Bulletin Board
Important announcements and timely information for tenants, families, guardians, caregivers, and our communities.
If you’re interested in a past newsletter, please contact us directly!
- All
- Creative Housing Board of Directors
- Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities
- Private Market Rent Subsidy
- Supported Living
CH|CR burst onto the scene in 1991, snagging our first 22 properties by the end of 1992. Fast forward to today, and we’ve ballooned to a whopping 571 homes in the community! Over the years, we’ve rolled out the welcome mat for over 2,400 individuals with developmental disabilities living their best lives in neighborhoods of their choosing. Whether it’s offering an accessible and affordable home, helping with rent, or modifying a place to make it safe and cozy, we’re all about spreading the love. Our Creative Renovations crew kicked things into high gear back in 2007, and have tackled over 5,000 projects! They enjoy making spaces accessible with ramps, lifts, and bathroom makeovers. But the real MVP? Assistive tech and adaptive gear that have been absolute game-changers for countless folks over the years! A massive shoutout to everyone supporting Creative Housing | Creative Renovations! We can’t wait to keep serving up safe, accessible, and affordable housing for many more years to come!
To mark 35 years of awesomeness, we’re rolling out this snazzy limited-edition logo to celebrate the big milestone!
Join us in celebrating throughout the year by swinging by our website regularly as we spotlight CH|CR residents, memories, events and more!
Stay safe and find out how you can prevent fires in your home by visiting The National Fire Protection Association website. They cover many topics about how you can practice fire safety in your home.
With a caring heart and capable hands, DSP’s ensure the safety and well-being of people everyday. You are a vital and essential part of the community. The work you do is greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed. Thank you for showing up and providing such wonderful loving care. You are an inspiration, and we admire and appreciate all you do!
We’re sharing a few shoutouts, but we are grateful to all the DSP’s who commit their time caring for others each and everyday!
- Jamilla Jennings with Goodwill is super helpful and responsive. It’s nice to be able to collaborate and come up with solutions together whenever necessary.
- Caroline Shallop and the Ultimate Care team always make themselves available and take swift action when needed.
- Daudu Alghali with ViaQuest has been great to work with. He goes above and beyond when time sensitive documents need completed so that they are submitted on time.
- Benjamin Paull with Upreach is a new Program Manager, and he has been very helpful getting documents signed for annual recertifications. He’s also on top of submitting maintenance requests and following up when anything requires attention.
Creative Housing is excited to announce we will soon be providing HIGH SPEED BROADBAND Wi-Fi internet to all our homes! Check out a few details below:
- The project will begin mid-August and wrap up by the end of the year.
- Step 1, an electrician will install outlets in each home.
- Step 2, a contractor or a member of CHI staff will install the router and message board.
- Then beginning in 2026 – initiate service!
We’ll be sharing additional details as they become available, but you’re welcome to reach out to us with any questions at CreativeBroadband@creativehousing.org. We look forward to providing a digital resource that will not only enhance communication between CHI and the individuals in our homes, but also enrich the lives of those who will benefit from having efficient access to the internet.
An extreme heat advisory is in effect for Franklin County through Wednesday June 25, 2025.
Please use these recommended best practices to keep you and your home safe during the forecasted high temps.
- Set the thermostat to Cool at 78 degrees during the summer.
- When you’re away, set the temp about 7 to 10 degrees higher to avoid unnecessary use of the AC unit. On average, a household can save as much as 10% a year on cooling and heating bills just by doing so about 8 hours a day.
- Note: It may take up to 1 hour for the HVAC system to increase/decrease by 1 degree.
- The U.S. Department of Energy states that minimizing the difference between the indoor/outdoor temperatures saves on cost and provides a level of humidity control.
- Keep all windows and doors securely closed.
- Utilize window coverings to prevent the heat exposure from the radiating sunlight.
- Screen doors allow cool air to escape and hot air to enter. Keep main entry doors closed.
- When taking a shower or bath, use the exhaust fan to help remove heat/humidity.
Keep in mind, during extreme temperatures HVAC systems may not be able to adjust temperatures in the home by more than 20 degrees from the temperature outside. If you have any questions or concerns related to efficiently cooling your home, please reach out to us at maintenance@creativehousing.org.
CH|CR previously shared a post regarding possible power outages due to extreme temperatures. We encourage you to check it out and be sure you’re prepared in the event of a power outage.
The Columbus Dispatch recently warned of the risk of possible power outages occurring across central Ohio this year as a result of a hotter-than-normal summer. The excessive heat could cause power grids to become overloaded, resulting in power outages. Since releasing the warning, two power outages occurred that impacted over 5,000 AEP customers on Friday May 16, 2025. We encourage you to be prepared and sign up for the AEP outage updates.
Please be sure that you have “back up plans” in the event of an emergency. Power and/or water outages are things outside the landlord control so we would not be able to assist with or reimburse if relocation is necessary due to tenant needs. If you ever experience an outage, you’re able to view the power outage map here or call AEP at 800-672-2231 to report an outage.
Enjoy the warm weather, stay safe and hydrated!
Basements can experience water and drain backups for several reasons including drain clogs, equipment failure, and extreme weather. With the first day of Spring on March 20th, now is the time to make sure you and your basement are prepared for the unexpected.
What can I do to prepare & protect my belongings?
- Stored items should be placed in plastic totes with lids which keep out moisture and pets.
- Cardboard is not recommended for long term storage. When cardboard is in use, items should be stored on shelves or milk crates up off the ground.
- Clear out broken or unwanted furniture by scheduling for donation or bulk pickup.
- Contact leasing@creativehousing.org if you need more information on how to do this at your property.
- Ensure there is ample space around appliances and equipment.
- In general, there should be at minimum 36” around basement fixtures to all for proper functionality and servicing.
- Don’t use your basement frequently?
- Plan to visually inspect the basement on a weekly basis or periodically during extreme weather events.
- If experiencing any issues with drains other fixtures in the home, check and see if the basement is affected.
- Evidence of water (markings on the floor, matter around the floor drain, etc., should be reported to maintenance@creativehousing.org when found.
- It’s always a good idea to call from the home in case maintenance needs additional troubleshooting from the site.
What to do if I find water in my basement?
- Call Creative Housing!
- Our maintenance staff will collect information to determine next steps.
- A work order will be put in for service.
- Timeliness will be explained at the time of the request.
- Emergency calls that require same day service may require someone be onsite to provide access to the property.
- We will notify you if this is the case.
- It is important to be home if you have committed to do so.
Who is responsible for cleaning up my basement after a backup?
- Creative Housing will ensure the cause of the backup has been addressed.
- Households will be responsible to address any stored items that were affected by the event.
- See recommendations above.
- Wet cardboard/furniture/items must be removed within 48 hours
- Creative Housing equipment may be temporarily installed to address moisture issues.
- In the event the main drain backs up causing sewage in the basement, the household or a disaster clean up company should clean the area within 48 hours.
- Expectations may be outlined by the maintenance department during the event.
- Backups found to be caused by the household (wipes being flushed, objects in the drain, etc) will result in the household receiving a bill for service.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our maintenance department, who will be happy to assist. You can give them a call at: 614-418-7725 x16 or email: maintenance@creativehousing.org.
CH|CR is enrolled in a community rewards program with Kroger. We are asking for your support by simply linking your Kroger savings card. Once your card is enrolled, you’ll be able to support to CH|CR while you grocery shop!
- Visit http://www.kroger.com
- Log into your Kroger account
- Search for Creative Housing Inc or SH364
- Click enroll
And, voila! A percentage of what you spend at Kroger will be donated to Creative Housing.
We appreciate your support! If you’d like to learn more please feel free to contact us at 614-418-7725 x10.
Winter has arrived, and it’s important to be ready for the weather it brings. Please stay safe by ensuring you are properly prepared. A snow shovel and ice melt are necessary tools for those snowy and icy days ahead. As a friendly reminder, Creative Housing only removes snow/ice at apartment sites with 4 or more units when there is an accumulation of 3″ or more.
If you live in a single-family home, duplex or 3-unit home, the household is responsible for clearing their driveways and sidewalks. The household may be subject to any fines, fees or charges imposed by the city for sidewalks that are not cleared.
We wish everyone a safe winter season! If you have photos of you out enjoying the winter weather, we’d love for you to share them with us at info@creativehousing.com.
Please stop by the office to say hello and pick up your homes holiday cookie tin! We’re in the office Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between 8:00 am-3:30 pm.
Contact us with any questions 614-418-7725 x10.
*Note: Our office will close at 12pm on Tuesday December 17th and Tuesday December 24th.
Have a question or need assistance? Contact us here.