Building Homes, Building Community
In Steuben County, more families, retirees, and young professionals are finding a place to call home. Thanks to the support of REMC Operation Round Up and the hard work of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), our community has taken important steps to better understand housing needs and prepare for the future. Operation Round Up is REMC’s program that rounds up member bills to support local causes. Real people, making a real difference, right here in our community. Their recent $5,000 grant to SCEDC helped make the 2024 housing study renewal possible, a project that the Steuben County Community Foundation proudly supported by investing in research and bringing partners together.
In 2024, SCEDC partnered with housing experts Zimmerman/Volk Associates to renew a countywide housing study, building on earlier research from 2019 Housing Project. The study revealed encouraging trends: more young professionals are choosing to move here, retirees and families continue to make Steuben County their home, and the overall demand for housing remains strong. By looking closely at the data, SCEDC is helping leaders and developers plan for housing that matches the needs of our community — whether that’s affordable rental options, starter homes for young families, or spaces that allow seniors to age comfortably in place.
This effort is already making an impact with more than 300 new units added to the market, according to SCEDC’s 2025 Project Housing reports. With renewed data in hand, SCEDC is confident that even greater results are on the horizon. The latest study projects 325 additional housing units across communities like Angola, Fremont, Hamilton, Ashley, Hudson, Clear Lake, and Orland over the next five years.
The $5,000 Operation Round Up grant played a key role in making this possible. It supported access to up-to-date datasets and the renewal of the housing study itself, giving SCEDC the tools to make informed, long-term decisions for growth. By investing in this work now, our community is setting the stage for a stronger tax base, greater population retention, and more opportunities for local families.
At the Steuben County Community Foundation, we’re proud to see how collaboration between organizations, funders, and community members sparks lasting change. We believe this kind of collaboration shows how powerful philanthropy can be. When donors give to SCCF, they help build a foundation for long-term community growth. Investments in projects like the housing study ensure that our county is prepared for the future and that every family has the chance to thrive.
Housing is more than walls and roofs; it’s about stability, belonging, and a brighter future for our community.
Together, we’re building a stronger Steuben County. A place we’re proud to call home.