With 8,940 active foreclosures — the fifth highest total among the 50 states — the Ohio Department of Development has set aside $1 million to prevent foreclosures.

Loans are available on a first-come-first-served basis through the Columbus Housing Partnership and 11 other nonprofit agencies participating in the Ohio Foreclosure Prevention Initiative, according to the Columbus Business Journal.

The Columbus Housing Partnership Web site states that the private, nonprofit organization “provides quality, affordable housing and related services to low to moderate income households in Columbus and the surrounding area.