Inaugural HomeGoals Donation Presented to Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Homes Program

COLUMBUS, OH – Lower, the multi-channel fintech headquartered in New Albany, proudly presented Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Homes program with a $37,000 donation today. As part of the inaugural HomeGoals campaign, the figure was comprised of $1,000 for each home and away goal the Columbus Crew scored from the opening of Lower.com Field on July 3 through the end of the season. 

“Healthy Homes has been close to our hearts for many years. Our mission and their mission closely align to unlock homeownership for more people, so it’s perfect match,” said co-founder and CEO of Lower, Dan Snyder. “Their work to provide affordable homes and opportunities for residents in the South Side and Linden made them the clear choice for our first recipient of the funds. We look forward to seeing how they can continue their impact in those areas.”  

Healthy Homes is dedicated to providing and preserving affordable housing through the provision of homeownership, rental and home repair services in two Columbus communities, the South Side and Linden. Funding gifted from Lower will be used to begin a matched-savings account program for Heathy Homes renters. The accounts will allow individuals and families to save and generate money for a specific savings goal. They will have a meaningful impact as it can go toward a down payment to purchase a home, funding to start or expand a business, tuition assistance or job training.  

“Thanks to Lower, their ongoing partnership, generous donation, and the launch of the matched saving program, we can make an impact in the lives of central Ohio families. We know that when a family is living in a safe, affordable house, it brings a sense of stability, so that the family can focus on other things, such as a child’s education, a parent’s job and the family’s health,” said Gretchen West, Executive Director of Healthy Homes. “Through our affordable housing arm of Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families, we work to provide high-quality rental properties and home ownership opportunities by constructing new houses or rehabilitating properties.” 

When Lower and the Columbus Crew launched their official partnership in the summer of 2021, both organizations made it clear Columbus and its success were at the top of the list of priorities for the duration of the relationship. Lower is the presenting partner for the Crew’s Mini-Pitch Project, a field development project that aims to provide local youth in underserved communities with the opportunity to get outside and play soccer in safe and fun environments. HomeGoals is the second collaboration between Lower and the Crew, and has been a fan favorite, as it’s tied to each goal the Crew scored.

“It is a privilege to work so closely with a like-minded, community focused organization in Lower,” said Columbus Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “The knowledge that every goal our team scores make a positive difference in our community is truly special. Being part of an impactful program such as the HomeGoals campaign that directly benefits our neighbors in the South Side and Linden is not a responsibility that we take lightly, and we are looking forward to its continuation next season. 

Since partnering with Lower this summer to open our new home in Lower.com Field, it has been exciting to host high-profile international competitions in addition to our Crew matches,” said Bezbatchenko. “Lower.com Field will be the cornerstone of the new mixed-use development in Astor Park, and we look forward to our continued work on and off the field together to make a positive difference in Columbus.”

Lower and the Crew will continue the HomeGoals campaign in the 2022 season, which kicks off in February.