Our Origins
Over-the-Rhine Community Housing has long been part of the solution to the housing crisis in our city, being born out of a merger in 2006 between Race Street Tenant Organization Cooperative (ReSTOC) and Over-the-Rhine Housing Network. From providing affordable housing to saving historical buildings, we’ve always valued our neighbors’ faces more than historic facades.
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Race Street Tenant Organization Cooperative
ReSTOC was founded in 1977 by community members who wanted to have control over the availability and quality of their housing and wanted to provide a response to people who were experiencing homelessness. They were a low-income housing cooperative that provided sustainable, quality housing for tenants below the poverty line. They were a grassroots organization that worked with communities on 13th, 14th, Elm, Race, Republic, Pleasant and Vine Streets. Their goals were to provide safe, quality housing and to develop and foster community growth. An example of such community can be found in the Republic Street and Elm Street Block Clubs, which were organized and run by tenants. ReSTOC re-invested all rent paid by tenants back into the cooperative to support more renovations and better maintenance. Over half of the board of ReSTOC was composed of tenants, ultimately giving them the deciding vote in how ReSTOC operated.
Over-the-Rhine Housing Network
Governed by a board of trustees comprised of Over-the-Rhine community partners, Over-the-Rhine Housing Network established in 1988, revitalized Over-the-Rhine by developing high quality affordable housing. They worked to ensure that existing, low-income residents benefitted from neighborhood revitalization in Over-the-Rhine. By rehabbing abandoned buildings, and occupying them with a stable tenant base, OTRHN increased local property values, improved the social and economic climate of the community, and made a better neighborhood for all.
Over-the-Rhine Community Housing Merger
Over-the-Rhine Community Housing now embodies the strengths of both organizations. Our merger was recognized nationally in Shelterforce magazine as a merger done right.
Our Mission
We develop and manage resident-centered affordable housing to build inclusive community and benefit low-income residents.
Our Vision
Quality stable housing for all in a socially, racially and economically inclusive community.
Our Values
Housing is a basic human right, and must be available to all. All people deserve dignified housing. Housing must include the most vulnerable members of our community. All relationships must be shaped by justice, community, inclusion and cultural awareness. Neighborhood amenities and services are available for all members of our diverse community. All persons are respected and valued.
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How We Make a Difference
Housing Justice is Racial Justice. Housing is Healthcare. Housing is an Education Issue.
Given the breadth of the crisis, we advocate on the local, state, and national level for meaningful solutions.
We refuse to ignore the crisis and we believe that together we can make change.
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