2025 Quick Strike Applications Open!
Date: January 17, 2025
Dear Cincinnati City Council Members, HomeBase Cincinnati CDC Members and Community Partners, and Local Partners,
We are thrilled to announce the official opening of applications for the second round of Quick Strike Acquisition and Project Support $1M Fund (QSAF) today. This groundbreaking initiative, managed by HomeBase Cincinnati and generously funded by the City of Cincinnati, is a testament to the City Council's unwavering commitment to empowering communities and catalyzing transformative neighborhood development.
Application Link: https://www.homebasecincy.org/quick-strike-acquisition-and-project-support-fund
We sincerely thank the Cincinnati City Council for renewing their support and funding for this vital program again. Your vision and dedication have paved the way for equitable development and meaningful change in our neighborhoods. The incredible outcomes of the first funding round show how impactful this program can be, and we look forward to its continued success in revitalizing Cincinnati communities.
Building on First-Round Success
The first round of Quick Strike funding of $1Million directly benefited five neighborhoods, enabling local Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to take control of key properties and initiate transformative redevelopment projects. Here are some highlights:
Clifton Heights CURC: $200,000 in QSAF to secure 2315 Vine Street, the final piece in a $21 million, 57-unit affordable housing project.
College Hill CURC: $250,000 for College Hill Plaza, setting the stage for a $54 million mixed-use development with 300 housing units and commercial spaces.
Mt. Washington CDC: $190,000 for 5455 Beechmont Avenue, creating 55 units of senior affordable housing in a $14 million project.
NEST: $190,000 for 4001 Hamilton Avenue, transforming the gateway to Northside with four affordable housing units and one commercial space in a $1.6 million project.
Price Hill Will: $170,000 for 3515 Warsaw Avenue, a critical component of a $12 million redevelopment creating vibrant commercial and residential spaces.
Your support has not only empowered these neighborhoods to realize their visions but was leveraged to over $100 million in development investments, magnifying the impact of the Quick Strike program.
2025 Quick Strike Program Enhancements led by Councilmember Walsh
Based on Council's updated priorities and recommendations, the program is positioned to further address neighborhood needs:
Rolling Applications: Ensuring that eligible projects meeting criteria can be funded throughout the year.
Flexible Timelines: Aligning redevelopment requirements with the unique opportunities of each property to foster long-term success.
Rising 15 Neighborhoods: The program places scoring emphasis on applications from "Rising 15 Neighborhoods."
We would like to give a special Thank You to DCED staff, specifically Joseph Malek, Robert Bertsch, and Dan Bower for going above and beyond in supporting us to make sure the program changes aligned with the requirements of the motion. The Department's commitment to partnering for neighborhood revitalization is much appreciated.
Looking Ahead
With applications now open, we invite eligible neighborhood non-profits to leverage this program and continue shaping Cincinnati’s future. Together, we are driving neighborhood revitalization, protecting affordability, and fostering a community-led vision of growth.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to City Council for believing in this initiative and supporting a second round of funding. Your leadership ensures that this program will continue creating transformative impacts across our city, one neighborhood at a time.
For application details, please visit the Application Link: https://www.homebasecincy.org/quick-strike-acquisition-and-project-support-fund. For questions or further discussion, please contact Rosa Christophel Executive Director for questions.
Kindest,
Rosa Christophel, Rosa.Christophel@HomeBaseCincy.org