In 2023, Strategies to End Homelessness launched RentConnect. The program reduces the number of people experiencing homelessness in Greater Cincinnati. And it increases available, safe housing options.
RentConnect recruits local property owners to list their rental units to households experiencing and at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Why we need RentConnect
Cincinnati has one of the fastest growing rental markets in the nation. Making it difficult to find affordable housing. According to Redfin’s national rental analysis, Cincinnati had the nation’s highest percentage increase in year-over-year median asking rent.
From February 2024 to February 2025, the median asking rent increased by 15.3%. Nationally during the same period this metric only increased by 0.4%. Rents are rapidly increasing. Therefore it is imperative that we do everything to help program participants find affordable housing.
How RentConnect Works
Local property owners can join RentConnect and list their available units in our marketing platform, Padmission. Then our partner agencies access listings in Padmission. And assist their program participants in their housing search. This includes Shelter Diversion and supportive housing program participants.
If they do lease through Padmission, property owners receive direct rental payments from partner agencies for 3-6 months. After that, the household exits from the program, and they take over the rent payments.
Benefits
Property owners can earn a bonus with their first lease signing through Padmission. And they are eligible for risk mitigation funds for damaged units.
Furthermore, property owners know that their tenants have wraparound services. These services address any barriers to achieving housing stability. Also, tenants learn about leases, tenant responsibilities, and property owner responsibilities. Additionally, a dedicated RentConnect team supports property owners.
Finally, there are always program participants looking for housing. Therefore property owners can reduce their vacancy rates by working with RentConnect.
Partner Agencies
There are eleven local partner agencies:
- Bethany House Services
- Found House Interfaith Housing Network
- Housing Plus
- Independence Alliance
- Lighthouse Youth & Family Services
- Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
- Over-the-Rhine Community Housing
- Shelter Diversion Program
- Talbert House
- VA Cincinnati
- YWCA Greater Cincinnati
Staff from these partners use Padmission to find affordable housing for the households enrolled in their programs. Then after a safe housing inspection, program participants can sign a lease, move in, and start their journey to housing stability.
