TROY — As always, 2022 was a busy year for us, continuing to serve the needs of our lower-income residents, as we have for over 40 years. We are one agency enfolding two organizations, said Executive Director Keith GunderKline of the Miami Metropolitan Housing Authority and Miami County Community Action Council.
On the Community Action side of the agency, in the last program year we served over 2,000 households in providing direct energy assistance (HEAP, winter and summer crisis programs) in addition to setting up PIPP payment plans. A major uptick in our service efforts this year was due to the nearly one million dollars in federal/state funded assistance made available to help renters address various challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The one remaining emergency rent assistance program we are administering in 2023 is expected to use up all the remaining funds well before the end of the year. Through a cooperation agreement with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency last year, we are also providing financial assistance for property tax and insurance costs to homeowners that will continue to the end of this year.
The Miami Metropolitan Housing Authority (MMHA) has provided assistance to over 1,250 Miami County residents this last year. Part of this effort is accomplished by infusing $4,480,123 into the local economy, by making Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) payments to private landlords for part of their tenants’ rent amount, thus making it more affordable. MMHA also continues to own and manage 127 units for families and seniors, providing sufficient subsidy from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to make these units affordable. In the last year we have raised the HCV payment standard significantly, twice, in response to the overall increase in market rents. This enables more tenants and landlords to participate in, and benefit from, the program. We have also just updated our rent reasonableness standards to facilitate greater access to suitable rental units.
At the start of the pandemic in 2020, our office closed for one week before reopening with enhanced physical protections and public health safety procedures and precautions. Now, our front door remains locked but we continue to meet regularly with clients in person and by phone, with pre-scheduled appointments. Applications and program information have been made available online at www.miamimha.org and are also available 24 hours a day outside our public entrances. Drop-boxes are available to leave information anytime and are checked throughout the day to receive applications and related information.
Both organizations recently completed a five-year strategic plan for 2023-2027. A basic goal is to continue to provide the key programs that we have for years, which require federal funds to function. This is our tax dollars coming back to us, to assist our neighbors and friends, many of whom are seniors or disabled persons on fixed incomes. Additionally, both organizations will be exploring new programs and funding to serve the needs of our citizens. Meanwhile, we strive to continue to provide sufficient staff support in order to continue delivering services with compassion and efficiency. We are here to help!
