Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority “People Housing People”

Mission Statement The Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA) provides eligible residents of Stark County with quality affordable housing in decent, safe, and nourishing neighborhoods. By working in partnership with the public and private sectors, SMHA provides families with housing choices and opportunities.

Governance Political sub-division of the state Governed by a five member Board of Commissioners Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3735 Annual Contributions Contract with the Federal Government Business Model Project-based Funding Budget (16 Total) Accounting Management Oversight/Performance Assessment

Organizational Chart

Board of Commissioners Daniel Fonte, Chair –Appointed by Stark County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division Marilyn Frazier, Vice Chair – Appointed by City of Canton Mayor Roger Mann –Appointed by Stark County Board of Commissioners Dan McMasters –Appointed by Stark County Court of Common Pleas Jeffrey McDaniels –Appointed by City of Canton Mayor (Serves a five year staggered term)

The History of SMHA The Housing Act of 1937 provided subsidies to improve the living conditions for low- income families. Canton Metropolitan Housing Authority was established in April First reorganizational meeting held January 31, In 1970, the name was changed to Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority. 18 th Public Housing Authority to form in Ohio 1 of 75 PHA’s in Ohio

Economic Impact SMHA… Employs over 100 employees in locations throughout Stark County. Paid over $4,660,837 in gross wages in Remitted $95,315 in local, $116,655 in state, and $456,952 in federal income taxes. Paid $6,545,678 to vendors Paid $6,673,336 to Housing Choice Voucher landlords

Housing Programs 1.Public Housing 2.Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) 3.Assisted Housing 4. Special Programs

Public Housing Established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to high rise apartments for elderly families.

Public Housing 283 1,698 Family Sites 848 High Rise Units

Income Eligibility Household Members Income At or Below 80% of Median Income

How the Program Works Individual Completes Public Housing Application Selection and Income Verification Rent Amount Determined (30% of adjusted gross income) Participant Leases Unit Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) checked 120 Days After Lease Up Annual Recertification

Resident Services Albert H. McIlwain Scholarship Two $500 scholarships are available for all SMHA public housing residents and Section 8 participants. Summer Lunch Program Children ages 5-18 are invited to eat lunch at various SMHA sites throughout the summer months. Resident Initiative Program Designed to assist residents with achieving self-sufficiency. Employment, job training, and educational opportunities are available.

Senior Services Flu Immunizations Influenza vaccines are available to qualifying resident at little or no cost. Senior Council A forum for SMHA staff and Senior Resident Officers to meet monthly and exchange information. Meals on Wheels At several locations, seniors can purchase a hot, nutritious meal for a small donation.

Resident Association The SMHA Resident Association A jurisdiction-wide Resident Association that represents all Stark County residents living in SMHA developments. Meetings Informative monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Resident Councils Hart Apartments, Witmer Arms, Plaza Terrace & Kimberle Gardens.

Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) History Began in 1975 to assist low-income families, elderly, and individuals with disabilities to rent decent, safe, and affordable housing in the private market. Funded by HUD. SMHA… –Has successfully operated a Section 8 Program in Stark County for over 30 years. –Serves over 1,600 families.

Applying for the HCV Program Individuals and families receive a “voucher” also referred to as a “subsidy” that can be used to obtain housing of their choice in the private market which meets the Section 8 program requirements.

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (VASH) Assist chronically homeless veterans to obtaining decent, safe, and affordable housing. SMHA began the VASH Program in October 2013 with 25 vouchers. Currently, SMHA administers 50 vouchers.

Family Unification Program (FUP) Provides housing opportunities to families that are separated due to lack of suitable housing in cooperation with Stark County Job and Family Services.

HCV Participation 1,502

Program Requirements Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Non-Public Housing Current Photo ID (Household member over age 18) Official Birth Certificate Social Security Card Income Verifications Verification of Marital Status Custody Papers (if applicable) Proof of Pregnancy (if applicable) Current College Enrollment Documents (if applicable) Proof of Residency (if living in a shelter)** Landlord Reference Check** ** Public Housing Program Only

Special Programs Continuum of Care Rental Assistance (formally Shelter Plus Care) Provides permanent rental assistance to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families. Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Program Provides permanent project based assistance at Gateway Estates. HOME Tenant-based Rental Assistance Program Provides 24 months of transitional rental assistance to targeted homeless or at risk individuals and families. Mental Heath and Recovery Services Board of Stark County Local funds are allocated to SMHA by the MHRSB to provide both transitional and permanent tenant-based rental assistance to targeted homeless or at risk individuals and families and individuals residing in Adult Care Facilities. Partners MHRSB YWCA of Canton Community Services of Stark County Quest Recovery and Prevention Services

Assisted Housing 20%

Confidential Hotline SMHA has established a confidential 24/7 information hot line number to assist our residents in reporting criminal and drug activity and other lease violations on SMHA property.

Program Operating Budgets Total Operating Budget $27,302,980 $14,742,424 $7,225,191 $1,135,448 $4,199,917

Contact Us Address: 400 East Tuscarawas Street Canton, Ohio Office Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mon-Fri. Phone: (330) Website: