COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As the local economy slumps, more people lose their homes, but there is a glimmer of hope for local homeowners.
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development freed up $100 million nationwide -- nearly $23 million to Columbus and more than $5 million to Franklin County, NBC 4's Marcus Thorpe reported.
It's not going to solve the problem, but it might allow more people a real chance at keeping their homes.
"We want to help as many people as possible as cost-effectively as possible," said Paula Brooks, a Franklin County Commissioner.
Franklin County plans to revamp neighborhoods in the Northland and Westland areas, tear down boarded up homes and build residences for low-income people.
It's work that's been full speed ahead for months.
"To partner with other levels of government and leverage the dollars the county puts in," said Ed Leonard, Franklin County Treasurer.
The money will also help reach out to more people through homeowner help line and the 211 First Link program.
The county already hands out information on seminars, programs and mediation.
"When you deal with lenders, it's federal or state. On the local level, it's homeowners," Leonard said.
For residents who grew up in Franklinton neighborhoods, they said it's time to invest some money to make the area better.
"I look at some of the homes they need to be torn down or rehabbed. Looks like a ghost town," said Michael Horton, an area resident.
The money will not solve everyone's problems, but local officials will push for an even bigger piece of the federal pie.
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