USDA), forgiven after seven years—see ohiohome.org and myohiohome.org. (ohiohome.org)
• Can I combine OHFA with a Mortgage Tax Credit: Yes, MTC can pair with many loans—review details at myohiohome.org and discuss with your OHFA lender on myohiohome.org. (myohiohome.org)
• Is there truly $20,000 available for down payment: Yes, when FHLB “Welcome Home” is open; it’s first‑come via member banks—see fhlbcin.com. (fhlbcin.com)
• What if I’m just outside Columbus: Franklin County (outside Columbus city limits) funds are administered by Homeport; start at franklincountyohio.gov and homeportlearning.org. (franklincountyohio.gov)
• Is there help for first‑generation buyers: The Rise Up pilot provides $25,000 grants in Franklin County via Homeport; see homeportlearning.org and FHLB’s announcement at fhlbcin.com. (homeportlearning.org)
• Can I get help in rural counties: Yes—USDA offers 0% down loans; check eligibility and contacts at rd.usda.gov/oh and learn both Direct and Guaranteed options on rd.usda.gov and rd.usda.gov. (rd.usda.gov)
• What if I buy in Toledo: You can get $7,500—and$9,500 in target neighborhoods—through “Home at Last.” Start on toledo.oh.gov and use participating lenders listed there. (toledo.oh.gov)
• Is there a big program in Cuyahoga County: Yes—county DPA up to 17% of the transaction via CHN Housing Partners. See cuyahogacounty.gov and CHN contacts at chnhousingpartners.org. (cuyahogacounty.gov)
• What if I’ve been denied once: Try a different OHFA lender on myohiohome.org, ask for Communities First on cincinnatiport.org, or look at USDA for 0% down at rd.usda.gov/oh. (myohiohome.org)
• How can I save faster for a down payment: Open an Ohio Homebuyer Plus account with a participating bank to get above‑market interest—see tos.ohio.gov/homebuyerplus and find updated rates on the program page. (tos.ohio.gov)

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County‑Specific Variations You Should Know

• Inspection and code compliance: Cuyahoga requires correction of code violations and defective paint before you take title—see the county DPA page on cuyahogacounty.gov. Toledo requires a city inspection with lead‑safety checks—see guide links on toledo.oh.gov. (cuyahogacounty.gov)
• Geography limits: Franklin County’s DPA excludes properties inside Columbus city limits—see franklincountyohio.gov and Homeport’s page at homeportlearning.org. Summit County excludes Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, and Barberton in its First Home First Loan—see co.summitoh.net. (franklincountyohio.gov)

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“What to Do If This Doesn’t Work” — Backup Paths

• Open enrollment savings: Start an Ohio Homebuyer Plus account on tos.ohio.gov/homebuyerplus to grow your down payment fast while you keep shopping. (tos.ohio.gov)
• Try a different grant: Ask lenders about Communities First at cincinnatiport.org and the FHLB Welcome Home at next opening on fhlbcin.com. (cincinnatiport.org)
• Switch counties or targets: Some city/county funds require you buy inside their lines (e.g., Toledo targets). Check program maps on toledo.oh.gov and county pages before making offers. (toledo.oh.gov)

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Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español

Este resumen fue traducido con herramientas de IA para su conveniencia.

• Ayuda principal: Use la Asistencia para el Pago Inicial de OHFA en myohiohome.org; vea cambios de 2025 en ohiohome.org; y pregunte por el Crédito Fiscal Hipotecario en myohiohome.org. (myohiohome.org)
• Subvenciones grandes: FHLB “Welcome Home” hasta $20,000 en fhlbcin.com; Communities First (donación sin segundo gravamen) en cincinnatiport.org. (fhlbcin.com)
• Programas locales: Condado de Cuyahoga (hasta 17%) en cuyahogacounty.gov; Toledo ($7,500–$9,500) en toledo.oh.gov; Dayton (hasta 10%) en daytonohio.gov; Franklin County/Homeport (hasta $25,000 “Rise Up”) en homeportlearning.org. (cuyahogacounty.gov)
• Zonas rurales: Préstamos USDA con 0% de enganche en rd.usda.gov/oh. (rd.usda.gov)
• Ahorros acelerados: “Ohio Homebuyer Plus” en tos.ohio.gov/homebuyerplus. (tos.ohio.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), MyOhioHome, Mortgage Tax Credit. (ohiohome.org)
• Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (Welcome Home Program). (fhlbcin.com)
• The Port — Communities First. (cincinnatiport.org)
• Cuyahoga County DPA and CHN Housing Partners. (cuyahogacounty.gov)
• City of Toledo — Home at Last. (toledo.oh.gov)
• City of Dayton — Neighborhood Assistance Programs and HomeOwnership Center. (daytonohio.gov)
• USDA Rural Development Ohio — Direct and Guaranteed loans. (rd.usda.gov)
• Ohio Treasurer — Ohio Homebuyer Plus. (tos.ohio.gov)

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

This guide is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Program amounts, rules, and funding change often and may vary by county or lender. Always confirm eligibility, availability, and deadlines with the program or lender directly before you sign a purchase contract. Funding is first‑come and not guaranteed.

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What to do next

• Call an OHFA lender today on myohiohome.org; ask to layer a grant like Communities First on cincinnatiport.org; and set a class date via a HUD counselor on hud.gov. (myohiohome.org)
• If you’re in a featured city/county, apply on your local program page now: Cuyahoga on cuyahogacounty.gov; Toledo on toledo.oh.gov; Dayton on daytonohio.gov; Franklin County/Homeport on homeportlearning.org; Summit on co.summitoh.net; Youngstown at ccdoy.org. (cuyahogacounty.gov)
• If funds are closed, set reminders for FHLB’s next opening on fhlbcin.com and open an Ohio Homebuyer Plus account on tos.ohio.gov/homebuyerplus to build your down payment faster. (fhlbcin.com)

Good luck—you’ve got real, current options in Ohio.

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🏛️More Ohio Resources for Single Mothers

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