For over 120 years, the Hamilton YWCA has existed as an urban refuge for women and girls. And after 90 of those years, having thrived at 244 Dayton Street, Hamilton, OH, the Hamilton YWCA is expanding its operation and relocating to 1570 Grand Boulevard. The new development will provide affordable housing units as well as sanctuary for women seeking shelter. The location was chosen specifically for its high priority level for affordable developments, in addition to its surrounding market value. The collaborative effort in the conception, design, and creation of this development further emphasizes its importance. The YWCA Hamilton will own the property, which will be developed by Model Group, designed by City Studios Architecture, along with Beyer Becker as the lead engineer. Additionally, we at Harsany & Associates are acting as consultants for Butler County. This multi-faceted partnership is vital to the process of development as it allows for a diversity of unique perspectives. Further considering crucial elements of the project, funding also comes from a variety of sources. These sources include River Hills Bank Construction Loan and member donation, The Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, the sponsoring of Low-income Housing Tax Credits from The Ohio Housing Finance Agency, The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati Affordable Housing Program, The City of Hamilton Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, The Butler County HOME program, and a number of local organizations, foundations, and sponsors. Local governments, such as Butler County, often expend their limited HOME dollars on modest investments such as offering down payment assistance or the rehabilitation of a few homes. While these are worthwhile investments, these dollars can accomplish more when leveraged with other funds. In this case, about $400,000 from the County’s HOME fund contributed to the over $11 million dollar community investment. One reason that local communities are reticent to take on large projects is their complexity. This is where we at Harsany & Associates were able to provide value. Harsany & Associates is guiding the County through this process, including the writing of commitment and closing documents, managing and monitoring the project through construction, helping to ensure that all regulatory, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements are met, developing necessary templates, and accompanying them through their first monitoring to prepare the County for managing the project throughout the affordability period.
Necessity and Social Impact
Perhaps now more than ever there exists a dire need for affordable housing. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, 580,000 people on any given night experience homelessness. Of the 10.8 million families considered extremely low-income, 70% pay more than half of their income on rent, a qualification considered “severely cost-burdened.” This equates to a shortage of over 7 million affordable homes. The numbers alone demand attention, in addition to the wide array of social, economic, and environmental benefits.
This development intends to address this disparity by offering more affordable housing availabilities in an area and market in high demand. Through the provision of a higher and more dignified quality of life for some of the most disenfranchised and overlooked members of society, opportunities for advancement will be made more available and achievable. Opportunity to leave and stay out of threatening, endangering, and vulnerable situations. Opportunity to care for oneself and potential dependents. Opportunity to transcend intergenerational poverty. YWCA and associated partners aim to support the ongoing mission of social and economic prosperity through continuous developments and programs, including 1570 Boulevard.
Economic Impact
In addition to the vast array of social benefits, the 1570 Boulevard development offers economic advantages for both those its supports and the surrounding community. Quality of housing inherently increases the economic value of communities, providing an opportunity for surrounding Hamilton. Additionally, the increased availability of affordable housing contributes to local economic vitality in supporting the increase of productivity, stability of services and wages, and investments. Each dollar invested in affordable housing increases in value throughout the economy by leveraging resources to generate income and support the creation and retention of jobs. Furthermore, investment in affordable housing and services costs less than the alternative tax costs of increased homelessness, in terms of danger to individuals, incarceration, and hospitalization.
Environmental Impact
Further exploring the benefits of the new Hamilton YWCA development, the environmental impact is also worth considering. The rehabilitation of urban lots has the potential to offer important services for the city. As a former Brownfield site, 1570 Boulevard underwent a thorough decontamination and restoration process. This process rejuvenated the soil and made the site suitable for development, and more importantly, livable. The repurposing of former Brownfield sites and rehabilitation of vacant lots are vital contributors to the urban environment. Additionally, the restoration of these sites eliminates exposure to potential contamination, making the community a healthier, safer place.
The most remarkable part of the Hamilton YWCA development is the people involved in making it a reality. Each and every contributing party is passionate and enthusiastic about the work, eager and motivated to advance the YWCA’s mission of helping those in need, empowering women, championing social justice issues, and advancing economic opportunity. The energy and fervor that the collaboration of the YWCA, Hamilton County government, Model Group, City Studios Architecture, and Harsany & Associates brings to this project is no short of extraordinary. Cooperation amongst partners for the advancement of social justice can lead to incredible achievements, in a world where these wonders are beacons of hope.
