President’s Message

Dear Partners,

As I reflect on 2025, I am pleased to share that it was a monumental year for OCCH and our partners. Together, and despite the challenges and uncertainty our industry faced, we continued our mission of advancing the preservation, production, and management of affordable housing.

At the end of each year, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on all that was accomplished. Highlights of this year include:

• • We raised $493 million in investor capital through multi-investor and proprietary funds. This included partnerships with 25 returning investors and two new investors.
  • We closed 48 development deals across 9 states. Creating over 3,400 new homes for individuals and families. We did this by partnering with 24 repeat developers and six new developers. These deals ranged from $3.1 million to our largest deal yet of $51.8 million in tax credit equity, demonstrating our ability to meet the varying needs of our partners.
  • We expanded our lending capital by $81.5 million, closing 33 loans across 28 developments in 7 states, totaling $114.8 million.
  • We provided over $870,000 in grants to continue our summer camp program, support scholarships for residents, build community libraries, and develop other community and resident-focused initiatives.
  • We continued our policy and advocacy efforts, both in Ohio and at the federal level, ensuring the housing tax credit program remains a priority for both parties.
  • We’re strengthening a best-in-class underwriting department, providing sophisticated underwriting and hands-on support.
  • With the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, we hosted another great Ohio Housing Conference, which brings together nearly 1,500 attendees from 30+ states for two days of learning, networking, and connecting.
  • We were recognized with a Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America, continuing our investment in our people and ensuring they have what they need to be supported and successful.
  • We introduced our new branding and visual identity. Reaffirming our commitment to “Creating Community."
  • It’s been five years since I joined OCCH, and I’m continually humbled and inspired by all that we’ve accomplished, none of which would be possible without the dedication of our staff, support and guidance of our board, and trust from our partners. Each of us plays a vital role in ensuring all have access to a safe, affordable, and dignified place to call home.
    
    

As we head into 2026, I have a renewed sense of optimism that through partnership, hard work, creativity, and our unwavering commitment to creating community, we can continue our important work.

In partnership,
Catherine Cawthon
President & CEO