Preserving Affordable Housing, for the Good of All
Affordable housing is key to the health of our community, but we can't create enough through public subsidy alone. We're preserving naturally-occurring affordable housing through the generosity of mission-minded leaders.
946 Parsons Avenue | Columbus, Ohio | 43206
© Columbus Housing Enterprise. All rights reserved.
Columbus Housing Enterprise (CHE) is a nonprofit created to acquire and maintain "Naturally-Occurring Affordable Housing" (NOAH) in Central Ohio. NOAH refers to rental homes that are affordable without requiring federal subsidy.The initiative was conceived by local business and community leaders Don Kelley and Robert Weiler, along with their families.In recognition that more affordable housing is needed than can be created solely through public subsidies, CHE is focused on leveraging the generosity of missions-minded leaders in the private sector to help meet this challenge.
Properties
Cabot Cove
Columbus Housing Enterprise acquired Cabot Cove Apartments in December 2023. The property has 288 two-bedroom townhomes and a swimming pool.
Copperleaf ApartmentsCHE's first property was Copperleaf Apartments, acquired from the Kelley/Weiler Families at a significant discount from market value. This philanthropic commitment allows CHE to retain affordable rents and provide supportive services to residents.The Commons at Copperleaf
CHE has improved an open space at Copperleaf Apartments creating what is now known as the “Commons at Copperleaf”. The improvements include landscaping, walkway, benches, and a stone outdoor grill. PNC Bank provided a grant of $29,000 to pay for the improvements. The Commons will function as a beautiful gathering space for residents. The ribbon cutting for this improvement was held on April 17 and featured activities for resident families and children.
Leadership
Rev. John Edgar is president of Columbus Housing Enterprise. Rev. Edgard led Community Development for All People (CD4AP) from 2003 to 2022. CD4AP, a faith-based organization serving the Southside of Columbus, has developed $125 million in affordable housing and operates award-winning health and wellness initiatives, often in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Rev. Edgar has a Master of Divinity degree, cum laude from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology, magna cum laude from Miami University.
Partners
Board
Hal Keller, Board Chair
President Emeritus, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing
Patty McClimon, Vice Chair
Senior VP & Strategy Officer, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Leah Evans, Treasurer
President and CEO, Homeport
Jordan Henderson, Secretary
Healthy Homes / CD4AP
Robert Bitzenhofer
VP at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Brittany Eddy
Director, CD4AP
Peggy Kelley
The Kelley Companies
Jim Weiler
Chief Sustainability Officer, The Robert Weiler Company
John Wymer
Retired CEO of Oakwood Properties
Contact
Thanks for your interest in CHE. We look forward to connecting with you!
Thank you
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Services
CHE provides service connections, rental assistance, and community-building activities for residents, including free access to CMHA’s RISE Center.CHE also meets one-to-one with residents to discover their goals and create connections to:– Job training / career counseling
– Public benefits like Medicare, Medicaid, and WIC
– Financial aid for education
– Medical care and behavioral health resources
– Childcare, summer camps, tutoring, and more
RISE Center Summer Camps
In the spring of 2024, CHE and the CMHA's RISE Center began offering summer camp scholarships for residents. Residents at Copperleaf are able to sign up their children for day-camp at Camp Mary Orton, and residents at Cabot Cove may sign up children for at the Hilliard YMCA.
Hilliard Food Pantry
CHE has a contract with the Hilliard Food Pantry Plus (HFP+) to provide support and services to residents through the Copperleaf Connection and the Cabot Cove Connection. HFP+ staff members are present each week and are building positive relationships with residents. Free tax preparation sessions are being offered along with a variety of events to strengthen relationships among residents.
Housing for Refugees
In collaboration with Jewish Family Services, CHE is leasing units to official refugees being settled in Central Ohio. Jewish Family Services welcomes these
individuals and provides extensive support to help them obtain employment and thrive in their new homes.
