Housing Choice Voucher Program What do I need to complete a full application? Applicants need to bring the following at the time of application: Birth certificates for all persons to be on application Social Security cards for all persons on application Picture ID for all persons over the age of 18 on the application All adults on application are required to sign all forms Citizenship /Alien status for persons born outside U.S. Verification of assets of all household members Verification of income for all household members Examples of income include but are not limited to: TANF, Social Security, SSI, employment, unemployment, child support, retirement or disability pension benefits, VA benefits, alimony, bank interest, dividends and any other source of income. If you do not provide all the information at the time of your application, it will cause a delay in processing. Am I eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher Program? Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined by LMHA based on the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. By law, LMHA must provide 75 percent of its voucher to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income. Median income levels are published by HUD and vary by location. During the application process, LMHA will collect information on family income, assets, and family composition. LMHA will verify this information with other local agencies, your employer and bank, and will use the information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment. If LMHA determines that your family is eligible, your name is placed on a waiting list, unless it is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the PHA will contact you and issue to you a housing voucher. How do I apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program? LMHA opens its HCV waiting list on an as needed basis. When LMHA determines that the list is to be opened, a public notice of the opening will be made in the local newspaper ad through such other media as determined necessary to reach potentially eligible households not otherwise likely to apply. The public notice will state that pre-applications for the Housing Choice Voucher program will be accepted, by phone only, beginning at the date and time stated in the notice and ending at the date and time stated in the notice. This process takes place at least one day a year. Since the demand for housing assistance often exceeds the limited resources available to HUD and the local housing agencies, long waiting periods are common. At the conclusion of the pre-application period, each preliminary application will be entered into LMHA’s computer system and place on its waiting list. Applicants from this waiting list are then invited to complete a full application in order of the time and date of application. Full applications are taken in small groups and appointment only, at LMHA’s Byrne road office located at 211 S. Byrne Housing Operations Who do I contact regarding a past due bill? All questions should first begin with your current or past management office (whichever applies). Are assistance animals allowed? Yes. Assistance animals are allowed at all developments. Begin your inquiry with your Housing Manager. Who do I contact regarding my current rent statement? All questions should first begin by contacting your housing manager. How do I contact the Maintenance Dept. if I have an emergency at night or on weekends? The Maintenance phone number is 419-259-9470. It is answered 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. What do I do if I disagree with a maintenance charge to my account? Contact your Housing Manager, who will coordinate this issue with you. How can I avoid maintenance charges to my account? Normal wear and tear to the unit are not charged to your account. However, resident damage is charged to your account. So, to prevent damage, here are a few suggestions: 1. NEVER dump cooking grease down drain lines or toilets. Once the grease sets up, it can plug your drains. 2. NEVER flush feminine hygiene products down the toilet. 3. If you do plug a drain, have a plunger handy. 4. Keep your unit keys in your possession at all times. Leave a spare key with a trusted relative, friend or neighbor. 5. Keep your unit clean. Cleanliness keeps away unwanted pests. 6. Know where the water shut off valves are. If you happen to break a pipe or faucet, the chrome handled valves under the sinks and toilet can shut down water to the problem by turning the valve handle clock-wise as far as it goes. Remember, “righty-tighty and lefty-loosey.” What is the length of the lease? The initial term of the lease is for one year. Do I have to pay the utilities to my apartment? In some cases the resident is responsible for paying the electric and or gas utilities for their apartment. However, the agency does provide you with a utility allowance. What is the difference between the Conventional Housing Program and the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly Section 8)? In the Conventional Housing Program, LMHA is your landlord. In the Housing Choice Voucher Program, you pick a private landlord that receives a voucher for a portion of the monthly rent that the tenant is not responsible for paying. This subsidy is paid directly to your landlord every month. Are pets allowed? LMHA allows certain pets at certain developments. Resident must comply with LMHA’s Pet Rules, which include several requirements such as a pet deposit and proof of certain vaccinations. Human Resources How do I apply for employment with LMHA? It is the policy of the Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA) to only accept employment applications/résumés when we have actual job openings. Employment opportunities that are not filled internally through our job bid procedure are advertised in the local newspapers; posted on our website (click on the "Employment Opportunities" link); and included on our Job Line (419) 259-9537. Our employment ads appear in The Toledo Blade, The Toledo Journal, and LaPrensa. The Toledo Blade ads appear either in the Wednesday edition or the Sunday edition. The Toledo Blade also publishes our ads on their Website. The Toledo Journal and LaPrensa are weekly publications. Details concerning job duties, qualifications, pay rate, and the deadline to apply are all specified in our ads. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and comply with all federal and state employment regulations. What is Human Resources? The mission of Human Resources is multi-faceted and works to handle matters which include EEO Compliance; Contract Management and Negotiations; Position Classification; Benefits Administration; Recruitment; Performance Standards; Performance Evaluation; Orientation; Discipline; Training and Development; Temporary Services; Employee Relations; and Communication. Human Resources supports the needs of The Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority and provides superior service to our internal and external customers. The Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and complies with all federal and state employment regulations. What is the status of my applications/résumé? Due to the sheer volume of responses received for advertised positions, the Human Resources staff is unable to talk directly with each applicant. It is not necessary to call to check on the status of your application/résumé as a letter is sent to each person who responds to our ad, which confirms receipt of your application/résumé. Every applicant is notified, again by letter, once the position is filled. Is the LMHA affiliated with Lucas County Human Services; and/or the Welfare Department? The Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA) is not a part of the County. We are a political subdivision created by the state, which operates at the will of the local community, under the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code. We are governed by a five (5) member Board of Commissioners. The Welfare Department previously called “The Department of Human Services” is now called “The Lucas County Department of Jobs and Family Services.” They are a county entity and not a part of the LMHA. Their telephone number is (419) 213-8306. Modernization How do I get on the list to be able to bid work? The best way is to contact our office at (419) 259-9400 and ask for the MOD Coordinator. Resident Services Can you help me get phone service even if I owe money to the phone company? The LifeLine Ohio program can assist qualified persons in setting up a repayment program with their new phone service. On this program you will receive $12.38 off of your phone bill every month. If you are establishing new phone service at the time you apply; the line connection fee of $36.50 will be waived for those who are income eligible. You are considered eligible by just living in Federal Public Housing/Section 8. If you live at any LMHA public housing development or scattered site and need assistance with your phone service through this program call 419-259-9515 for staff assistance. Do you know where I can get dental care if I have no dental Insurance? The OPTIONS program links people (low income with no dental insurance or Medicaid)with dentists who have agreed to treat approved patients for reduced fees. You can call toll free 1-888-765-6789 for an application form. LMHA resident in need of furniture and food. Can you help? There are several agencies in Toledo that may be able to assist you, depending on your circumstances. We have staff that can assist you in this process. Please contact our offices at (419) 259-9524 if you have further questions.