LMH Awards Additional Tenant-Based Housing Choice Vouchers to Successful Program Partners

Toledo, Ohio Friday, April 2, 2021 - Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) has awarded additional tenant-based housing choice vouchers to two program partners who have continued to maximize their program utilization above the LMH-required standard of 95%.

LMH designed, developed, and implemented a 90-Day Partner Performance Plan in mid-2020 to refresh our relationships with our current Housing Choice Voucher Program partners. As part of this plan, LMH reengaged in strategic conversations with all twelve (12) permanent supportive housing partners and implemented a collaborative approach to provide them further assistance in identifying and removing barriers to performance and progress.

"We know that, when taking steps to ensure that our partners are successful, LMH also becomes successful by reporting to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the expected voucher utilization levels across the Agency's Housing Choice Voucher portfolio. More importantly, LMH continues to build strong and expansive partnerships to supplement the housing solutions we provide with the supportive services that our clients need," said LMH President and Chief Executive Officer, Joaquin Cintron Vega.

Partners who utilized all or some of their assigned vouchers at or above 95% can request additional vouchers. Once LMH determines that the partner qualifies for additional vouchers, the vouchers may be awarded. This has recently been the case for the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board's (TLCHB) Housing First program, which was awarded an additional thirty (30) vouchers, and for the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio (HCNO) Infant Mortality program, which was awarded an additional forty (40) vouchers.

"Both programs have made tremendous upward strides in utilization this last year, so we sort of look at this as a way of saying thank you for the great job they're doing serving our families," said Shanetta Moye, Vice President of the Housing Choice Voucher Program. "We want all of our partners to know that we are 100% invested in ensuring their programs' success."

"We're grateful to LMH for awarding these vouchers, which have become a key tool in our community's efforts to ensure African American and other families have healthy infants who reach their first of many birthdays," said Jan Ruma, Vice President of Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio (HCNO), which operates the Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB care coordination system. "Safe and affordable housing is critical to both a healthy pregnancy and a thriving family."

"The Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board is grateful for LMH's continued support of our No Barriers Housing initiative and proud to partner alongside them in our efforts," said Rachel Gagnon, Executive Director of the Toledo Lucas County Homeless Board. "By committing more resources to this important program, we are able to offer more individuals the foundation necessary for life improvement, thereby creating a more stable community."

About Lucas Metropolitan Housing

Established in 1933, Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) continues to provide affordable housing to adults, seniors and children in its Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Mixed-Income and Market Rate housing units. LMH also provides a myriad of programs and opportunities designed to improve the total quality of life for our residents, with the ultimate goal of achieving self-sufficiency. The programs and services are the results of successful collaborations with numerous community partners.

Our current housing portfolio consists of 2,633 Public Housing units; 4,657 Housing Choice Vouchers; 322 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit units; 198 Market Rate units and 107 Homeownership Properties. There are approximately 17,500 people who reside in LMH properties. Lucas Metropolitan Housing partners with ALL people and organizations willing to exchange ideas and efforts to enhance Toledo, Lucas County and the world.

About The Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio

Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio: Incorporated in 1972, the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio (HCNO) is a member-driven organization that represents and advocates, through a politically neutral forum, on behalf of its member hospitals and health systems. HCNO provides collaborative opportunities to enhance the health status of the citizens of northwest Ohio.

About Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board

The Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board (TLCHB) coordinates service delivery across an array of partner agencies, serves as the HUD-mandated Continuum of Care organization and engages in long-term planning for homelessness prevention. TLCHB has recently taken several important steps to enhance operations and build a stronger service delivery model for our community - one with the capability of providing the most vulnerable members of our community with a place to call home.

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