Building Homes, Building Community

For more than 10 years, the Historic South Initiative has been working alongside neighbors and partners to strengthen Toledo’s Old South End. Our mission is simple: create safe, affordable homes for families who want to put down roots here.

We are also building brand new modular homes on formerly vacant lots. These homes are designed for energy efficiency and affordability while fitting the character of the neighborhood.

Buyer Eligibility

Must meet area median income requirements for Lucas County.

Must have a Pre-Approval letter from mortgage lender.  If not already working with a lender, click button below for a list of lender partners.

Must have completed or will commit to completing the required financial literacy program.

If not already working with a realtor or a lender, refer to the list of recommended lenders or realtors below.

💡 Buyer Assistance in Toledo

Thinking about buying a home in Toledo’s Old South End? Several programs can help make your purchase more affordable.

The City of Toledo offers up to $9,500 in down-payment and closing-cost assistance for eligible buyers purchasing in designated neighborhoods—including our NRSA. In most cases, a first-time homebuyer is defined as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years.

Beyond the city’s program, local lenders also offer their own down-payment and closing-cost products, including grants, forgivable loans, and reduced-cost mortgage options. Banks such as KeyBank, Fifth Third, Huntington, and others may have programs that can layer with city assistance and lower your upfront costs even further.

If you’re exploring homeownership for the first time—or coming back after a few years—there are multiple paths to help you get started.

👉 Learn more here.

🏦 Lenders

• John Frank – Key Bank

• Julia Lee – Huntington Bank

• Faye Smith – Fifth Third Bank

• Warren Fleer – Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union