Homeport
Homeport is a Columbus, Ohio-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1987 that develops and operates affordable rental housing across Central Ohio, serving 7,000+ residents in 3,500+ households with rents capped at 30% of income, complemented by HUD-certified homebuyer education and down payment assistance programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersColumbus, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Homeport does
Homeport is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affordable housing organization founded in 1987 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, that develops and operates rental housing for low- and moderate-income households across Central Ohio. The organization serves more than 7,000 residents across 3,500+ households through a portfolio of multifamily and senior communities, with rents typically capped at 30% of household income for qualifying residents across AMI tiers ranging from 30% to 70% of Area Median Income. Its core business is the development, ownership, and operation of affordable housing, with construction financed through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), HOME Investment Partnerships, Community Development Block Grants, Ohio Housing Finance Agency loans, and corporate/foundation capital. Homeport has invested over $338 million in Central Ohio communities over the past five years, including $76 million in 2022 alone, with active projects spanning Franklinton, Milo-Grogan, Linden, Southeast Columbus, and a new Delaware County expansion.
Homeport's product surface extends beyond physical housing into a service-enriched ecosystem. The Homeport Living sub-brand operates as the resident-facing leasing portal, while Homeport Learning delivers HUD-certified homebuyer education and financial fitness counseling at no charge. Two down payment assistance funds — the Rise Up Down Payment Assistance Fund ($5.6M, launched May 2024 with FHLB Cincinnati and CONVERGENCE Columbus) and the Maude Hill Growing Homeownership Fund — target first-generation and minority buyers. Resident services include youth programming (after-school, summer camps via Concrete Orkidz), senior dining and transportation (via LifeCare Alliance and Around Town Express), emergency financial assistance, and community-building events. Property management is delivered through third-party partners including KMG Prestige, Wallick Communities, and Beacon 360 Management. The organization is accredited by NeighborWorks America, holds BBB Wise Giving Alliance accreditation and GuideStar Gold Transparency, and is led by President & CEO Leah F. Evans. Technology infrastructure consists of standard property management systems and HUD-certified housing counseling platforms, with no disclosed AI/ML capabilities.
Homeport firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Homeport
- Legal name
- Homeport
- Website
- https://homeportohio.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Homeport is a Columbus, Ohio-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1987 that develops and operates affordable rental housing across Central Ohio, serving 7,000+ residents in 3,500+ households with rents capped at 30% of income, complemented by HUD-certified homebuyer education and down payment assistance programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Homeport industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Affordable Housing Development
- NAICS
- Other Community Housing Services (624229), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)
- SIC
- Operators Of Apartment Buildings (6513), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Down Payment Assistance (DPA) & Homebuyer Subsidy Programs (FSALAKAE), Affordable Housing / Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Mortgage Origination (FSALAAAM), Affordable/Subsidized Independent Living (HUD/LIHTC) Communities (HLADAAAB), Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)
Keywords
Where Homeport is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Columbus
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Homeport business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Affordable Housing Rentals: Homeport generates revenue through rental income from affordable housing units across Central Ohio. Rent is priced based on AMI (Area Median Income) tiers, typically ranging from 30% to 70% AMI, with residents paying no more than 30% of household income toward rent in some properties.
- Homebuyer Education and Financial Counseling: Homeport offers HUD-certified housing counseling, homebuyer education courses, and financial fitness classes, which may include nominal program fees or are provided as free community services supported by grants.
- Government Grants and Subsidies: Homeport receives significant funding through federal, state, and local government programs including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Community Development Block Grants, HOME Investment Partnerships, and housing development loans from Ohio Housing Finance Agency.
- Corporate and Foundation Grants: Homeport receives grants from corporations (State Auto $300,000), foundations, and financial institutions (Park National Bank $50,000) to fund specific programs including youth services, resident programs, and development projects.
- Individual Donations: Homeport receives individual donations and corporate sponsorships, particularly around annual events like Voice & Vision and year-end giving campaigns.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Affordable rental housing for households earning 30% or less of AMI |
| Subscription | Monthly | Affordable rental housing for households earning up to 60% of AMI |
| Subscription | Monthly | Affordable rental housing for households earning up to 70% of AMI |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free homebuyer education and financial fitness courses |
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | Down payment assistance programs |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels9 records
Homeport product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Homeport develops, owns, and operates affordable rental housing communities for low- and moderate-income households across Central Ohio, complemented by HUD-certified homebuyer education and financial fitness counseling delivered through the Homeport Learning platform, and down payment assistance programs (Rise Up Fund and Maude Hill Fund) that help first-generation and minority buyers achieve homeownership. The organization also provides on-site resident services including food distribution, transportation, youth programming, senior dining, and emergency financial assistance to maintain housing stability.
Product overview
Homeport is an affordable housing nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of housing-related products and services. The core offering consists of affordable rental housing communities across Central Ohio, accessible through the Homeport Living portal. Complementary services include Homebuyer Education and Financial Fitness programs (delivered through Homeport Learning) that prepare individuals for homeownership. Resident Services provide on-site support programs including food distribution, meals, transportation, youth programming, and community events. Down payment assistance is offered through specialized funds including the Rise Up Fund and Maude Hill Growing Homeownership Fund. LVL With Us is a podcast that discusses housing issues and solutions in the region.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Homeport Living: Website for finding affordable housing rentals and homes managed by Homeport
- Homeport Learning
- LVL With Us
- Voice & Vision
Products and services
- Affordable Rental Housing Communities Affordable rental housing communities across Central Ohio (including Easton Place Homes, Fieldstone Cottages, Channing Street Homes, McDowell Place, Mulby Place, Maple Meadows, Hamilton Crossing, Elim Manor, and others) priced based on AMI tiers from 30% to 70%, with qualifying residents paying no more than 30% of household income toward rent. Targeted at low- and moderate-income households and seniors in Franklin and Delaware Counties.
- Homebuyer Education HUD-certified housing counselor-led courses guiding participants through the home buying and homeowning process, covering mortgage requirements, contract negotiation, and foreclosure prevention. Offered free of charge through the Homeport Learning platform.
- Financial Fitness Counseling Financial counseling courses covering budgeting, credit score improvement, spending reduction, savings increase, and protection against identity theft and credit repair scams. Offered free of charge through the Homeport Learning platform.
- Rise Up Down Payment Assistance Fund Down payment assistance program administered by Homeport through Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati and CONVERGENCE Columbus. Since May 2024, the $5.6 million fund has helped 200 families become first-time and first-generation homeowners, with $5 million of down payment assistance distributed in 2024.
- Maude Hill Growing Homeownership Fund Down payment assistance program providing closing cost assistance to eligible homebuyers, designed to boost homeownership among Black and Brown buyers in Central Ohio and address racial wealth gaps in housing access.
Quantifiable outcome
- 200 first-generation homeowners served through Rise Up Fund since May 2024
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Homeport
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Homeport technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Homeport partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, important and minor.
- The Georgetown CompanycoreThe Georgetown Company, developer of Easton Town Center, partnered with Homeport on Easton Place Homes. Phase 2 brings 100 affordable, energy-efficient apartments near one of Central Ohio's largest employment hubs. Phase 3 will add 50 more apartments, totaling 200 units upon completion. Jonathan Schmerin, Managing Principal, called the partnership 'a great honor' supporting Mayor Ginther's vision for affordable housing.
- Vision RealtyimportantVision Realty realtor Tara Williams connected the Afolorunsho family with Homeport and lenders for their homeownership journey, recognizing their determination despite facing discrimination as new Americans.
- BESA (Business Education School Alliance)importantBESA's Wish program provides holiday gifts to seniors at Homeport communities. In 2024, the partnership expanded from four to six senior communities, reaching 150 residents. Eighteen agencies around Franklin County participate in the Wish program enabling non-profits like Homeport to provide quality items seniors want or need.
- LifeCare AlliancecoreLifeCare Alliance provides senior dining center programs at Hamilton Crossing, Mulby Place, and Elim Manor communities. The partnership deepened in summer 2024 with the launch of dining centers offering nutritious meals and socialization opportunities. LifeCare Alliance also provides Meals-on-Wheels to Homeport residents and offers information about additional services including senior pet care.
- Lark Mallory / Mallory Economic Development AdvisorscoreLark Mallory, former President & CEO of Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County, was honored at Homeport's 2024 Voice & Vision event as the 10th anniversary honoree. She founded Mallory Economic Development Advisors to continue advocating for affordable, equitable, and sustainable housing. She serves on FHFA's first advisory committee and works with Homeport to advance equitable housing development.
- Concrete OrkidzcoreConcrete Orkidz provides out-of-school programming for youth in Homeport communities through summer camps and after-school care. Programs support students in Canal Winchester, Columbus, Hilliard, Pickerington, and Southwest school districts. Concrete Orkidz also hosts the Winter Wishes clothing and toy supply event, now expanding to Winter Wonderland at Emerald Glen.
- Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS)coreETSS provides multicultural youth education and mentoring programs at Homeport communities. They hosted a spelling bee for students in K-3rd grade as part of United Way's Success by Third Grade initiative. ETSS also helped Afghan refugees find housing in Homeport communities, providing essential transition services.
- NeighborWorks AmericacoreHomeport is an accredited member of NeighborWorks America, a congressionally chartered nonprofit supporting affordable housing and community development. NeighborWorks Week celebrates how organizations and residents work together to strengthen neighborhoods. State Auto Insurance Companies funds Homeport's community tours through NeighborWorks America support.
- Columbus Commercial Industrial & Investment Realtors (CCIIR)importantCCIIR hosts annual Realtor Care Day during NeighborWorks Week, beautifying Homeport communities with volunteers. CCIIR has improved Georges Creek, Pheasant Run, and Mulby Place communities. The organization also hosts an annual golf outing fundraiser benefiting Homeport.
- Operation WarmminorOperation Warm, a national nonprofit, manufactures brand-new coats and shoes for children in need. Homeport purchases winter coats in bulk from Operation Warm for Winter Wonderland events serving children in affordable housing communities.
- Around Town ExpressimportantAround Town Express provides weekly and bi-weekly transportation services for seniors at multiple Homeport communities including Hamilton Crossing, Elim Manor, Eastway Village, Fieldstone Court, Eastland Manor, Heritage Tower, Bexley Heritage, and Victorian Heritage. Owner/operator Beth Douglas transports residents to grocery stores and social outings, serving as an essential link for senior independence.
- Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)coreCMHA partnered with Homeport on Thornwood Commons, an extensive renovation of 86 apartments for families in Columbus' Milo-Grogan neighborhood. Families pay no more than 30% of household income toward rent thanks to CMHA's legacy of ownership.
- Wallick CommunitiesimportantWallick Communities provides property management for Easton Place Homes and Fieldstone Cottages. Wallick Construction serves as general contractor for Thornwood Commons renovations. Wallick helped Afghan refugees find homes in Homeport communities.
- KMG PrestigeimportantKMG Prestige handles property management and leasing for Easton Place Homes, managing the rental application process and tenant communications.
- Columbus REALTORSimportantColumbus REALTORS, led by Brent Swander, CEO, engages with Homeport on housing market issues. Vincent Coleman, Government Affairs Director, discusses housing policy impacts on the podcast. Realtors refer clients to Homeport services.
- Lowenstein Development LLCimportantLowenstein Development LLC serves as development consultant for Homeport projects including Channing Street Homes in Delaware County.
- Columbus Design CompanyimportantColumbus Design Company provides architectural services for Fieldstone Cottages development.
- Rockford ConstructionimportantRockford Construction provides general contracting services for Fieldstone Cottages.
- COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority)importantCOTA's LinkUs initiative aims to transform Central Ohio's transportation network through a levy. Homeport's LVL With Us podcast features COTA leadership discussing how transit and housing intersect for equitable development.
- Action for ChildrenminorAction for Children hosts the FatherUp Program at Homeport communities, empowering fathers navigating co-parenting and child support with resources and peer mentorship.
- Mid-Ohio Food CollectivecoreMid-Ohio Food Collective provides fresh food and produce distribution to Homeport communities, supporting resident nutrition and food security.
- Corna KokosingimportantCorna Kokosing serves as general contractor for Easton Place Homes Phase 1 construction, providing aerial drone images showing rapid construction progress.
Scale indicators26 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Homeport competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The NHP Foundation: National nonprofit affordable housing owner/operator providing service-enriched rental housing for low-income families, seniors, and people with special needs. Closely matches Homeport's nonprofit, service-rich, multi-population model.
- National Church Residences: Columbus-based nonprofit affordable senior housing developer and operator providing service-enriched housing for low-income seniors. Highly comparable as a mission-aligned nonprofit combining affordable housing development with resident services across Ohio and nationally.
- Community Housing Network: Central Ohio nonprofit providing affordable rental housing and supportive services for low-income residents, including those with disabilities. Comparable service-enriched nonprofit housing model serving overlapping Franklin County geography.
- Woda Cooper Companies: For-profit affordable housing developer specializing in LIHTC properties across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Comparable in unit type and target population (low-income families and seniors) but operates with significantly greater geographic reach and institutional capital access.
- Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA): Public housing authority serving Columbus with large-scale affordable rental housing portfolio. Existing Homeport partner on Thornwood Commons, CMHA operates the public housing stock and Housing Choice Voucher program that complements Homeport's LIHTC rental developments.
- Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County: Local government-supported affordable housing funding entity for Columbus and Franklin County. Closely aligned with Homeport's mission and a key local funder/partner; leadership overlap exists (Lark Mallory served as AHT's President & CEO before founding her advisory practice).
- Habitat for Humanity MidOhio: Affordable homeownership nonprofit serving the same Central Ohio market. Directly comparable mission of building affordable homes for low-income families, with homebuyer education and counseling components that mirror Homeport Learning and Rise Up Fund offerings.
Broad incumbents
- Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit affordable housing developer and investor with significant LIHTC and project finance capacity. Already a Homeport partner on Easton Place Homes, Enterprise brings institutional scale and capital access that far exceeds Homeport's standalone capacity.
- Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH): Statewide LIHTC syndicator and affordable housing lender. Existing Homeport partner providing construction and permanent financing across Central Ohio projects; represents the institutional capital infrastructure Homeport depends on for development.
Emerging players
- Wallick Communities: Mid-sized affordable housing developer, property manager, and contractor. Already Homeport's property management partner (Easton Place Homes, Fieldstone Cottages) and general contractor on Thornwood Commons; provides comparable affordable housing services in Ohio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Homeport social profiles
Digital presenceHomeport compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Homeport financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Homeport leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Homeport funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Homeport M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Homeport
What does Homeport do?
Homeport develops, owns, and operates affordable rental housing communities for low- and moderate-income households across Central Ohio, complemented by HUD-certified homebuyer education and financial fitness counseling delivered through the Homeport Learning platform, and down payment assistance programs (Rise Up Fund and Maude Hill Fund) that help first-generation and minority buyers achieve homeownership. The organization also provides on-site resident services including food distribution, transportation, youth programming, senior dining, and emergency financial assistance to maintain housing stability.
Is Homeport a public or private company?
Homeport is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Homeport founded?
Homeport was founded in 1987. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Homeport based?
Homeport is headquartered in Columbus, United States, in the North America region.
How does Homeport make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Affordable Housing Rentals are the primary driver. The others are homebuyer Education and Financial Counseling, government Grants and Subsidies, corporate and Foundation Grants and individual Donations.
Who are Homeport's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The NHP Foundation, National Church Residences, Community Housing Network, Woda Cooper Companies, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County and Habitat for Humanity MidOhio. Broad incumbents are Enterprise Community Partners and Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH). Wallick Communities is listed as an emerging player.
Does Homeport have an API?
No public API is recorded for Homeport.
What industry is Homeport in?
Homeport's product category is Affordable Housing Development. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAC, Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts), with a secondary code of FSALAKAE, Down Payment Assistance (DPA) & Homebuyer Subsidy Programs. Its NAICS code is 624229 and its SIC code is 6513.