Cornerstone Renter Equity

Cornerstone Renter Equity began as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 1986, providing socially conscience, low-interest loans to community partners in Over-the-Rhine. As the agency matured, we saw a need for safe affordable housing in Over-the-Rhine and began developing units to meet the need. We also saw that affordable housing only goes so far. In order for low-income families to achieve long-term financial stability, they need assets. So, we began focusing our efforts on helping families build assets by investing in themselves and making positive contributions to their community. Today, Cornerstone manages 25 units of affordable housing and provides a unique Renter Equity Program that enables members to earn and build: • Housing Equity by paying rent on time and being a good tenant. • Financial Equity by working with our Financial Coach to enroll in financial literacy classes and our Matched Savings Program. • Personal Equity by working with our Family Coach to set personal goals such as pursuing education/training to secure a better job, and navigating resources that can help with daily lives (i.e. after school programs, food assistance). • Health and Wellness Equity by attending routine doctor’s appointments and Cornerstone health and wellness events (i.e. cooking classes led by the Ohio State Expanded Food and Nutrition Program, health fairs, and yoga classes). • Community Equity by attending neighborhood council meetings and participating in Cornerstone’s block clean-ups and garden club. • Social Networking by assisting a fellow member with childcare, errands, meals, etc. • Program Equity by completing self-sufficiency assessments. Members can earn $155 monthly for taking advantage of these opportunities (plus $140 annually for completing assessments), up to $2,000 annually. After three years they are vested and can withdraw funds to purchase a home/vehicle, pursue education, start a business, reduce debt, or continue saving.