Michael Hart Joins Lucas Metropolitan Housing Board of Commissioners Appointment Made by Lucas County Common Pleas Court

Hugh W. Grefe, Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMH) Board Chairman, announced that Michael Hart has joined the LMH Board of Commissioners. Hart is the Interim Executive Director of the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board (TLCHB)-the lead agency for the local homelessness services and response system. He initially began his work with TLCHB as the Director of Policy and Programming where his work was to ensure that local policies and procedures were informed by national best practices, complied with federal/state/local guidelines, and fit within the localized context of the community's Continuum of Care. Prior to joining TLCHB, Hart served as Executive Assistant for Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken and served the Board of Lucas County Commissioners in many different capacities.

"I know I speak for my fellow commissioners in extending a warm welcome to Michael Hart who becomes our newest board member," stated Hugh Grefe. "His reservoir of experience, especially in the area of homelessness services for our community, will certainly inform his contributions to our work together. Welcome Michael."

"I would like to thank the Honorable Ian English, Honorable Linda Jennings, and all of the judges of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas for their confidence and support of my appointment to serve on the Lucas Metropolitan Housing Board of Commissioners. I look forward to working with Mr. Cintron Vega, LMH staff, and my fellow Commissioners to create communities of choice in the Greater Toledo Area," stated Hart. "There is a critical need in our community for increasing the availability of sustainable, safe, and affordable housing opportunities. Equally important, I will seek to ensure that the construction of these facilities is done in accordance with area labor standards and with the highest quality workmanship possible. I am proud of and look forward to furthering the incredibly unique partnership between LMH and TLCHB to provide pathways to a better quality of life and empower vibrant communities throughout Lucas County."

"LMH has built the capacity necessary to generate unparallel synergy in our community. The synergy that is represented by the interaction and collaboration with multiple leaders and organizations that work together to achieve a combined effect that is greater than the sum of all parts," stated Joaquin Cintron Vega, LMH President and CEO. "That coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is a success. I welcome Commissioner Michael Hart and look forward to a successful partnership to continue our progressive path to achieve even more in the best interest of the people we so proudly serve."

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 2,669 Public Housing units; 4,685 Housing Choice Vouchers; 322 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit units; 8 Market Rate units and 104 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.  For more information, please visit www.lucasmha.org.