OTR Community Housing

What OTR Community Housing does

OTR Community Housing (legal name: Over the Rhine Community Housing, DBA OTRCH) is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit affordable housing developer and property manager founded in 2006 through the merger of Race Street Tenant Organization Cooperative (ReSTOC, 1977) and Over-the-Rhine Housing Network (1988). The organization develops, owns, and manages a portfolio of 719 housing units serving 1,244 residents as of 2025, including 215 residents in Permanent Supportive Housing programs for individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse recovery. Its core product portfolio consists of 10 named housing developments — Mid Line (57 units), Gloria's Place (44 units), Barrister Apartments (44 units), Vandalia Point (52 units), Perseverance (32 units), Low Price Hill Thrives (47 units), Jimmy Heath House (25 units), Glen Wright Place (25 units), Spaeth and Kelly Hall (30 units), and Recovery Hotel (20 units) — alongside the Children's Creative Corner youth arts program and Resident Services delivered by Licensed Social Workers.

The organization's distinctive operating model is its Blended Property Management approach, which integrates traditional property management with resident services through regular cross-team coordination, enabling proactive identification of resident needs. There is no proprietary technology platform; operations rely on standard property management tooling (Rent Cafe) and direct service delivery rather than software development. The portfolio emphasizes historic preservation, with multiple LEED-certified developments (Mid Line targeting Silver, Perseverance achieving Gold) that rehabilitate heritage buildings in revitalizing neighborhoods.

Revenue is generated through four streams: rental income from affordable housing units (rents $400-$1,250/month, capped at 30% of resident income), donations and charitable contributions (including an Affordable Housing Ally monthly giving program), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity ($14.25M for Mid Line alone), and government grants/public funding (HOME funds, Affordable Housing Trust Fund, state and federal housing finance agency support). The organization operates with 93% of its budget directed to programs and 7% to administration, and holds a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency and BBB accreditation. It is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees with mandated representation from residents, advocates, and professionals.

Name

OTR Community Housing

Legal name

Over the Rhine Community Housing

Website

https://otrch.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

OTR Community Housing is a Cincinnati nonprofit affordable housing developer managing 719 units serving 1,244 low-income residents, including 215 in permanent supportive housing. It develops LIHTC-financed historic rehabilitation projects and delivers integrated resident services across multiple Cincinnati neighborhoods.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Affordable Housing Development

NAICS

Other Residential Care Facilities (62399), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities (6232), Temporary Shelters (624221)

SIC

Operators Of Apartment Buildings (6513), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

Keywords

• Affordable housing development
• Permanent supportive housing
• Resident services
• Low-income housing
• Housing advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Rental Income: Revenue generated from renting affordable housing units to low-income residents. Units operate under HUD compliance guidelines and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit programs with income and rent restrictions. Some apartments have project-based rent assistance and the organization accepts Housing Choice Vouchers.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization receives donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. They have an 'Affordable Housing Ally' monthly giving program and accept various donation types including stock gifts, wire transfers, estate gifts, and employer matching contributions.
3. Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC): Development projects utilize 9% and 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits as primary financing mechanisms. Projects like Mid Line have secured $14.25 million in LIHTC funding, while Gloria's Place received $10 million in LIHTC awards.
4. Government Grants and Public Funding: Revenue from government sources including HOME funding from City of Cincinnati ($800,000 for Mid Line) and Ohio Housing Finance Agency, as well as Affordable Housing Trust Fund contributions ($2.95 million for Mid Line).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

OTR Community Housing develops and manages resident-centered affordable housing for low-income residents in Cincinnati, operating 719 housing units across properties such as Mid Line, Barrister Apartments, Vandalia Point, Perseverance, Gloria's Place, and Low Price Hill Thrives. The organization pairs physical housing with a Blended Property Management model that integrates licensed social worker-driven Resident Services, Permanent Supportive Housing programs for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, the Children's Creative Corner youth arts program, and affordable housing advocacy at local, state, and national levels.

Product overview

OTR Community Housing is a non-profit affordable housing organization offering a portfolio of housing developments and resident services. The core offerings include multiple housing development projects (Mid Line, Glen Wright Place, Barrister, Gloria's Place, Vandalia Point, Perseverance, Low Price Hill Thrives, Jimmy Heath House, Spaeth and Kelly Hall, Recovery Hotel) providing affordable and permanent supportive housing units. These are complemented by resident service programs including Children's Creative Corner (youth arts programming) and advocacy services. The organization employs a distinctive blended property management model that integrates resident services with traditional housing management. Rather than a unified software platform, the portfolio consists of distinct housing developments and service programs unified by the organization's mission to build inclusive community for low-income residents.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Children's Creative Corner: A free, low-barrier after-school art program for youth ages 5-14 in Over-the-Rhine, established in 2007 to support low-income families with year-round art programming and cultural field trips.
• Blended Property Management

Products and services

• Mid Line 57-unit affordable housing development combining new construction and historic rehabilitation, targeting LEED Silver certification, with apartments affordable to residents earning 60% of Area Median Income or less. Located at Vine and Polk Streets in the CUF neighborhood/Mt. Auburn area, developed in partnership with CHCURC and 8K Construction.
• Glen Wright Place at Pleasant House 25-unit permanent supportive housing development replacing outdated single-room-occupancy units with modern, fully accessible efficiency apartments designed for individuals who have experienced homelessness and mental illness. On-site supportive services provided by Tender Mercies.
• Barrister Apartments 44-unit affordable housing development in Cincinnati's Central Business District with ground-floor retail, rents ranging approximately $400 to $1,250, designed to serve low-income working-class individuals and families. Renovation of two historic buildings.
• Gloria's Place 44-unit permanent supportive housing new construction development serving individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness, featuring studio and one-bedroom apartments with on-site case management and 24/7 front desk staffing. Supportive services provided by Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services.
• Vandalia Point 52-unit affordable housing development in Northside neighborhood serving low-income households earning 30-60% of Area Median Income, combining renovation of historic buildings with new construction.
• Perseverance 32-unit affordable housing development with 5 ground-floor commercial storefronts, combining historic building renovation with new infill construction, achieving LEED Gold certification.
• Low Price Hill Thrives 47-unit affordable housing development rehabilitating 10 historic buildings plus 1 new construction building, with 3 ground-floor storefronts supporting community-based businesses, located in the Lower Price Hill neighborhood.
• Jimmy Heath House 25-unit permanent supportive housing development revitalizing five historic buildings, grounded in Housing First approach serving individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness. On-site services provided by Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services.
• Spaeth and Kelly Hall 30-efficiency-apartment permanent supportive housing development replacing 55 SRO units, featuring 24-hour staffed entry and on-site supportive services. Supportive services provided by Tender Mercies.
• Recovery Hotel 20-unit permanent supportive housing offering for men and women in the community who have experienced homelessness and are in recovery from substance abuse. Operated continuously since 1996.
• Children's Creative Corner Free, low-barrier after-school art program for youth ages 5-14 in Over-the-Rhine, providing year-round art programming and cultural field trips. Includes a partnership with YMCA Camp Ernst for summer camp opportunities.
• Resident Services Supportive services including Licensed Social Workers helping residents transition into housing, achieve personal goals, and maintain housing stability through case management and crisis support.
• Advocacy Services Advocacy for affordable housing resources at local, state, and national levels, working with community councils, government officials, and partner organizations including COHHIO, National Low Income Housing Coalition, NCRC, and Ohio CDC Association.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,244 residents served in 2025 across 719 homes
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• 8K ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction partner for the Mid Line project, collaborating with OTR Community Housing and CHCURC to develop 57 apartments affordable to residents earning 60% of AMI or less. 8K Construction handles building and renovation work for this $20.4 million development.
• Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity urban redevelopment corporation partnering on the Mid Line project to develop affordable housing at the corner of Vine and Polk Streets, serving the CUF neighborhood and Mt. Auburn area.
• Urban SitescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-development partner on multiple projects including Barrister Apartments ($14.2M, 44 units in CBD), Vandalia Point ($18.9M, 52 units in Northside), and other affordable housing developments in Cincinnati neighborhoods.
• Tender MerciescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOn-site supportive services provider for Glen Wright Place at Pleasant House (25-unit permanent supportive housing) and Spaeth and Kelly Hall (30 efficiency apartments). Tender Mercies provides case management and comprehensive care for individuals who have experienced homelessness and mental illness.
• Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCB)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOn-site supportive services provider for Jimmy Heath House and Gloria's Place. GCB provides comprehensive behavioral health services and support for residents who have experienced chronic homelessness, helping them stabilize and rebuild their lives.
• 3CDC (Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor downtown development partner on Jimmy Heath House and Barrister Apartments. 3CDC works on revitalizing Cincinnati neighborhoods and partnered with OTR Community Housing on historic preservation and affordable housing.
• Community MatterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization that has long worked in Lower Price Hill to 'create a thriving and more just community by removing barriers to opportunity.' Partnered with OTR Community Housing on Low Price Hill Thrives (47 units) to bring affordable housing to the neighborhood.
• Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio (COHHIO)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerState-level advocacy partner working on affordable housing policy and homeless services. OTR Community Housing works alongside COHHIO to advocate for affordable housing at the State Budget level.
• National Low Income Housing CoalitionmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational advocacy organization for affordable housing. OTR Community Housing advocates to Congress alongside this coalition for more affordable housing resources.
• National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational organization working to ensure fair access to housing and financial services. OTR Community Housing works with NCRC to hold banks accountable to Community Reinvestment Act agreements.
• Ohio CDC AssociationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerState association for community development corporations in Ohio. OTR Community Housing partners with this organization for advocacy and policy work at the state level.
• Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNational nonprofit providing expertise and resources for supportive housing. Partner on Jimmy Heath House and Gloria's Place developments, bringing supportive housing best practices to Cincinnati.
• Community Councils PartnershipcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with multiple community councils including CUF Neighborhood Association, Downtown Residents Council, Lower Price Hill Community Council, Northside Community Council, Over-the-Rhine Community Council, Pendleton Neighborhood Council, and West End Community Council for community-level advocacy and outreach.
• YMCA Camp ErnstminorOthersPartnership for summer camp opportunities for youth in the Children's Creative Corner program. Youth participants have the opportunity to attend a week-long summer camp session at YMCA Camp Ernst.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• BRIDGE Housing: Nonprofit affordable housing developer and operator with a comparable mix of family and supportive housing. Similar LIHTC development engine and integrated property management + services approach.
• Tender Mercies: Cincinnati-based nonprofit providing Permanent Supportive Housing for individuals who have experienced homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Direct operational partner and the most locally comparable supportive housing peer.
• Mercy Housing: National nonprofit affordable housing developer and operator serving low-income families, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. Highly comparable mission, mixed-income + supportive housing model, and reliance on LIHTC and public funding.
• The Community Builders: National nonprofit affordable housing developer and operator focused on mixed-income communities. Comparable LIHTC-driven development pipeline and integrated resident services model.
• NHP Foundation: Nonprofit affordable housing owner/developer serving families, seniors, and vulnerable populations across multiple U.S. cities. Comparable affordable housing development + property management, with HUD/LIHTC reliance.
• National Church Residences: Nonprofit developer and manager of affordable housing with deep service integration across multiple states. Comparable blend of affordable housing development and supportive services funded through LIHTC, HUD, and partnerships.

Others

• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): National CDFI providing financing, equity, and technical assistance to affordable housing developers. Direct financial partner on Mid Line, Barrister, and Low Price Hill Thrives; comparable ecosystem role in funding affordable housing.
• Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services: Cincinnati-area behavioral health provider that delivers on-site supportive services at multiple OTRCH Permanent Supportive Housing sites (Jimmy Heath House, Gloria's Place). Adjacent peer serving overlapping client populations.

Broad incumbents

• Enterprise Community Partners: Major national CDFI and nonprofit that develops and finances affordable housing at very large scale. Comparable focus on affordable housing development and policy; broader as a capital provider and intermediary.

Regional players

• Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority: Local public housing authority administering subsidized and public housing in the same Cincinnati market where OTRCH operates. Distinct model (public housing authority vs. nonprofit) but directly comparable tenant populations and geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/otrch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 OTR Community Housing