COLUMBUS (December 3, 2001) – Governor Bob Taft today announced 40 nonprofit organizations and one public housing authority will receive nearly $3.9 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to assist low-income Ohioans. The grant funds will be awarded through the Ohio Housing Trust Fund (OHTF) Request for Proposals program. The funds may be used for emergency rent, mortgage or utility payments; supportive services linked to housing programs; housing counseling and tenant/landlord mediation; project-based rental assistance and operating subsidies; emergency home repairs/handicapped accessibility modifications or downpayment assistance. "I am pleased that these funds will help low-income Ohioans and their families with a wide range of housing needs," Taft said. The Ohio Department of Development’s (ODOD) Office of Housing and Community Partnerships administers the OHTF Request for Proposals program. The program promotes affordable housing opportunities, expands housing services and improves housing conditions for low-income families and individuals. The OHTF Request for Proposals program is funded through a combination of federal TANF and state OHTF dollars. The majority of grantees receiving TANF dollars will also receive OHTF funds.