A magazine from The Community Foundation

Winter 2021
Letter from the Foundation President

I am pleased to present Your Impact Quarterly, a new

magazine publication from The Community Foundation. You
will receive a printed magazine like this one twice per year
along with our e-newsletter. If you don’t already receive the
e-newsletter you can sign up on our website. Through this
magazine, we will share stories of projects, collaborations and
change that you, our donors, made possible.
This month marks one year since the world turned upside
down due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a year unlike any
other, the Foundation continued pursuing our mission to
improve the quality of life in Hancock County by partnering
with you to serve those in need. In the inaugural issue of Your
Impact, we tell a story of the eviction prevention program, a
collaborative effort to keep our family, friends and neighbors
safe in their homes during this critical time. This is just one
example of how your gifts have changed, and potentially saved
lives.
I cannot overstate how grateful I am. From your support to the work of local nonprofits
organizations, to the service of healthcare workers, frontline responders and many more, there
are too many people to thank by name. But know that you made a difference in the lives of many
in 2020 and will continue to do so in 2021.
As we continue to navigate the impact of the pandemic, the Foundation will support the work
taking place to care for our neighbors and recover from the aftereffects. I invite you to give
to the Community Emergency Support Fund to be a part of this work as well. So far, nearly
$300,000 has been awarded from this fund and we hope to continue to make grants so long as
dollars are available.

Yours in service,

Brian P. Treece, Ed.D.

President & CEO – The Community Foundation
 Table of Contents
04 Averting Catastrophe

09 Foundation Coronavirus Response

10 New Funds Established

11 Financials, Events and Updates

Averting Catastrophe
Eviction Prevention Collaboration Alleviating
Pandemic-induced Housing Plight
By Joy Brown
Hope House personnel are accustomed
to empathetically addressing the region’s
most sorrowful housing situations, but the
COVID-19 pandemic has added a layer of
anguish that makes them pause and choke up
when articulating the problem. With lives and
livelihoods threatened in unprecedented ways,
more people here are hurting like never before,
they said.
Locking eyes in passing in a Hope House
hallway with a fellow mask-clad, middle-class
mother hammered home for Director Sue
Lehman the heightened level of Hancock
County eviction hardship.
Counseling a solidly self-sufficient but
recently laid-off grandmother, responsible
for raising her grandchild solo, in the ways of
4 | Averting Catastrophe
financial assistance to avoid getting forced
out of their home shook program supervisor
Starr Laytart, L.S.W.
Contending with a client whose fear of
exposing his immunocompromised child to
the virus therefore prevented him from going
to work has been a heartbreaking example of
calamitous love, explained Missy LaRocco, pro
bono director/managing attorney of Legal Aid
of Western Ohio, Inc.
“The numbers have risen astronomically”
since the pandemic, said Lehman of people
accessing Hope House services. For the
first two weeks of October, the organization’s
intake load increased by 75% more than it did
for the entire month of September.
Systemic Support
The region’s disastrous eviction situation
immediately drew the attention of The
Community Foundation and several other
nonprofits. During a virtual meeting TCF
hosted this past spring, representatives
unanimously agreed that eviction was, and
continues to be, the most pressing pandemic-
induced public assistance imperative.
Economic contraction, the resulting
unemployment spike and, in some instances,
health-related hardships have exponentially
exacerbated the region’s already-problematic
rental housing market. Far more individuals,
many of them long-established financially
stable wage earners, can no longer afford to
pay their rent.
Those working throughout the nation within
the nonprofit sector point out that two federal
eviction moratoriums haven’t been enough to
stave off the surge.
“Even with the moratorium, Hancock County
continues to see evictions,” said newly
appointed TCF President Brian Treece, who
was instrumental in gathering nonprofit
partners at the pandemic’s start to pinpoint
how organizations could best leverage their
offerings and CARES Act dollars.
Many available rentals to those with an
eviction on their record are substandard or
even dangerous, said LaRocco.
To make matters worse, the eviction problem
isn’t expected to let up any time soon. When
the second moratorium expires at the start of
2021, an estimated $25.1 billion to $34.3 billion
in back rent will be owed, and up to eight million
people will be facing eviction filings, according
to a housing tracking tool developed by the
global advisory firm Stout Risius and Ross. To
place that last figure in perspective, an Oct. 19
Reuters story reported, “In a typical year, 3.6
million people face eviction cases, according
to the Princeton University Eviction Lab, a
national housing research center.”
The local problem’s criticality necessitated
a rapid response. The result: Housing Help
Line establishment through the new Eviction
Prevention Task Force (EPTF). The group, led
by Hope House, is focused on offering direct
rental relief to keep people in their homes while
they continue to find jobs and identify other bill
payment options.
In April, $255,000 was secured for this effort,
including $155,000 from TCF’s William D. Frack
Field of Interest Fund, M. Margaret Foster
Women and Children Field of Interest Fund,
a COVID-19 fund and unrestricted funds;
$20,000 from Hope House CARES Act money
from the Ohio Development Services Agency;
and $50,000 from the HHWP Community
Action Commission.
Another funding infusion came in September
from Hancock County government, which
awarded $500,000 for emergency assistance
for individuals and households facing a
COVID-19-related eviction and/or utility shut
off. The county commissioners are well aware
of residents’ dire situations created by job
loss, reduced work hours, daycare closings,
quarantining, illness, and caregivers to
immunocompromised individuals.
Treece expressed gratitude for the monetary
assistance made possible thanks to Hancock
County Commissioners Timothy Bechtol, Mark
Gazarek and Brian Robertson; county Auditor
Charity Rauschenberg; and City of Findlay
Mayor Christina Muryn.
“This need is far bigger than charity alone” can
accommodate, Treece said.
Also contributing expertise and resources to
this significant and complicated community
wide endeavor are Legal Aid of Western Ohio,
Inc.; Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock
County; Hancock County Metropolitan
Housing Authority; Hancock Christian
Clearing House; FOCUS; Hancock Properties
Foundation; the University of Findlay; area
landlords; and United Way of Hancock County.
During the first funding round, 2,000 tenants
in need of assistance was too much for the
EPTF to immediately handle. Therefore, a
sliding fee scale was developed to provide 150
families with three months of rent assistance
($200,000 total) and 50 families with one-time
assistance of $25,000.
Your Impact Quarterly | 5
By the Numbers: The local statistics speak for themselves

Shortage of 70% of 161 school-aged 3.8% to 17.3%

2,500 units
for individuals making less
than $35,000 annually, prior
to the pandemic
individuals
who are homeless here were
working before the pandemic
began and had income upon
intake at Hope House
children increase
in Hancock County were The pandemic caused
homeless in 2018. Hancock County’s
unemployment rate to spike
from March 2020 to April

• A local government and multiagency 2020 housing market study found a 97% multifamily apartment
occupancy rate and only 30% of rental homes designated as single family.
• The EPTF estimated 2,000 households would need emergency rental assistance come late summer 2020,
with many more expected down the road.
• Six months was the average relayed in a recent survey that asked local nonprofits how long they
think they’ll be able to last without having to tap into additional resources or altar their operations.
• More than 80% of those completing intakes for COVID-19-related assistance at Hope House have
never accessed services in the past, which means the pandemic has forced many middle-class
families into the low-income spectrum
• Of the 9,509 Hancock County renters in spring 2020, 4,111 were paying more than 30% of their
gross income on housing costs, putting them into the cost-burdened category.

Hundreds have received Housing Help Line
assistance thus far. As of Oct. 16, more than
$220,000 in emergency rental assistance
funds had been used to serve 97 households
comprised of 247 people. There had been
140 intakes totaling 361 people, said Lehman.
All have different stories to tell, and all have
desperately needed the support.
Carla (name changed to ensure privacy) is a
case in point. In January, Carla, a single mom
to two young children, had just entered the
workforce after her marriage ended. Between
her job as an elementary school aid and child
support, she was able to make ends meet.
That changed in March with her pandemic-
related layoff. With no safe and affordable
childcare alternatives, no job, and being
ineligible for unemployment because she had
only worked a short time, Carla found herself
in an unprecedented Catch-22 situation. Hope
House employees said she had never used
6 | Averting Catastrophe
any support services and had no idea where
to ask for help. Her landlord, a Hope House ally,
directed her to the agency, which was able to
provide her with emergency assistance and
prevent a catastrophic event of homelessness
for her family.
Service Sector and Societal
Consequences
A portion of the local grant funding is being
used to pay for additional staffing needs;
Lehman said some part-time nonprofit
workers’ hours have been increased. This
eviction prevention collaborative is being
conducted as an additional community
service, thereby further extending a
traditionally busy network. But the long-term
benefits are clear. Organization members say
that, along with directly assisting families in
need, like Carla’s, this stabilization funding will,
in turn, lessen the burden on area nonprofits.
Evictions can detrimentally affect families
for decades or indefinitely and can have a
generational impact. A legal eviction leaves
a permanent record, which often prevents
people from finding future housing. Even an
eviction filing can harm an individual’s chances
at alternative housing; Hope House workers
say some landlords won’t dig further into
court records to find out if the eviction actually
occurred.
Homelessness can then cause a hardship
cascade that is difficult to mitigate, and the
pandemic is exacerbating
those issues. Children
with other agencies if needed, gain trust,
and otherwise guide first-timers through this
traumatic experience. “We serve the whole
person. We don’t just serve a house. In a non-
pandemic year, this is hard work,” she said. “We
treat people no matter who they are or where
they come from… with dignity and respect. If
you don’t qualify for something, we will work
hard to connect you with where you need to
be.”
Some have only needed one month of rent
to stabilize themselves. Others, however, are
more tapped out.
“People are coming to us

“
required to learn online
lose internet access, are well behind” on payments
We treat people no of all kinds, said Lehman.
often forced to switch
schools, and are further matter who they are or Nationally, approximately
exposed to the virus. The where they come from… 63% have sold off assets
physical health and mental to pay for rent by actions
with dignity and respect. such as cashing out
well-being of all involved
can take its toll. Moreover, If you don’t qualify for retirement accounts,
the societal costs rise something, we will work paying with credit cards
exponentially as more “ and depleting their savings
hard to connect you with accounts.
seek public assistance.
Researchers at New where you need to be. Assistance that’s tied
York University and the to federal funding can
Federal Reserve Bank of often be confusing and
Philadelphia examined the costs of homeless frustrating for anyone because it often comes
shelter provision, emergency room use and with parameters that can deny needed help
diminished earnings to estimate the average to people who acquire mere pennies more
social cost of each eviction filing: $8,000 in than the cutoff, LaRocco said. It’s called the
New York state, or approximately $5,000 when “benefits cliff,” and it refers to the sudden
adjusted for Ohio costs. Conclusion: it costs decrease or denial in public benefits that can
less to try to prevent an eviction than it does occur when individuals experience a minute
to help someone financially, physically and earnings increase. Even some who were
emotionally recover from one. receiving federal housing assistance before
Nonprofits are taking note of the sharp the pandemic are forbidden to provide a comfy
increase in traditionally middle-class families couch for friends and relatives to sleep on
asking for assistance. Their first-time status temporarily because of strict guidelines that
means they must not only be educated about prohibit any extra occupants, she said. If they
the aid process from the ground up but are do offer such help, they could face eviction
struggling mightily with the humbling and what themselves.
some consider to be humiliating act of having
to ask for such help. “We treat people no matter who they are
“There are a lot of tears,” said Laytart, who or where they come from… with dignity and
detailed the great effort it takes for nonprofit respect,” said Laytart. “If you don’t qualify
workers to listen, sympathize, encourage, for something, we will work hard to connect
explain how things work, connect people you with where you need to be. We never just
Your Impact Quarterly | 7
do things halfway here. We don’t want to see
people come back. It’s a beautiful thing to offer
hope, guidance, support and a listening ear.”
Who is listening to nonprofit employees as
they adjust to this new normal?
“Our staff are facing our own personal
challenges with COVID-19. We’re watching
our case managers” for burnout, said
Lehman. “They’re doers, they feelers, they’re
professionals and their hearts are invested.”
do things halfway here. We don’t want to see
people come back. It’s a beautiful thing to offer Given the problem’s extent, and the pandemic’s
hope, guidance, support and a listening ear.”
Who is listening to nonprofit employees as
they adjust to this new normal?
“Our staff are facing our own personal
challenges with COVID-19. We’re watching
our case managers” for burnout, said
Lehman. “They’re doers, they feelers, they’re
professionals and their hearts are invested.”
Relief Pitchers
The rental crisis, however, has also
strengthened community partnerships and
encouraged organizations to work together in
uncommon ways. Local leaders partly credit
the Center for Civic Engagement with laying
the groundwork for such collaboration; the
Center’s mission is to connect resources for
enhanced services to address challenges
ranging from food insecurity to illiteracy.
Hancock County’s eviction prevention effort
“is only possible because everyone is doing
How You Can Help
Donate directly to individual community nonprofits that are assisting with
the housing crisis. At The Community Foundation, give to the Community
Emergency Support Fund.
At Hope House, visit www.findlayhopehouse.networkforgood.com.
8 | Averting Catastrophe
this together,” said Treece.
“The collaboration has been phenomenal,”
said Lehman. “Relationships were good before,
but this has heightened those. We’ve been able
to forge trust in a process. We’re willing to take
on whatever is needed to make this work.”
Consequently, in hundreds of instances so
far, tears that have fallen from frustration and
fear have turned into tears of relief as families
receive essential stopgap help with rental
payments.
uncertain effect on future economic
developments, Eviction Prevention Task Force
members say they are committed to offering
rental assistance through the end of this year.
Hope House workers say they’re grateful
for this year’s funding that has provided
emergency relief and much-needed longer
term stabilization for individuals and
community nonprofits.
“January 2 holds the key to how the beginning
of 2021 will play out as it marks the end of
the current moratorium on evictions,” said
Lehman. Statistics and empirical evidence
shows there are many households still in need
of rental assistance who have not yet reached
out for help, she noted.
“We know the economic impact of the
pandemic will not be short-lived,” Lehman said.
 Foundation Coronavirus Response

$300,000 10 $145,000 $1.3M

awarded number of contributed awarded in Donor
in grants grants awarded by donors Direct Grants

$2M 5
state/federal dollars leveraged trainings focused on pandemic response and
through advocacy work recovery offered to nonprofit organizations

Nonprofit Spotlight
Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County
Despite the challenging times we’re living in, the
Humane Society continues to care for our furry
friends and neighbors. Consider any of the following
funds at www.community-foundation.com to help to advance their mission to educate the public
on care and responsible treatment of animals; to humanely provide for and protect unwanted,
lost and abused animals; and, to create a quality environment for all animals through its policies
and presence in the community.

• Daisy Fae Grieser Legacy Fund for Humane Society

• Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County Fund
• libbi and friends >^^< legacy fund
• Louie Foster Humane Society Fund

Your support of their work is appreciated!

Your Impact Quarterly | 9
New Funds
These funds are new to the Foundation since our last publication in June 2020.
John G. and Pauline A. Andrews Memorial Fund
This fund, established by the Andrews’ family, will support several nonprofit organizations they were passionate about
including Christian Clearing House, Findlay City School District’s school nurses department, First Presbyterian Church
of Findlay, Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County, Hancock Historical Museum, and Hancock Parks District’s
Riverbend Recreation Area.

John G. and Pauline A. Andrews Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship fund, established by the Andrews’ family, will support a graduating senior from Findlay High School.

Community Emergency Support Fund

This fund will be used for response and recovery efforts during community emergencies, like the coronavirus pandemic.

Catherine and DeBow Freed Community Support Fund

The Freeds established this fund through their estates to support organizations close to their hearts, including the University
of Findlay; Mazza Museum; Town and Campus Club; City Mission; Girl Scouts of Western Ohio; Boy Scouts of America, Black
Swamp Area Council; Hancock County 4-H; and Hancock County FFA programs.

Judy Hall Music Scholarship

This scholarship, established by friends and family in honor of Judy’s outstanding career, will support a Findlay City Schools
graduate pursuing a degree in music.

Hancock Literacy Fund

This fund benefits Hancock Literacy and its programs providing lifelong literacy support to all Hancock County residents.

Kathy Kreuchauf Future Generations Fund

This fund was established in celebration of Kathy’s 12 years of leadership of The Community Foundation. In her time as
President, Kathy helped the organization triple in size and develop its community leadership platform.

Katherine L. and Roy R. Schwinn Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Katherine Schwinn through her estate plan to benefit a graduating senior from Findlay
High School who will major in music or business.

Roy R. and Katherine L. Schwinn Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Roy Schwinn through his estate plan to benefit a graduating senior from Cory Rawson
High School who will major in agriculture or business.

10 | New Funds
Finance Update
The Foundation Pooled COMPOSITE returns vs. the
benchmark as of December 31, 2020 were as follows:
• For the 1-yr period,
the Total Return was +14.8% vs.+13.0%.
• For the 3-yr period,
the Total Return was +8.1% vs. +8.2%.
• For the 5-yr period,
the Total Return was +9.6% vs. +9.5%, and the FHCCF
Hurdle ROR of 7.5%
• For the 10-yr period,
the Total Return was +7.3% vs. +6.9%, and versus the
FHCCF Hurdle ROR of 7.3%

Upcoming Events
Handbags That Help Celebration Meeting
Wednesday, April 14 at 5 p.m. (via Zoom)

Public Listening Tour Meetings

Design
Tuesday, March 23 at 12 p.m.
AR Marketing
Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m.
Via Zoom – RSVP on our website Printing
Millstream Kennedy
Foundation Updates Writing
The Foundation is excited to announce changes coming
Joy Brown & Genna Freed
to our website soon. We will implement a new, user-
friendly giving platform and a portal for fundholders. Photography
Stay tuned for more. AR Marketing

Your Impact Quarterly | 11

 www.community-foundation.com
101 W. Sandusky St., Suite 207, Findlay, OH 45840 | (419) 425-1100