Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority

Program Overview

The Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA) was established in 1938. LMHA's goal has been to provide adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity, and suitable living environment free from discrimination. LMHA, one of the largest landlords in Lorain County maintains and manages a total of 1654 units.

LMHA has 675 units designated for elderly/disabled/singles located in Lorain, Elyria, Oberlin, and Amherst. Two (2) buildings (200 units) located in Lorain and Elyria are designated solely for elderly and disabled. Family developments consist of 779 units located in Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin.

Eligible applicants pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. All utilities are provided in the high rise units. High rise residents are responsible to pay their own telephone and cable television services. Residents in family developments are responsible for payment of gas and electricity.

LMHA offers a variety of programming at its developments generally funded through federal grants. Some of the programs offered in the past included karate classes, state tested nurses aide training, small business training, after school tutoring, drug intervention and prevention programs, and other programs to enhance LMHA resident's quality of life. A healt and fitness program is offered in five (5) high rises. This is presented in collaboration with Community Health Partners under the auspices of the RSDM federal grant. The program focuses on educating the senior and/or disabled resident about health issues. Many free amenities are provided including monthly screenings for high blood pressure, glucose tolerance, cholesterol, etc. and in the near future, dental services.

LMHA, in conjunction with the Nord Center, offers three (3) floors of Assisted Living units located at the Lakeview Plaza complex located at 310 7th Street, Lorain.
The Assisted Living Center offers special assistance to maintain and prolong independent living to the residents of the Center, thereby forestalling premature institutionalization of an individual.

Applications for housing are available at the Administrative Offices located at 1600 Kansas Avenue, Lorain, Ohio.

FAQ’s for Public Housing Applicants

How am I placed on the waiting list?

Applicants are placed on the waiting list by bedroom size, by date and time of application and by the number of Local Preferences they can document. The more preferences you can document, the higher you are placed on the waiting list. The preferences are listed below:

Veteran/ family of serviceman
Applicants (head/spouse or co-head) who have been employed a minimum of 90 days (without regard to amount earned; Elderly/disabled applicants afforded same preference as an applicant employed a minimum of 90 days)
Applicants who live or work in Lorain County
Applicants paying more than 50% of gross monthly income toward rent and utilities of a leased unit for a minimum of 90 days (the unit must be leased in the applicants name; utilities must be in the name of a household member in the applicant family)
Applicants who are leaving the Shelter + Care Program due to budget constraints.
Homeless. An applicant must provide documentation certifying they are homeless. Applicants must meet HUD’s definition of homeless.
Displacement by government action (Documentation will be accepted from local, state, or federal government agencies).
Victims of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, will be given a first and foremost preference up to one (1) year from the date of the declared disaster. Proper documentation (written verification from Federal, State or Local Emergency Management Agencies, the Red Cross or other agencies outside the jurisdiction of LMHA) must be supplied by the applicant.
Applicants whose household includes a child receiving social security benefits for a disability.

Additionally, an applicant that is a one person elderly, disabled or displaced family will be given a preference over an applicant that is a single person who is not elderly, displaced, or a person with disabilities, regardless of the applicant’s local preferences. (per QHWRA published 2-18-99, PHA’s are permitted to retain this preference and LMHA has chosen to retain this preference).

SECURITY DEPOSITS

How much will my security deposit be?

The security deposit for Tenant Families is $100.00.
The security deposit for Elderly or Disabled Individuals/Families is $50.00.
The security deposit for “Singles” is $100.00.
The security deposit for Harr Plaza and International Plaza is one month’s Total Tenant Payment.

INCOME

How much money can I receive and still qualify for Public Housing?

Listed below are the income limits effective 2-13-08.

Number of persons in household	Allowable Annual Income
1	$34,800
2	$39,750
3	$44,750
4	$49,700
5	$53,700
6	$56,750
7	$61,650
8	$65,600
9	$69,600
10	$73,500
11	$77,550
12	$81,500
13	$85,500