Dayton-based nonprofit initiates $50M plan to tackle food scarcity and boost healthcare access

By Zack Frink, Elevate Dayton

Homefull, a nonprofit organization in Dayton, has initiated a $50 million endeavor to tackle the food desert in west Dayton and improve healthcare accessibility for the local population, converting 16 acres of unused land into a flourishing community, reports the Dayton Business Journal.

Setting the Stage: The two-stage project aims to introduce housing, food, and employment opportunities to the area, addressing the fundamental problems of food shortage and housing instability in the region.

The Specifics: The first phase involves the construction of a 48,000-square-foot facility that will accommodate Homefull Grocery & Marketplace, a regional wholesale food center, a primary care practice by Kettering Health, and Ziks Family Pharmacy.

The second phase will see the development of up to 144 affordable housing units and an experimental/educational farm in collaboration with Sinclair Community College's Agricultural Department.

Crunching the Numbers: Supported by $5.7 million from the City of Dayton and American Rescue Plan Act funds, the project is anticipated to generate 380 temporary construction positions and 200 long-term jobs.

The Big Takeaway: This initiative seeks to provide not only essential services such as food, healthcare, and job assistance to residents but also empower them to lead prosperous and satisfying lives.