Q. What is the Multifamily Program?
A. Lake MHA’s Multifamily RAD-PBRA Program (previously Lake MHA’s Public Housing Program) is a program funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which provides affordable rental opportunities for eligible low-income families.
Lake MHA owns three properties in Painesville, Ohio, that are a part of the Multifamily Program – Jackson Towers, Washington Square, and Woodlawn Homes. Lake MHA’s mission is to provide quality affordable housing to eligible residents of Lake County.
Q. How do I know if my family is eligible for the Multifamily Program?
A. The Multifamily Program strives to provide affordable housing choices for families who meet income eligibility requirements established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Most individuals or families who receive Social Security, SSI, or TANF benefits qualify. Working individuals and families may also qualify if their gross income is equal to or below the income limits established by HUD. Current income limits are listed on the Multifamily page.
Q. How do I apply?
A. Families wishing to apply for Multifamily Program housing owned by Lake MHA may pick up an application at Lake MHA’s office on 189 First Street, Painesville, Ohio or call 440-354-3347 and request that an application be mailed to them.
The waiting list for the Multifamily Program will be closed effective June 30, 2023. We will not be accepting applications after that date. The waiting list will reopen at a future date, which will be announced to the public and on our website.
Q. Can I fax the application to the office?
A. No, the application must be mailed or delivered to Lake MHA’s office.
Q. How does the application process work?
A. All applicants will be screened for eligibility for the Multifamily Program. Applicants will be placed on the Lake MHA waiting list based on preferred bedroom size and the following preferences: live, work or hired to work in Lake County, veteran or family of a veteran, victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and upward mobility.
Once an applicant has been pulled from the waiting list to begin the final eligibility screening, they will receive information to be completed and returned to Lake MHA. The applicant will need to provide the Housing Authority with all documents that are necessary for Lake MHA to verify eligibility for the program.
When a unit becomes available, a member of Lake MHA’s Multifamily Program staff will contact the applicant to offer them the available unit.
Q. How much will my rent be?
A. All rent is calculated on a per family basis. All rents are determined by a HUD calculation which uses a combination of income less allowable deductions. Residents pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income in rent.
Q. How long will I be on the waiting list?
A. Lake MHA is unable to give a definite wait time for Multifamily Program units. There are several factors that affect an applicant’s time on the waiting list. One of the biggest factors in determining the wait time is the number of applicants that Lake MHA has for each bedroom size. Additionally, wait times are determined by the length of tenancy of our existing residents.
However, Lake MHA does purge the waiting list annually to determine if all applicants are still in need of housing. Each family on the waiting list will be contacted to determine if they are still interested in housing. Applicants who do not respond within ten (10) business days will be removed from the waiting list. If an applicant is removed from the waiting list, they will need to re-apply for housing.
Q. It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify Lake MHA if there is a change of address.
A. Applicants must update their application in writing. No changes will be considered reported unless they are submitted in writing.
Lake MHA does not forward mail – if your mail is returned, your application will be withdrawn from the waiting list, and you will need to re-apply.
Q. What if I am denied for housing?
A. Applicants who have been denied assistance through the Multifamily Program may request a hearing with Lake MHA within fourteen (14) days of receiving a denial letter.
Q. Do you provide emergency housing?
A. Lake MHA does not provide emergency housing.
Additional information may be obtained from the 211 Lifeline Lake County. Dial 211 from any landline or 440-639-4420. A referral specialist can help you find answers to a wide range of questions and connect you with area resources that may be able to offer assistance. This service is free and available 24 hours a day.