A Letter from the President and CEO

Looking Back

When I joined OCCH as President and CEO in January 2021, I joined an organization that was financially strong, well-capitalized, and respected as an industry leader with a mission-driven culture. I joined an organization that collaboratively expands the preservation and creation of much-needed affordable housing while also providing opportunities for families, seniors, and individuals to thrive in their homes and communities.

This past year has shown me how a team of independent strategists working together to support each other, our mission, and our partners can transform us: innovating for better outcomes for our partners and communities, leveraging our knowledge and strength to drive deeper impact throughout our footprint. I am reminded of Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” OCCH is proud to work together with all our partners who strive to make a difference, push the limits of what is possible, create change, and impact lives.

Although the nation and our industry are still operating within the challenges and unsettling times created by the COVID 19 pandemic, OCCH performed strongly in 2021. As a financial intermediary that leverages private capital through investment partners, OCCH has raised and deployed over $5.3 billion in equity since inception, resulting in more than 55,000 units of affordable housing. We provide capacity and expertise as a trusted partner in affordable housing equity and debt financing options, deliver products and services necessary for our development partners to be successful, and address the needs of our residents through supportive services.

OCCH could not succeed without the hard work and expertise of our partners who help make a difference in people’s lives and promote self-sufficiency and self-esteem. We are grateful to our investors, developers, property managers, public sector partners and the OCCH staff and Board who together create and expand economic, financial, and social opportunities for residents while revitalizing communities.

In 2021, OCCH:

• Raised $378M in investor capital.

• Invested $315M into 40 projects.

• Ohio Capital Finance Corporation (OCFC) closed more than $80M in loans, received $625,000 in Financial Assistance from the CDFI Fund to expand its lending platform, and forged a new partnership with CareSource to bridge the digital divide with our residents.

• With philanthropic support from investors, as well as OCCH dollars, we granted more than $1.8 M to partners for resident workforce trainings, summer camps, wellness programs, and computer and internet access.

• Created a dedicated team committed to cultivating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in our workplace and partnerships as we stand in solidarity with our employees and communities to address and eliminate injustices.

• Rebranded our training platform with the creation of the Affordable Housing Training Academy, expanding and delivering e-learning content to the industry and OCCH partners.

• Continued to deploy capital and resources, particularly in underserved communities, to address resident needs identified during COVID 19.

Moving Forward
We are continually inspired by the dedication and loyalty of our nonprofit and for-profit developer partners, CRA and economic investors, public housing authorities, and local and state governments who work with us to create economic opportunities and impact those most in need.

We are driven by our mission to advocate for Federal and State policies that move housing forward while eliminating inequities. Our commitment to the neighborhoods and communities we serve is tangible, with many OCCH staff participating on local and national industry boards, volunteering in the community, and serving on focus groups that support community development.

Thank you to the OCCH Board of Directors, the OCCH staff, our partners, and all those individuals and organizations that continue to support our work. We look forward to expanding our opportunities together in the future.
     
Best,
Catherine Cawthon
President and CEO