Where transformation happens

WHO WE ARE

HomeBase is recognized and entrusted as the Cincinnati region’s go-to resource for strategic placemaking.

OUR MISSION

We strengthen organizations that enhance neighborhoods through community building, housing, and economic development.

OUR VISION

A Greater Cincinnati with thriving communities built upon strategic social and economic investment.

OUR HISTORY

OUR HOW

Comprehensive Support Services:

  • Managing federal, city, and grant funding to ensure effective community development.

  • Offering project management, training reimbursements, technical expertise and skills, and operational support grants​​.

  • Creating proprietary programs like the CDC Infrastructure Support Fund, CDC Project Manager Training Fellowship, and Down Payment Assistance, to comprehensively revitalize neighborhoods​​.

Impact and Community Engagement:

  • Successfully disbursing over $5 million in funding in 2023 to catalyze community initiatives across Cincinnati​​.

  • Focusing on resident engagement and community-led initiatives, exemplified by efforts in neighborhoods like Sedamsville​ and Carthage.

Strategic Placemaker and Partner:

  • Acting as a central resource and connector in the Cincinnati community development ecosystem, HomeBase bridges the gap between community goals and actionable plans​​.

  • Aligning with local, state, and federal stakeholders to foster policy changes and infrastructure investments that benefit communities​​.

By integrating innovative funding models, technical assistance, and community empowerment strategies, HomeBase Cincinnati creates pathways for vibrant, resilient neighborhoods and economic growth throughout the region.

HomeBase Cincinnati (HomeBase) is an organization of inspired community members, developers, funders, legal professionals, and community partners. HomeBase provides the fundamental framework and resources to our Community Development Corporation (CDC) members in the Greater Cincinnati area, so they can raise neighborhoods to realize their unique vibrancy, attract new employers, improve residents’ well-being, and enhance public health.

HomeBase, formerly The Community Development Corporations Association of Greater Cincinnati, was formed at a time when neighborhood development corporations were still a new concept. In 1968 Carl Westmoreland founded the first Cincinnati community development corporation - the Mt. Auburn Good Housing Foundation. By the mid 1970's, the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation, Avondale Redevelopment Corporation, and Bond Hill-Paddock Hills Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation had begun their work. 

The Executive Directors of these early CDCs found that others wanted to learn how to foster community control of development in their neighborhoods. Thus, in 1979, By-Laws were drafted, incorporation papers were filed, and the Neighborhood Development Corporations Association of Cincinnati was granted tax-exempt status by the IRS, then the CDC Association of Greater Cincinnati, and now HomeBase Cincinnati.

Today many CDCs are providing leadership for comprehensive initiatives that address multiple issues in their neighborhoods, including affordable and market rate housing, business district development, successful schools, recreational trails, equitable development, and clean, safe and attractive public spaces.

OUR EXPERTISE

  • Advocacy

    Foundational and financial backing for local, regional and federal policy changes

  • Training

    Proprietary and programmatic community learning initiatives and upskilling opportunities

  • Networking

    Special events, luncheons, and platforms for connection, promotion and education

  • Operations

    Back office strategic planning, accounting, IT, design and legal services and funding support

AREA SERVED

HomeBase provides funding to City neighborhoods and a variety of skills and services to communities that are working to reimagine what is possible within their community. We specifically focus efforts in low to moderate income neighborhoods, but provide technical assistance and project management, or whatever else is needed to make community-led development happen, inside and outside the City of Cincinnati’s borders.

This interactive map illustrates the neighborhoods in which HomeBase is actively working in community engagement initiatives.

#TogetherWeBuild

IMPACT

Our advocacy and partnership efforts with the City of Cincinnati, foundations, banks, and partners have secured increased funding for Community Development Corporations (CDCs).

2023 was a record year in pass-through funding to CDCs and neighborhoods!

$5M

Approximate amount of funding made available in 2023

CONNECT WITH US

  • Our people who champion community transformation

  • Our board who guides community transformation