In order to develop homeownership opportunities for its residents, Greene Metropolitan Housing Authority (GMHA) established the non-profit Sensible Shelter, Inc. (SSI). Sensible Shelter, Inc. was incorporated on May 3, 1989. Sensible Shelter, Inc. has as one of its purposes "To develop real estate for the purpose of providing the opportunity for home ownership for persons and families of low to moderate income." SSI has been used as the vehicle for developing innovative homeowner projects.

SSI started by developing five homes in Xenia through a partnership with the City of Xenia. SSI received a Community Development Block Grant and matched it with funds of GMHA as well as a small construction loan to finance the construction costs of the homes. The homes were then sold to five residents of GMHA through a land contract with a 5% interest rate. No down payment was required. At the end of five years, the families got mortgages through financial institutions. The five-year land contract provided time for the families to develop a credit history and to accrue equity in the homes.

In 1990, SSI used Low Income Housing Tax Credits to develop ten single-family homes and eight townhouse apartments on a section of 30 acres of land that it purchased in Xenia. The ten single-family homes were lease-to-purchase home. At the end of the fifteen-year tax credit period, the families living in the homes purchased the homes for the amount owed on the mortgages. Half of the original families were still living in the lease-to-purchase homes and became home owners. The single-family homes have three bedrooms and 1300 square feet. Sensible sheleter acquired ownership of the eight townhouse units for lease to low to moderate income families.

In 2006, GMHA received an award for development management of Wise Manor from Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing. In 1992, SSI began a 37 home three-phased development in the northern section of Xenia. The development called Fairview was in collaboration with the City of Xenia, the State of Ohio and Central State University. Ohio Housing Trust Fund's compensating balance load and CDBG funds were used for development. Homes were sold to first time homebuyers with income below 115% of the area medium income level. Most of the households had income below 80% of the medium income level with a few families having income between 80% and 100% of the area medium income. Central State University through a federal grant assisted with marketing the homes, homebuyer education, and down payment assistance.

GMHA is currently looking at further development of the land it owns near Wise Manor.

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