Local Agency Provides Rental &?Self-Sufficiency Assistance

September 26, 2013

The Geauga Metropolitan Housing Authority might be one of the best-kept secrets in Geauga County.
It is a high-performing agency and has been for the past several years.
GMHA has been providing rental assistance to low-to-moderate income families, the elderly and disabled for over 30 years. The housing authority offers two programs: Public Housing and Section 8.
Although GMHA is not currently accepting applications for its Section 8 program, it is accepting applications for its one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom Public Housing Units.
Income limits to qualify for Public Housing might be substantially higher than expected. For example, a family of four can make up to $50,700 per year and still qualify for a unit.
All family units have washer and dryer hook-ups, and a one-car garage. For single-bedroom developments, coin-operated washers and dryers as well as a beauty shop are available on site.
All rents include water, sewer and trash removal. And, single-bedroom properties also include gas and electric.
Rents are based on a percentage of the household income and will vary accordingly. For elderly/disabled families, GMHA might also take into consideration out-of-pocket medical expenses and might be able to deduct a percentage of these expenses before rent is determined.
For non-elderly/disabled families, GMHA can take into consideration if the family pays for health insurance, child or spousal support, or daycare costs for children under the age of 13.
Public Housing is a wonderful opportunity for people to catch their breath, refocus and start a new course. Public Housing and Section 8 residents can also choose to team up with GMHA’s Family Self-Sufficiency program and receive additional assistance in reaching their goals of a new job, higher education or even homeownership. They have had the privilege of witnessing several families move to their own homes.
GMHA accepts applications in its office and during regular business hours. They are closed Monday-Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. On Friday, the office closes to the public at noon.
Interested parties can also print an application from the housing authority’s website, www.geaugamha.org, and either mail it to or drop it off at 385 Center St., Chardon, OH, 44024.
Applications are also available in the GHMA’s vestibule 24/7. Questions can be answered by calling 440-286-7413 ext. 100.
GMHA hopes you will consider them for your housing needs as you seek to move on toe the next stage of your life.