In the News: Pathways to Homeownership

Dayton, OH — The first of 30 new homes arrived in Northwest Dayton in November and early December, marking a major milestone in a five-year, community-led effort to expand access to affordable, high-quality housing for residents. More homes will continue to arrive over time as the project moves forward.

First home available in Northwest Dayton for Pathways to Homeownership program

The development represents a collective effort from Omega Community Development Corporation (Omega CDC), County Corp, Wright-Patt Credit Union, the WCPU Sunshine Community Fund, The HomeOwnership Center, Learn to Earn Dayton, Montgomery County Land Bank, the City of Dayton, and CityWide Development Corporation. 

Together, these organizations are actively working to raise $9 million to expand education and access to safe, stable homeownership for first-time buyers earning up to 120 percent of the area median income.

Dayton Daily News covered this story - read the article.

“Families want stable housing and opportunities to build generational wealth,” said Tanisha Martin-Burns, Omega CDC housing program manager. “This initiative helps families move from renters to homeowners, creating a stronger foundation and greater stability.”

Recent data from Omega CDC show that 71 percent of Northwest Dayton residents are renters and 43 percent spend more than a third of their income on housing. Partners hope this project will help reverse long-standing patterns of economic disinvestment, declining property values, and unsafe housing conditions.

“This is progress you can see,” said Vanessa Ward, president of Omega CDC. “Through workgroups and surveys, families consistently asked for opportunities to put down roots, and now homes are coming to Northwest Dayton neighborhoods with the support of partners who see the value of investment. This is the future our residents called for. The demand is being answered with action.” The Montgomery County Land Bank is also developing 20 additional affordable homes within Northwest Dayton through June 2026, supported by Welcome Home Ohio grant funds.

Ribbon cutting for Pathways to Homeownership, December 2025

Eligible families participating in the initiative will receive tailored support designed to prepare them for long-term success as homeowners. This includes down payment assistance, one-on-one mortgage-readiness coaching, an eight-hour homebuyer education course, 1–2 hours of individualized counseling, and a post-purchase home maintenance workshop. These resources aim to equip families with the knowledge and confidence to sustain homeownership for years to come.

-News release provided by Omega CDC.