Serving Our Seniors Magazine July - Sept 2023

Erie County has a shortage of affordable housing. If you are a civically-minded property owner, you and Erie Metropolitan Housing Authority (EMHA) can solve this problem. EMHA provides U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) assistance to eligible households, so the housing cost is kept to approximately 30% of their income. However, to do this, EMHA needs participation of local property owners as landlords. The need for landlords is great. At this time, 30% of those in need of affordable housing are families who can be considered elderly, near-elderly, and/or disabled. If you are a property owner who would like to make a lasting difference in the lives of others, please consider participating in EMHA’s voucher program. This is how to qualify. • Agree to a property inspection, which ensures the unit meets HUD’s housing quality standards. • The property owner must also share information about the property and the lease agreement so that the rent can be determined to be reasonable and affordable, in accordance with HUD’s rules. (Note: In some cases, EMHA may be able to assist the family with funding for the security deposit, as well.) Getting paid. The property owner is paid monthly. The family pays a portion of the monthly rent to the property owner and EMHA pays the balance of the amount owed, directly to the owner, by electronic payment on the second business day of each month. For a 2-bedroom home, EMHA’s current payment standard for rent and utilities can go as high as $1,049/month. If you are interested in making affordable housing available, please call EMHA for more information at (419) 625-0262 or visit the EMHA Administration Office at 322 Warren Street in Sandusky. Ask to speak with Amber Neeley. Additional information can be found on the agency’s website at www.eriemetrohousing.org High School Musical Includes Community Actors Age 60+ Serving Our Seniors would like to give a big shout out to Rex Stanforth, Drama Teacher at Edison High for including those age, 60 and better into the cast of the high school musical, Annie. Thank you cast members, Rick Hills, Mark Crumrine, Dennis Boose, Donna Sutter, William Muthig and James Shedron and David Moon, (93 years proud) for performing as President Roosevelt’s Cabinet in Annie. Civically-Minded Landlords Desperately Needed Neila Lippus and Trish Burling are grateful to Viewpoint Apartments, which accepts the voucher. Quality Realty Linda Armstrong & The A Team EachOffice is Independently Ownedand Operated OUR REPUTATION IS AS SOLID AS CONCRETE. WE are your local Real Estate Team! Gwen Kelley Linda Armstrong Katey Eirons Rossy Binette Realtor Realtor Realtor Unlicensed Listing & Marketing Coordinator L-R: Rex Stanforth, Kaira Gulett, Jeff Easer 17