1. Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority
1600 Kansas Ave
Lorain, OH 44052

2. MISSION STATEMENT
The Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority is committed to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing for the residents of Lorain County.

3. ABOUT US
Since 1938, Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA) has provided affordable housing for the low-income citizens of Lorain County.
We are federally subsidized through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD funds various housing programs that provide rent subsidy, giving low income individuals the opportunity to live with dignity while paying an affordable rent.
As the largest landlord in Lorain County, LMHA strives to partner with local agencies to provide programs and activities to enrich the lives of its residents.

4. TYPES OF HOUSING Public Housing
LMHA is the landlord and the participant’s rent is based on their income
There are over 1400 units
Applications are no longer being accepted for this program and the waiting list is currently closed

5. PUBLIC HOUSING LOCATIONS LMHA manages sites in Lorain, Elyria, Amherst, and Oberlin
High Rises
Family Developments
Lakeview Plaza
Kennedy Plaza
Albright Terrace
J. F. Oberlin Homes
Westgate Apartments
Riverview Plaza
Westview Terrace
Leavitt Homes
Southside Gardens
Oberlin Homes
Wilkes Villa

7. Public housing New Construction

8. Elderly and Disabled Housing
Lorain
Elyria
International Plaza
100 units
Harr Plaza
100 units

9. Housing choice voucher program (section 8)
The voucher follows the participant
Approximately 3200 vouchers
Participants choose units managed by private owners
Applications are no longer being accepted for this program and the waiting list is currently closed
HUD VASH (vouchers for eligible homeless Veterans)
HCVP Homeownership Program – open to current voucher holders only
(LMHA is a HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency)

10. Paper applications are no longer accepted
Admissions
Applications available online only at:
Paper applications are no longer accepted
You may apply online at our Main office,
1600 Kansas Ave., Lorain, OH 44052, during normal business hours
Applications are no longer being accepted for this program and the waiting list is currently closed

11. Admissions General information
Rent is based on 30% of the gross income
Your length of time on the waiting list varies (we no longer use preferences or points)
LMHA does not provide emergency housing
Residents with no income pay a minimum rent amount of $50 per month
A Security deposit is required for all units

12. Resident Services
LMHA has found that once the housing needs are met, our residents have other needs that prevent their households from becoming self-sufficient.
LMHA hopes to provide the assistance or referrals that will help enhance the residents’ life.
LMHA partners with other agencies and service providers to offer various programming and services such as:
Childcare – Horizon Activities Center (Wilkes Villa)
After School Nutrition Programs
Summer Food Programs
Transportation (limited)

13. Resident Services cont…
Vita Free Tax Services
Employment Programs -STARS (OMJ)
Food Pantries
Recreational Programs
Education Assistance
Credit Counseling and Financial Literacy classes
Homebuyer Education
Green Thumb Program
**Services provided may be contractual**

14. Some partners through collaboration
Boys and Girls Clubs of Lorain County
Lorain County Metro Parks (Splash Zone)
El Centro
Lorain County Free Tax Program – United Way
Ohio Means Jobs
Horizon Activities Center
Lorain County Health and Dentistry
Lorain County Office on Aging- RSVP
Lorain County Community Action Agency
**We also partner with other Agencies, Organizations, and Service Providers throughout Lorain County who serve our Residents**

15. Fatherhood Initiative
Programs and Outreach
Fatherhood Initiative

16. Programs and Outreach
Junior Olympics

17. Programs and Outreach
Green Thumb

18. Programs and Outreach
Green Thumb

19. LMHA Service Coordination
Provides assistance and access to community- based supports, skills training, and resources.
The Resident Service Coordinator (RSC) assists the elderly with referral services that may allow them to remain in their homes, maintain their independence, and avoid premature admission to more costly institutionalized care.
The RSC works with adults in the family developments to assist them with achieving economic security by linking them to programs that will improve their literacy, job skills, education, money management, etc.

20. LMHA Service Coordination
The RSC serves as a liaison for the residents by providing direct assistance with upholding lease obligations, eviction prevention, house keeping, rent exemptions, etc.
For more information, please contact:
Elizabeth Boardwine, Resident Service Coordinator
1600 Kansas Ave., Lorain, OH 44052
(440)

21. Family Self –Sufficiency (FSS)
The Family Self-Sufficiency program is a free, goal-driven, voluntary program available to all residents wishing to achieve self-sufficiency.
Participants have the opportunity to earn an interest-building, tax-free escrow account by working and paying rent.
When a participant’s rent goes up due to an increase in earned income, the difference between the initial rent and the new rent is placed in an escrow account. Once goals are accomplished, the total saved amount will be issued to the participant.
One-on-one case management.

22. Family Self- Sufficiency Coordinators
Public Housing
Housing Choice Voucher
Jani Justice, PH FSS Case Manager
1600 Kansas Ave
Lorain, OH 44052
(440)
Dolly Justice, HCV-HO Coordinator HCV FSS Coordinator 1600 Kansas Ave Lorain, OH (440)

23. LMHA Program Coordination
Resident Council (RC)- A governing elected body of officers at each high rise in position to help promote and accomplish the residents’ wants and needs. Resident Councils help residents empower themselves, better their lives, and help promote an effective partnership between residents and LMHA.
Lorain Area Resident Council (LARC), Resident Advisory Board (RAB)- A governing board made up of Resident Council officers, Public Housing Family Site residents and Housing Choice Voucher participants who aspire to improve the quality of life for all LMHA residents.

24. LMHA Program Coordination
Resident Assistant Watch (RAW) - Acts as the eyes and ears for identifying criminal activity at high rises. RAW works with the local police departments and the LMHA Investigator. Internal Neighborhood Watch.
For more information, please contact:
Evelisse Atkinson, Resident Program Coordinator
1600 Kansas Ave., Lorain, OH 44052
(440)

25. Questions