Homeport

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.

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

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

• Affordable housing development
• Rental housing services
• Homebuyer education
• Down payment assistance
• Resident support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Individual Donations: Homeport receives individual donations and corporate sponsorships, particularly around annual events like Voice & Vision and year-end giving campaigns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core 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

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, important and minor.

• The Georgetown CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 February 2025The 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 RealtyimportantChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 February 2025Vision 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)importantStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2024BESA'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 AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2024LifeCare 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 AdvisorscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2024Lark 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 OrkidzcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2024Concrete 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2024ETSS 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 AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2024Homeport 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)importantGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 October 2024CCIIR 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 WarmminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2024Operation 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 ExpressimportantStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2024Around 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2023CMHA 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 CommunitiesimportantImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 30 June 2023Wallick 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 PrestigeimportantChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 30 June 2023KMG Prestige handles property management and leasing for Easton Place Homes, managing the rental application process and tenant communications.
• Columbus REALTORSimportantChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 30 June 2023Columbus 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 LLCimportantImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 30 June 2023Lowenstein Development LLC serves as development consultant for Homeport projects including Channing Street Homes in Delaware County.
• Columbus Design CompanyimportantImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 30 June 2023Columbus Design Company provides architectural services for Fieldstone Cottages development.
• Rockford ConstructionimportantImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 30 June 2023Rockford Construction provides general contracting services for Fieldstone Cottages.
• COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority)importantStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2023COTA'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 ChildrenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2023Action 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 CollectivecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2023Mid-Ohio Food Collective provides fresh food and produce distribution to Homeport communities, supporting resident nutrition and food security.
• Corna KokosingimportantImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 18 May 2023Corna 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

Direct 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

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@HomeportOhio
• Xx.com/HomeportOH
• Facebookfacebook.com/HomeportOH

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Homeport