Introduction

The Strategic Plan identifies what the City of Lima proposes to accomplish over the period 2000-2004 to address the affordable housing, community and economic development needs of the City's extremely low, very low, low and moderate income households as well as the At-Risk Homeless, homeless, Special Needs, including HIV/AIDS populations. The priority needs, strategies, goals and objectives were developed by the City in collaboration with focus groups and public hearings as detailed in the Citizen Participation Plan.

Guiding Principles

The City of Lima 2000-2004 Strategic Plan is based on a set of principles which shape the Plan's development and implementation. Those principles are:

• Citizen Involvement - On going and relevant input from the citizens of Lima especially from neighborhoods and the consumers and providers of affordable housing, community, and economic development services.

   

• Inclusiveness - Involvement of the consumers and providers in the activities identified in the plan to ensure efficient and effective results.

   

• Ownership - Community-wide support and participation in implementing the Plan's goals and objectives.

   

• Comprehensiveness - The identified strategies, goals, and objectives address the holistic needs of the community, neighborhoods, households, and individuals.

   

• Product Oriented - The Plan is an accomplishment oriented document with measurable outcomes and results.

   

• Relevant - The Plan will serve as a user friendly document to guide the community's affordable housing, community, and economic development activities in assisting those with the greatest need.

Other Community Plans

A number of other community plans/studies were reviewed as part of the planning process. Those plans/studies are noted below:

• City of Lima 1995-1999 Consolidated Plan
  - Annual Updates 1996-1999
• Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, 1998
  - Annual Updates 1998-1999
• Market Positioning for Downtown Lima, 1999
• Housing Strategy Task Force Report to Lima/Allen County Housing Consortium, 1999
• Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority Five Year Agency Plan, 2000
• Allen County, Ohio Community Housing Improvement Strategy Update, 2000-2002
• Allen County Community Plan For Welfare Reform
• Allen County Needs Assessment, United Way of Greater Lima, 1997

General Housing, Homeless and Special Needs Priorities, and Geographic Investment Among Priority Needs

HUD requires that the City estimate the cost to address the needs for affordable housing, homeless persons, non-homeless Special-Needs population, and non-housing community development activities during the 2000-2004 plan period. In addition, the City must assign priorities for addressing housing and homeless needs. These needs are identified on HUD Tables 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B located at the end of this section. The information contained on these tables is based on the data contained in the Needs Assessment Section. In addition, consumers and providers were asked to prioritize the needs as contained in the HUD tables noted above.

Facilities and Services for Persons with Special Needs

Persons with special needs--including those who are elderly, homeless, or have mental illness, substance abuse problems, or physical disabilities--may need specially designed housing and services. This section describes the facilities and services available for persons who are homeless as well as those for non-homeless persons with special needs.

Emergency Shelter

Emergency shelter is defined as short-term lodging for people experiencing a housing crisis. A stay in emergency housing is usually limited to 90 days. Persons access emergency shelter through referrals from religious institutions, public safety personnel, and social service agencies or street outreach workers. Shelters are funded through United Way, State, ESG and HOPWA funds, area churches, the Mental Health Board, and private donations.

Shelters may designate their beds and services for specific populations, such as victims of domestic violence, persons in psychiatric crisis, persons with substance abuse problems, and persons accompanied by children. In Lima, many of the persons who use these services are dually-diagnosed, suffering from both chronic substance abuse problems and mental illness. A large percentage (more than 50 percent) are African-American, and more than 30 percent are women.

Transitional Supportive Housing

Transitional housing is often the ideal step between emergency shelter and permanent housing. It is stable housing with a supportive service component and is time-limited, with most programs ranging from six months to two years. Support services may follow the client when he or she moves on to permanent housing. Some agencies that provide emergency shelter also offer transitional housing. Coordination is crucial among providers to ensure that individuals and families may move from one point in the continuum to the next.

Permanent Supportive Rental Housing

Permanent housing operators may provide supportive services or they may be delivered by a separate organization. In any case, persons who move from shelters or transitional housing often need supportive services to help them reintegrate into a neighborhood setting, to stay free of drugs, and to manage their finances. Some, such as those with mental illness or physical disabilities may need maintenance support services forever. This housing is also provided for the elderly.

Permanent Subsidized Rental Housing

Subsidized housing may be at development sites or may be accessed with Section 8 vouchers. It also includes special units for the handicapped, elderly, and some set-asides for special populations. The waiting list for the conventional housing program and Section 8 housing in Allen County is 4,000 families. The majority of the families on the waiting list (83%) are extremely low income households.

Facilities and Services for Homeless Subpopulations

Many of the emergency shelters and a few of the transitional ones provide assistance to persons with mental illness, physical disabilities, and developmental disabilities. Capacity, however, is limited due to the lack of required supportive services.

David's House, an HIV/AIDS service organization, provides rental assistance to persons with HIV/AIDS (10-15 households) in scattered sites using funds from the Ryan White Care Act and from HOPWA.

Victims of domestic violence often receive shelter and services from the Continuum of Care system that serves the broader population of homeless single women and families. There are 95 emergency shelter beds (through the Crossroads Crisis Center and Lima's Samaritan House) for victims of domestic violence.

Subsidized housing for the elderly and people with disabilities is provided through public housing, Section 202, Section 811 programs, and other privately owned assisted housing. Some of these units provide supportive services while others are considered independent living facilities.

Point in Time Homeless Survey

To assess the homeless situation in Lima, a point-in-time survey of all the emergency and transitional shelters providing assistance to homeless individuals and families was carried out on Thursday, June 15, 2000. In preparation for the survey, the City of Lima convened a meeting with all the shelter providers on June 7, 2000 to explain the purposes of the survey and to distribute the survey instruments. Three surveys were distributed to the shelter staff. One survey was the point-in-time survey that was to be filled out by the staff of the shelters on June 15, 2000. This survey identified the number and characteristics of the homeless individuals utilizing the shelters on that night. Another survey, for the shelter providers, was filled out by the staff of the shelters listing their agency's programs, services and observations regarding the homeless situation in Lima. The third survey instrument was a consumers survey filled out by the homeless individuals themselves. Assistance to the consumers in filling out the survey was provided by shelter staff on an as needed basis.

Point-In-Time Survey Results

On June 15, 2000, a total of 93 individuals utilized the shelters for lodging purposes. Of the 93 individuals, 22 were in emergency shelters, and 71 in transitional ones. The make-up of the 93 persons consisted of 13 women, 73 men, and 7 children. Ten individuals reported that they were experiencing some type of chronic substance abuse, 4 were in shelters as a result of domestic violence, 16 were veterans, 2 persons had developmental disorders, and 6 individuals had a physical disability.

According to the shelter providers, there were 3 turn-aways that night. One person left voluntarily, and two were turned away for not meeting or adhering to the shelter requirements.

Client Surveys

Twenty-one individuals filled out the client surveys; 13 women and 8 men. These individuals reported having 5 dependent children with them. The average age of the clients was 33 years old. The youngest was 16 and the oldest was 54. The reported period of being homeless ranged from one week to four years. Five persons reported having some type of substance abuse problems, five had some type of mental illness, three persons reported that they had dependent children with them, and three stated that they were veterans. Sixteen of the clients (76%) had either full-time or part-time employment. The most used homeless services reported by the clients were food, shelter, showers, and counseling.

Homeless Services Provider Survey

Twelve organizations responded to the Provider Survey.

Emergency Shelters

• Lima Rescue House
• Lima's Samaritan House
• Crossroads Crisis Center
• Safe Harbor
• Veterans Hope Community House

Transitional Shelters

• YMCA SRO
• Lima's Samaritan House
• Lima Rescue House

Permanent Housing

• ARC of Allen County
• LODDI (Allen County Board of MR/DD)
• AMHA

Other Homeless Service(s) Providers

• David's House
• Allen County Veteran's Commission
• LACCA

From the providers, the estimated number of homeless individuals in Lima was about 300 persons. This figure was more or less an educated guess. From discussions with some of the shelter directors and from the provider surveys, following are the high priority homeless services needs.

Homeless Priority Needs

Priority needs are based on current provider/point-in-time surveys and client surveys (copies of which are included in the Appendix).

High Priority

• Long-term safe and affordable housing solutions
• Long-term support services targeted to removing the greatest barriers to maintaining stable housing (substance abuse treatment, life skills, and job skills training)
• Housing for the most difficult to serve population (single individuals with chronic substance and/or mental illness, products of the criminal justice system)
• Better coordination and communication among the shelter providers

Medium Priority

• Longer and increased number of transitional housing options with holistic support services and aftercare, especially for persons with young children, for persons with mental illness, substance abuse, disabilities, and those from the criminal justice system
• Development of additional services and resources for those who are at risk of becoming homeless

Low Priority

• Shelters for homeless youths
• Increased substance abuse treatment on site of emergency shelters
• Increased drug and alcohol treatment and aftercare with the goal of teaching new life skills

General Housing Priority Needs

As depicted on Table 2A in the back of this section, the following general housing priority needs have been identified for the City. These priority needs were derived from information and feedback from the four public hearings, the three focus group sessions, and from input from the staffs of the City's Community Development Department, and the Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA). High priority was given to the housing needs of extremely low income (those earning less than 30 percent of the area median income), elderly, small related (households with 2 to 4 persons), and large related (households with five or more persons) households. Additionally, high priority was also given to housing needs of extremely low income, very low income, and low income owner households. On the other hand, medium priority was given to housing needs of all other renter households earning 80 percent or less of the area median income. For a breakdown of these income levels, please see the HUD Section 8 Income Limits on page 1-6.

High Priority

• Renter: Small Related (2-4 persons), earning 0-30% of Area Median Income (AMI)
• Renter: Large Related (5 or more persons), earning 0-30% of AMI
• Renter: Elderly, earning 0-30% of AMI
• Owner: Earning 0-30% of AMI
• Owner: Earning 31-50% of AMI
• Owner: Earning 51-80% of AMI

Medium Priority

• Renter: Small Related (2-4 persons), earning 31-50% of AMI
• Renter: Small Related, earning 51-80% of AMI
• Renter: Large Related (5 or more persons), earning 31-50% of AMI
• Renter: Large Related , earning 51-80% of AMI
• Renter: Elderly, earning 31-50% of AMI
• Renter: Elderly, earning 51-80% of AMI
• Renter: All Others, earning 0-30% of AMI
• Renter: All Others, earning 31-50% of AMI
• Renter: All Others, earning 51-80% of AMI

Low Priority (none)

Geographic Distribution Among Priority Needs

Unless otherwise indicated, the geographic distribution of the activities noted below will take place on a citywide basis. The rationale for this geographic distribution of funds is providing assistance where eligible households reside and efforts to ensure citywide community development needs are addressed.

Obstacles to Meeting Under-served Needs

The Housing and Community Development Needs Assessment of the Consolidated Plan identified obstacles to meeting under-served needs. These are noted below.

• Nearly every part of Lima has lost population since 1970
• Overall declines in Lima's population results in a shrinking tax base and diminishing enrollment trends in elementary and high schools
• High school graduation rates in the City of Lima are below County and State rates
• The City has a lower percentage rate of persons 25 years and older that have a college degree or higher, and/or that have some college or an associate's degree
• Persons living in poverty are increasing in Lima
• Poverty has become more geographically distributed in Lima
• Lima's population decline from 1970 to 1990 was significantly greater than the decline in housing units
• The absence of an urban growth policy limiting the conversion of rural lands for new residential development within Allen County exacerbates the housing surplus conditions in Lima
• There are fewer housing units in most parts of Lima
• Vacant housing units increased 50 percent from 1980-1990
• Homeownership rates declined in Lima from 1970 to 1990
• In 1999, 71 percent of all property maintenance costs for contractors involved vacant and abandoned property
• Tenants complain about properties that are not maintained or improvements that are promised, but not completed
• Landlords complain about tenants that fail to pay rent or damage property
• Tenants believe that they pay too much for substandard housing
• Landlords believe properties are undervalued and they cannot generate adequate rents
• AMHA has a waiting list of 4000 families
• In Lima, the use of single-family homes as rentals has increased
• Coordination and communication among providers is important. Programs should continue to be targeted at providing long term self-sufficiency
• Zoning regulations inhibit some types of affordable housing
• Communication and cooperation among neighborhood organizations is important in order to develop a clearly defined, citizen-based neighborhood strategy
• The private sector needs to become more involved in neighborhood based activities
• Financial and human resources from City government are not sufficient to address all affordable housing, community, and economic development needs
• A more structured landlord/tenant education/counseling/conflict resolution program is needed
• AMHA needs more Section 8 vouchers and certificates
• There is a need to expand and improve the public transit system
• The funding of public services and the need to offer additional economic incentives to retain existing businesses and attract new ones presents a financial dilemma
• There is a need to improve cooperative efforts among City, County, and regional entities in industrial targeting
• Additional training is needed to provide better skilled workers for area businesses and industry
• The City needs to develop its brownfield sites
• The community as a whole needs to develop a positive image for the City of Lima

Strategies, Goals, and Objectives

1. AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Strategy: To retain and expand safe and affordable housing for extremely low, very low, low, and moderate income households.

Activity A: Rehabilitation

Goal: To improve the condition of existing housing stock by providing rehabilitation assistance to 450 units provided the required lead-based regulations of September 15, 2000 do not dictate otherwise.

Objectives:

(1) Rehabilitate 75 owner occupied housing units during the period 2000-2004 using HOME, CDBG, lender, and other funds.

(2) Rehabilitate 150 renter occupied housing units during the period 2000-2004 using landlord, lender, and OHFA Housing Credit resources.

(3) Rehabilitate public housing resident units during the period 2000-2004 using public housing funds.

(4) Assist 225 units needing emergency repair during the period 2000-2004 using CDBG, State and other funds.

(5) Rehabilitate At-Risk homeless and Special Need housing units during the period 2000-2004 using lender, State, CDBG, HOME, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, HOPWA, and other funds.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2A indicates a High need for extremely low income small, large, elderly renters and low income owners, and a Medium need for all other renters.

(2) HUD Table 1A indicates a High need for Homeless, At-Risk Homeless, Special Needs persons.

(3) Focus groups indicate a need for affordable housing assistance.

(4) AMHA waiting list consists of 4,000 families.

(5) Housing Strategy Task Force emphasized importance of rehabilitation for homeownership.

Activity B: New Construction/Scattered Site

Goal: To encourage the development of scattered site new housing opportunities for all income ranges by developing 100 new units of owner-occupied or lease-purchase housing dispersed throughout the City of Lima.

Objectives:

(1) New construction of scattered site, owner-occupied or lease-purchase housing units during the period 2000-2004 using owner equity, lender, CDBG, HOME, and OHFA Housing Credits resources.

(2) New construction of At-Risk homeless and Special Need housing units during the period 2000-2004 using lender, State, Emergency Shelter, OHFA Housing Credits and HOME funds.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2A indicates a High need for extremely low income small, large, elderly renters and low income owners and a Medium need for all other renters.

(2) HUD Table 1A indicates a High need for Homeless, At-Risk Homeless, Special Needs persons.

(3) Focus groups indicate a need for affordable housing assistance including new construction.

Activity C: Weatherization

Goal: To provide energy efficient units by supplying weatherization services to eligible units provided the required lead-based paint regulations of September 15, 2000 do not dictate otherwise.

Objective:

(1) Provide weatherization services during the 2000-2004 period using CSBG and other funds.

Rationale:

(1) Focus group results indicated a need for weatherization.

Activity D: Lead-Based Paint Reduction

Goal: To provide lead-based paint reduction services to eligible units.

Objective:

(1) Provide lead-based paint reduction services during the 2000-2004 period using CDBG, HOME, and other funds.

Rationale:

(1) Focus group results indicated a need for lead-based paint reduction services.

Activity E: Ownership

Goal: To increase the affordability of housing by maintaining and expanding existing home ownership opportunities to 250 very low, low, and moderate income households.

Objective:

(1) Expand and develop opportunities for homeownership by providing down payment/closing cost assistance, flexible financing, and training assistance for renters, public housing residents, and persons with Special Needs during the period 2000-2004 using household equity, lender, HOME, CDBG, State, and local funds.

(2) Develop a "rent to own" program in cooperation with local area housing providers.

 

Rationale:

(1) Focus group identified a need for affordable housing for prospective homeowners.

(2) HUD Table 2A indicates a High need for low-income owners.

(3) Housing Strategy Task Force called for increasing homeownership rate.

Activity F: Code Enforcement (Building and Property Maintenance)

Goal: To improve the condition of the existing housing stock by carrying out code enforcement activities.

Objective:

(1) Maintain and expand property maintenance code enforcement activities during the period 2000-2004 to ensure that renters, owners, At-Risk homeless, and other persons with Special Needs live in safe, decent housing that complies with local codes using CDBG and other funds.

Rationale:

(1) Focus groups indicated a need for code enforcement.

(2) Neighborhood associations and the Housing Consortium have called for increased code enforcement.

Activity G: Demolition

Goal: To reduce blighting influences on neighborhoods by demolishing dilapidated residential and commercial structures.

Objective:

(1) Demolish 250 structures during the period 2000-2004 using CDBG and other funds.

(2) Neighborhood associations and the Housing Consortium have called for increased demolition.

Rationale:

(1) Focus groups indicated a need for demolition activities.

Activity H: Support Services

Goal: To provide assistance for At-Risk Homeless and housing opportunities for Special Needs households by providing a "Continuum of Care" with appropriate support services for these households.

Objective:

(1) Provide support services as they relate to housing for extremely low, very low, and low-income households as well as At-Risk homeless, public housing residents and persons with Special Needs during the period 2000-2004 using Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, HOPWA, CDBG, HOME, State, and local funds.

(2) Deliver coordinated support services to target beneficiaries with relevant housing information, referral, counseling services as well as homeownership training using Emergency Shelter, AMHA, CDBG, HOME, and other resources.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 1A indicates a High need for permanent supportive services (outreach/assessment) for At-Risk Homeless and Other Persons with Special Needs.

(2) Provider surveys indicate a need for support services for At-Risk Homeless and Special Needs populations.

(3) Focus group results indicated a need for support services for At-Risk Homeless and Special Needs populations.

Activity I: Rental Assistance

Goal: To provide rent supplements, including extension of current assistance, throughout Allen County, for public housing residents, At-Risk Homeless and housing opportunities for Special Needs by providing a "Continuum of Care" with appropriate support services for these households.

Objective:

(1) Provide rent supplement (Section 8 vouchers and certificates) throughout greater Lima and Allen County to At-Risk Homeless, public housing residents and other persons with Special Needs during the period 2000-2004 using Emergency Shelter and public housing authority funds.

 

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2A indicates a High need for rent supplement for extremely low income small, large, and elderly family renters and a Medium need for other low income renters.

(2) Focus group results indicated a need for rent supplement.

Activity J: Fair Housing

Goal: To ensure that all residents have housing choices regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or handicap by providing fair housing services.

 

Objective:

(1) To provide education, training, and conflict resolution regarding Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Executive Order 11063, and the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988.

(2) Closely monitor the implementation of the City's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice and respond to complaints regarding unfair practices in housing with the view to reduce violations.

 

Rationale:

(1)Focus groups indicated a need for fair housing services.

Activity K: Planning/Administration

Goal: To cooperate and coordinate with public and private affordable housing providers in order to provide effective and efficient housing opportunities and support services for extremely low, very low, low, and moderate income households, At-Risk Homeless, public housing residents and persons with Special Needs by providing planning and administrative services.

Objective:

(1) Establish activities that increase the level of cooperation and coordination between neighborhood groups, local, State and/or Federal officials for all income groups during the period 2000-2004 using CDBG, HOME, Federal, State, local, and private funds.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2B indicates a Medium need for planning.

2. Community Development

Strategy: Provide for stable, lively neighborhoods where diversity is valued, residents feel secure and empowered through strong organizations, have access to quality services, and can engage in school activities, work, and recreation within a safe and clean environment.

Activity A: Infrastructure

Goal: Repair, replace, and upgrade the infrastructure in Lima's neighborhoods and provide infrastructure in other areas to ensure balanced development.

Objectives:

(1) Repair, replace, and upgrade infrastructure as needed in neighborhoods with emphasis on extremely low, very low, low, and moderate income households as a way to eliminate blight, promote community pride, and encourage re-investments in neighborhoods during the period 2000-2004 using CDBG, Federal, State, and local funds.

 

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2B indicates there is a High need for infrastructure improvements in the areas of street and sidewalk improvements and accessibility.

(2) Focus groups indicated a need for infrastructure improvements.

Activity B: Public Services

Goal: To provide public services to complement and supplement existing City and communitywide efforts to ensure a diverse and balanced development of neighborhoods.

Objective:

(1) Maintain and expand existing public services in such areas as youth services, senior services, transportation, substance abuse, employment training, crime awareness, child care, health, and fair housing to the City's extremely low, very low, low, and moderate income households, At-Risk Homeless, and persons with Special Needs with a particular emphasis on households which reside in the CDBG target area during the period 2000-2004 using CDBG, Federal, State, and local funds.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2B indicates a Medium need for Senior, Youth Services, Transportation, Substance Abuse, Employment Training, Child Care Services.

Activity C: Environmental Services

Goal: To provide for a clean and healthy environment for all Lima neighborhoods.

Objectives:

(1) To mitigate adverse environmental conditions in the City during the period 2000-2004 using CDBG, Federal, State, and local funds.

(2) Prompt and efficient delivery of the City's environmental services including street sweeping/cleaning, snow removal, tree trimming, waste collection and disposal, vacant lot management, and debris clearing in properties using local and other funds.

Rationale:

(1) Focus group results indicated a need for environmental services.

(2) HUD Table 2B indicates a Medium need for sewer improvements.

Activity D: Public Facilities (including Recreational Services)

Goal: To provide for an appropriate level of public facilities in order to enhance the quality of life for Lima's households.

Objectives:

(1) Improve the quality of public facilities including parks, public areas and recreational services in the City with a particular emphasis on increasing access for persons with special challenges and low-moderate income households during the period 2000-2004 using CDBG, Federal, State, and local funds.

(2) Sponsor a variety of recreational activities for all age groups, particularly the youth, in ways that promote productive and meaningful interaction among their peers as alternatives against gangs, drugs, violence, criminal offenses, and teen pregnancy.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2B indicates a High need for Parks and Recreation facilities.

(2) Focus groups identified a need for recreational activities, especially among youth.

Activity E: Public Safety

Goal: To ensure that Lima's neighborhoods are safe, decent, and viable environments.

Objectives:

(1) Expand policing, especially community policing, to ensure safe and drug-free neighborhoods using CDBG, Weed & Seed, State, and local funds.

(2) Improve security at assisted housing projects using AMHA, Federal, State, and other funds.

(3) Support efforts toward expanding and improving emergency-response capabilities of police, fire, and other public safety personnel.

 

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2B indicates a High need for Crime Awareness and Other Anti-Crime Programs.

(2) Focus group results indicated a need for better public safety services.

Activity F: Public Health

Goal: To promote healthy lifestyles and values with proper nutrition and exercise.

Objectives:

(1) Support efforts that educate the population on healthful living for children, youth, and adults.

Rationale:

(1) Focus group results indicated a need for expanded and coordinated delivery of public health services.

Activity G: Public Transit and Transportation

Goal: To provide safe and reliable public transportation for all City residents, especially those in CDBG target areas.

Objectives:

(1) To improve and expand the public transportation system by linking more households to places of work, education, recreation, shopping, and support services with an emphasis on extremely low, very low, low, moderate income, At-Risk Homeless, and Special Needs populations using CDBG, Federal, State, and local funds.

(2) Study and implement plans which move traffic along local streets and major thoroughfares ensuring safe routing, proper location of traffic signals and street signs, and use of traffic calming measures in residential neighborhoods.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2B indicated a Medium need for safe and efficient transportation services.

(2) Focus group results indicated a need for improved transportation and traffic circulation.

Activity H: Neighborhood Empowerment

Goal: To provide technical resource assistance in order for residents to play a greater role in community leadership and self-empowerment.

Objectives:

(1) Provide technical assistance to non profits and neighborhood associations to establish Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO's) so that neighborhoods can develop the resources and skills to carry out housing and community development efforts during the period 2000-2004 using HOME, CDBG, Federal, State, local, and other funds.

(2) Ensure area residents are well informed on neighborhood issues and development concerns through involvement in community planning, socio-cultural activities, leadership and organization training, project development and management, and participation in workshops during the period 2000-2004 using CDBG, Weed & Seed, and other funds.

Rationale:

(1) Focus groups indicated a need for greater neighborhood involvement by citizens.

(2) Housing Strategy Task Force and focus groups indicated need for active CHDO.

Activity I: Neighborhood Revitalization

Goal: To increase the number and quality of opportunities available to neighborhood groups to actively plan and implement physical and social improvements in their respective areas in cooperation with other neighborhood groups and partnerships.

Objective:

(1)Assist in efforts to stabilize and revitalize distressed neighborhoods with improved housing quality, reduced vacancies in housing units, increased private sector, and non profit investments in economic, health and social activities, and enhanced security using CDBG, Federal, State, local, and other funds.

Rationale

(1) Focus group indicated a need for neighborhood revitalization.

(2) Housing Strategy Task Force called for neighborhood revitalization.

Activity J: Inter-Agency Cooperation

Goal: Establish processes and procedures that increase the level of coordination and cooperation between neighborhood groups, private, and public sectors.

Objective:

(1) Establish activities that increase the level of cooperation and coordination between neighborhood groups, local, State and/or Federal officials for all community groups during the period 2000-2004 using Federal, State, local, private, and CDBG funds.

Rationale:

(1) Focus groups indicated a need for greater cooperation among government, the private sector, and citizenry.

(2) Housing Strategy Task Force called for inter-governmental cooperation on housing study.

3. Economic Development

Strategy: Retain and expand employment and business opportunities for City residents.

Activity A: Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction

Goal: To promote a business environment conducive to retaining, expanding, and attracting business activities through appropriate investment incentives, economic, (or technical) assistance, and infrastructure support.

Objectives:

(1) Maintain, develop, and implement programs, incentives and assistance in support of existing economic development activities to attract and/or expand business concerns in strategic locations as a means of addressing poverty and promoting investment in target areas during the 2000-2004 period using Federal (Section 108 Loan Guarantee), CDBG, State, and private funds.

(2) In cooperation with Downtown Lima, Allen Economic Development Group, Lima-Allen County Visitors and Convention Bureau, and the Lima/Allen Chamber of Commerce, successfully promote Lima as a favorable business location citing the availability of developed/developable industrial/commercial sites, an educated and skilled/trainable labor force, a well maintained infrastructure network, quality services, and social amenities.

(3) Attract new businesses in the high-tech field, without precluding the location of desired activities in the services and manufacturing sectors that generate long term job opportunities for Lima residents.

Rationale:

(1) Focus group results indicated a need for business retention and expansion.

(2) HUD Table 2B indicates a Medium need for Other Economic Development Assistance.

Activity B: Regional Cooperation

Goal: To promote cooperative efforts among City, County, and other municipal agencies that advance individual and common interests in targeting industrial development.

Objective:

(1) Support working groups composed of business interests and political leaders from the City, County, and adjoining townships to formulate and implement a program framework for industrial targeting, recruiting and location, with the view of collectively harnessing resources to advance mutual and individual interests.

Rationale:

(1) Focus group results indicated a need for public sector cooperation.

Activity C: Micro-Enterprise Development (Small Business Support)

Goal: To promote entrepreneurship and economic independence especially among low and moderate income individuals, and in target census tracts, with appropriate gap financing and technical assistance for small business development. Assist small individual, minority, and female-owned businesses to grow through a variety of public/private financing and technical assistance tools.

Objective:

(1) Support the establishment of a Small Business Incubator where in a single location a number of start up, minority, and women-owned businesses can locate and receive technical assistance, financial assistance, share space, clerical services, and equipment with an emphasis on assisting extremely low, very low, low, and moderate income households through a variety of public/private financing and technical assistance tools during the 2000-2004 period using Federal, State, local, and private funds.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2B indicates a Medium need for micro-businesses.

Activity D: Coordinated Job Training/Job Placement (School-Employer Interface)

Goal: Provide work force skills development through coordinated job training and job placement for the under-employed, high school, and college students to prepare them for gainful employment through apprenticeship and/or hands on training in industries of their choice.

Objective:

(1) Coordinate existing job training and job placement efforts for persons entering, in transition, or re-entering the job market.

(2) Advance collaborative efforts between schools and area businesses to promote skill development training to meet employer needs for the transition from school to work.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2B indicates a Medium need for employment training.

Activity E: Downtown Revitalization

Goal: Create incentives for businesses to re-invest in the Central Business District (CBD) by providing planning, financial, technical, architectural, engineering, and design assistance.

Objective:

(1) Provide activities directed to revitalizing the central business district in order to maintain and create permanent private sector job opportunities and eliminate slum and blight. Activities include economic restructuring, organizational refinement, facade and streetscape improvements, infrastructure, rehabilitation, design standards, and loan programs using CDBG, Federal, State, and local funds.

(2) Assist in efforts toward fostering dynamic relationships among commercial, institutional, residential, and pedestrian activities in the central business district, with due regard to safety, convenience, and aesthetics.

(3) In cooperation with Downtown Lima, Inc., Allen Economic Development Group and Allen County implement plans by promoting the advantages of locating in downtown Lima including well maintained infrastructure and ready access to quality support services and social amenities.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2B indicated a Medium need for Other Commercial Improvements, Commercial-Industrial Infrastructure and Commercial-Industrial Rehabilitation.

Activity F: One Stop Employment Center

Goal: To provide a central employment facility that links area and regional employers with human resource development centers in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), using Federal, State, and local funds.

Objective:

(1) Support the establishment of a "One Stop" Employment Center based in Lima that provides information and leads on local, regional, and Statewide employment opportunities, manpower development programs, employability skills training, and providers using State and County funds.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2B indicated a Medium need for Employment Training.

Activity G: Development of Industrial Sites

Goal: To increase Lima's ability to attract new economic development activities that require sizable tracts of land.

Objective:

(1) Identify and/or establish suitable locations for industrial and commercial activities within Lima's city limits by acquisition, clearance, no-boundary annexation, and similar actions while meeting the physical infrastructure needs of prospective business using CDBG, Federal, State, and local funds.

(2) Pursue efforts to study possible rehabilitation and re-use of abandoned industrial sites for similar or related uses.

Rationale:

(1) HUD Table 2B indicates a Medium need for Rehab: Publicly or Privately Owned Commercial/Industrial Development.

(2) Focus groups indicated a need for industrial reuse of abandoned sites.

Non-Housing Community Development Plan

The strategy, goals, objectives, and rationale identified under the preceding Community and Economic Development sections comprise the City's non-housing community development strategy.

Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy

The City of Lima does not have a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy, as defined by HUD regulations, but may implement one or more areas within the Plan period.

Strategy to Remove or Ameliorate Barriers to Affordable Housing

There are many public policies at the Federal, State, and local level which present "barriers" to developing affordable housing in Lima. In addition, institutional practices from both the public and private sectors also pose obstacles to affordable housing development. These barriers impact the development of affordable housing by:

• increasing the cost of developing/maintaining affordable housing
• acting as disincentives to economic development
• preventing the production/maintenance of affordable housing
• discouraging neighborhood involvement
• deterring the level of assistance sought by potential consumers

The following is an assessment of the barriers from both the public and private sectors and strategies to remove or ameliorate the identified barrier.

Public Policy Barriers

Federal Barriers

• Shrinkage in supply of Federal dollars and subsidized units for affordable housing; changes in public housing policies to reserve half of all new admissions for households above 30 percent of income; loss of privately owned Section 8 units and federally insured units from the assisted housing inventory to the private market. Reduced funding for HUD under the budget cap requirements. Restrictive requirements of HOME long term affordability mandates. Federal limitations on Low Income Housing Tax Credits. Private mortgage companies not subject to the Community Reinvestment Act requirements.

  Strategies

  • Work with AMHA to improve acceptability of Section 8 among landlords;
  • Design HOME activities which limit long term affordability mandates;
  • Work with HUD to include mortgage companies under CRA requirements.

State Barriers

• Inadequate State budget line items for affordable housing; absence of State legislation which would allow full faith and credit of the State to support affordable housing and economic development bond issues.

  Strategies

  • Work with other public/private housing developers to increase State budget line item allocation for affordable housing and allow State to issue full-faith-and-credit bonds for affordable housing and economic development.

Local Barriers

• The City lacks the financial resources to address affordable housing needs in older neighborhoods due to middle/upper class suburban flight; land use and zoning regulations which discourage new construction techniques and creative renovation; the need to streamline development processes so that land disposition and other development can occur efficiently; the need to balance the desire for neighborhood compatibility in housing design features with affordability considerations; the need for efficient code enforcement balancing safety with the cost of rehabilitation; and the need for strict enforcement of Fair Housing regulations to reduce the impact of housing segregation, school segregation, disinvestment, and the isolation of racial and economic classes.

  Strategies

  • Increase City allocations for infrastructure improvements;
  • Examine County/City land use and zoning regulations to make the regulations more up to date, consistent, and unified;
  • Work with County officials to expedite sheriff sale/tax delinquent disposition and appraisal processes;
  • Expand code enforcement activities to ensure timely and efficient code inspection while limiting displacement from compliance efforts;
  • Expand outreach and partnership with neighborhood organizations;
  • Strictly enforce Fair Housing regulations.

Private Sectors Barriers

• Not all lending institutions must comply with CRA requirements; instances of "redlining" still occur with lending institutions and insurance companies; perception of risk focuses private developers on "safer" neighborhoods.

  Strategies

  • Strictly monitor CRA requirements, including close monitoring of HMDA to identify apparent instances of redlining and predatory lending;
  • Work with private developers to reduce the perception of "risk."

Market Factors

• Nationally, the gap between the income of low income households and the cost of housing is growing. Most job growth in Allen County and the City of Lima is in lower paying retail and service sector jobs. Most job creation is occurring in suburban areas. Frequently, low-income households seeking to purchase a house do not have adequate credit or the necessary down payment to secure financing. The "Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY)" attitude, especially in suburban areas, restricts affordable housing development, especially rental housing.

  Strategies

  • Continue to assess market affordability gap of consumers and housing products, especially for very low-income households;
  • Continue efforts to provide transportation for central City employees to suburban job opportunities;
  • Conduct communitywide education program regarding the assets/benefits of affordable housing;
  • Examine the adoption of a "Fair Share" approach to affordable housing where suburban communities agree to accept a portion of any new development to include "some" affordable housing units.

Actions to Evaluate and Reduce Lead-Based Paint Hazards

The City of Lima will carry out the following activities in order to comply with the September 15, 2000 Federal lead-based paint regulations:

• Implement four approaches to implementing lead hazard evaluation/reduction
  • Do no harm
  • Identify and stabilize deteriorated paint
  • Identify and control hazards
  • Identify and abate lead hazards
• Lead hazard reduction based on amount of assistance provided
  • Repair surfaces disturbed during rehabilitation
  • Interim controls and standard treatment
  • Abatement
• Data collection as it relates to the rehabilitation process
  • Age of structure
  • Age(s) of children living in the unit
  • Status of the children-have they been tested for lead in the blood? If so, what are the results?
  • Has the unit been evaluated for lead hazards in the past?
  • Notification/distribution of pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home to client
• Property Inspection
  • Lead hazard evaluation (if cost of rehabilitation including lead hazard reduction exceeds funds available, unit is a walk away)
  • All lead hazard reduction activities will be performed by State licensed contractors
  • Disclosure of risk assessment will be provided to client
• Lead Hazard Reduction Activities will be based upon the following rehabilitation costs
  • Work below $5,000 - Safe work practices
  • Work from $5,000 to $25,000 - Interim controls
  • Work above $25,000 - Abatement
• Occupant Protection
  • Contractor is responsible for safe work practices to protect all occupants during rehabilitation
  • Temporary occupant relocation will not take place if the following occurs:
    • Lead hazard reduction can be completed within one, eight (8) hour period
    • When units exterior is treated
    • Lead hazard reduction work will be completed within five (5) calendar days; work area is sealed at the end of each day; and occupants have access to safe and sanitary sleeping, bathroom, and kitchen areas
• Post Rehabilitation Activities
  • Final Inspection and Clearance
  • Occupant will be advised to maintain lead hazard reduction through visual checks and wet cleaning of surfaces on a monthly basis

Homeless Strategy

The City of Lima's Homeless Strategy is based upon a "Continuum of Care" model. This a coordinated network of shelter and social service providers working to assist homeless persons and families with the stabilization of their lives and the goal of eventually placing them into permanent housing. The shelter continuum begins with emergency housing, continuing into a transitional living environment, proceeding with supportive permanent housing, and ending with permanent unsupported housing. All along the way, appropriate supportive social services would be provided (medical, job training, education, counseling, day care, etc.). It is estimated that the total homeless population in Lima consists of approximately 300 persons.

Anti-Poverty Strategy

The City of Lima's anti-poverty strategy is a multi-faceted approach for reducing the number of households with incomes below the poverty line.

The first approach is to provide safe and affordable housing for extremely low, very low, low, and moderate-income households. Specific activities the City will undertake over the next five years include owner rehabilitation, homeownership, code enforcement, demolition/clearance, support services.

• The City will work with affordable housing providers in an effort to provide scattered site, owner-occupied new construction, rent supplement, and supportive services for renovated housing units.

The second approach is to establish healthy neighborhoods through balanced, diverse development of public facilities, infrastructure, housing, commercial, recreational and safety activities.

• The City will continue its efforts to provide infrastructure with street and sidewalk improvements including park and recreation facilities throughout the City with emphasis on CDBG target areas.
• The City will continue to provide neighborhood groups with technical assistance and facilitate neighborhood empowerment efforts. Also, the City will continue to address poverty issues in conjunction with non profits and neighborhood organizations.
• The City will support efforts on behalf of other community development providers in the areas of public service, public facility, transportation and safety activities.

Economic development represents the third facet of the City's comprehensive anti-poverty strategy.

• Economic development efforts will be expanded by retaining and expanding employment and business opportunities for City residents. Specific activities include working with the private and public sector in establishing a one-stop employment center, fostering regional cooperation, encouraging the development of small business assistance programs, coordinating job training and placement, promoting downtown, and beginning a process to develop industrial sites. Intergovernmental cooperation will be continued through the efforts of the Allen Economic Development Group, Downtown Lima, Lima-Allen County Chamber of Commerce, and other Federal, State, and local government entities (e.g., County Commissioners, AMHA).

Examples of where the City has cooperated with the private and public sectors in developing an anti-poverty strategy are:

• Working with local lending institutions and real estate agents to establish a first time homebuyer program using City administered HOME funds.
• Providing CDBG and HOME dollars for homeowner rehabilitation.
• Carrying out systematic code enforcement and selective demolition and clearance.
• Providing CDBG and HOME dollars to non profit affordable housing providers.
• Providing CDBG dollars for Fair Housing activities to ensure compliance with Federal and State Fair Housing and Affirmative Action requirements.
• Providing CDBG dollars to targeted neighborhoods for infrastructure improvements on streets and sidewalks.
• Coordinating affordable housing, community and economic development efforts with agencies such as AMHA, LACCA, and other community-based human services providers.

Description of Institutional Structure

The City of Lima, through the Department of Community Development, has overseen the preparation and implementation of the 2000 - 2004 Consolidated Plan and the Annual Plan. Through public hearings and focus groups, the Department was able to obtain input from the City's providers of affordable housing, community, and economic development programs and services, as well as neighborhood associations and other community-based organizations and concerned citizens.

The following is a discussion of the Lima affordable housing, community, and economic development delivery system.

A. Public Institutions

Local Public/Quasi-Public Organizations:

1. City of Lima

Department of Community Development - Coordinates Consolidated Plan activities. Administers CDBG and HOME activities: housing, neighborhood support, and property maintenance.

Departments of Public Works and Utilities - Public infrastructure, water, streets, parks and recreation, utilities, and building and zoning activities.

Police and Fire Departments - Public safety and fire activities.

2.Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) - Maintains public housing projects and administering Section 8 activities. Implementation of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program and 5(h) Homeownership program.

3. Allen County Human Services Department - Administers a variety of programs to assist very low, and low-income households in securing housing, frequently on an emergency basis.

4. Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission - Implements planning activities including land use and transportation. Administers various State and Federal grants.

5. Allen County Children Services - Provides supportive services to children in crisis, including housing.

6. Allen County Mental Health - Provides housing and supportive services to special needs population. Solicits funds and provides housing for drug, alcohol, and mentally ill populations.

7. Allen County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmentally Disabled - Provides housing and supportive services for special needs population.

8. The Ohio State University-Lima Branch - Provides educational and technical assistance and training as a public institution of higher learning.

9. Lima Technical College - Provides educational and technical assistance and training as a public institution of higher learning.

10. Area Boards of Education (Lima, Bath, Elida, Perry, Shawnee) - Provides primary and secondary public education for City's public school students.

11. Regional Transportation Authority - Provides public transit for Allen County including services for elderly and handicapped.

12. Allen County Health Department - Provides health services to low-income families.

13. Allen County Council on Aging - Provides services to seniors in Allen County including housing, and information and referral services.

State Departments:

Many of the State departments noted below have County counterparts.

1. Mental Health - Provides financial assistance to special needs population (alcohol, drug abuse, mentally ill). Services include housing and supportive services.

2. Mental Retardation/Developmentally Disabled - Provides financial assistance to special needs population (mentally retarded/developmentally disabled). Services include housing and supportive services.

3. Ohio Department of Aging - Provides assistance to elderly population. Services include housing and supportive services.

4. Ohio Department of Development - Provides financial assistance to political subdivisions and non profits in the form of loans (Ohio Housing Finance Agency) and grants to develop affordable housing.

5. Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission - Provides financial and supportive services to individuals with severe disabilities.

6. Human Services - Provides housing, financial, and supportive services to children.

7. Ohio Department of Transportation - Provides financial assistance to political subdivisions for streets and highways.

B. Nonprofit Organizations

1. Lima/Allen County Housing Consortium - Provides affordable housing and supportive services through coordination among providers, consumers, and the private sector.

2. Lima Rescue Home - Provides emergency and transitional housing and supportive services to eligible households, particularly men.

3. Lima's Samaritan House - Provides housing and supportive services to homeless women (including children) and At-Risk Homeless households.

4. Crossroads Crisis Center - Provides housing and supportive services to homeless and abused women.

5. Allen County Chapter American Red Cross - Provides supportive/emergency services to the homeless.

6. Safe Harbor - Provide housing and supportive services to homeless and At-Risk Homeless youth.

7. The ARC of Allen County - Provides supportive services to the mentally retarded.

8. Tri*Star Community Counseling - Provides supportive services and housing to At-Risk Homeless with mental illness or substance abuse.

9. Lima Area Information and Referral - Provides information and referral services to At-Risk Homeless.

10. Lima/Allen Council on Community Affairs - Provides emergency repairs and homeownership training and other supportive services for very low-income households.

11. Habitat For Humanity, Lima Chapter - Provides and develops housing for very low income households.

12. United Way of Greater Lima - Fund raising and disbursement for agencies that provide emergency, transitional housing, and supportive services for At Risk and homeless populations in a manner which assists other provider agencies.

13. Allen County Tenants Council - Provides input from affordable housing consumers to the AMHA management.

14. Veterans Hope Community House - Provides emergency and transitional housing primarily for veterans.

15. Salvation Army - Provides supportive services to At-Risk Homeless and residential drug/alcohol programs.

16. David's House Compassion - Provides supportive services to persons with HIV/AIDS including housing assistance.

17. Lima YMCA SRO - Provides transitional housing to At-Risk Homeless men.

C. Neighborhood Associations

Boulevard Neighborhood Association
Cook Park Neighborhood Association
Crestwood Park Neighborhood Association
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Neighborhood Association
Eureka Street Neighborhood Association
Downtown Lima
HOPE Neighborhood Association
Hover Park Neighborhood Association
Kibby Corners Neighborhood Association
Lakewood West Neighborhood Association
Maplewood West Neighborhood Association
Maplewood-Northwood Neighborhood Association
Midway East Neighborhood Association
North End Neighborhood Association
RR/OR Neighborhood Association
Riverside North Neighborhood Association
Southside Neighborhood Association
Westgate Neighborhood Association
 

Provides housing, community, and economic development services to neighborhood residents.

D. Private Industry

1. Financial Institutions - Provide underwriting, insuring, and lending/financing for affordable housing projects.

2. Private Developers - Provide private investment and management for the development of affordable housing. Responsibilities include seeking out potential affordable housing projects.

3. Real Estate Industry - Provides assistance in identifying housing which Consolidated Plan beneficiaries could qualify to secure on a rental or homeownership basis. Real Estate industry participated in the City of Lima's first-time homebuyer program.

4. Construction Industry - Provides new construction/rehabilitation of affordable housing units and participation in the City of Lima CDBG and HOME funded rehabilitation program.

5. Chamber of Commerce - Represent private businesses not directly related to housing, but can provide information to clients regarding affordable housing issues. Responsibilities include developing support within business community for affordable housing, community, and economic development activities.

Overcoming Gaps

A. Strengths in the institutional delivery system

• Strong commitment in the community to work on housing issues as evidenced by the Housing Consortium, the Housing Strategy Task Force, and the call for a future housing study to identify a strategic plan of action.
• Steady funding from CDBG, HOME, and the General Fund that support seasoned neighborhood, housing, and property maintenance programs.
• Strong connections to community-based programs such as neighborhood associations and community policing.
• Steady building of capacity by neighborhood associations and non-profit organizations.
• Community successes--retaining the refinery, building a new downtown YMCA, downtown redevelopment including a parking garage, hotel, and expanded convention center, and passage of a school bond issue that will leverage over $100 million for new school buildings--have created a new, positive mood that adds momentum to other housing, community, and economic development efforts.
• Stronger cooperation between City administration and City council.
• City council responsiveness to neighborhood concerns such as the need for increased demolition activity, code enforcement, and reutilizing non-productive land.

B. Weaknesses in the institutional delivery system

• Lack of a Community Housing Development Organization active in the role of housing developer.
• Resources for non-profit housing development operational support are limited. Although there is enough work for more than one CHDO, it will be difficult to support more than one.
• People with skills and experience in non-profit housing developments are limited in Lima.
• Affordable housing activity is concentrated in Lima. Most public housing units owned by Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority are also located in Lima. Choices of affordable housing in Allen County outside Lima are limited.
• The internal demands on each organization take away time and resources needed for cooperative ventures.
• Declining population has eroded Lima's tax base while demands for services increases.
• Dynamics of the rental market often create adversarial relationships between tenants, landlords, and neighborhoods.
• Assessing costs of demolition and property maintenance cleanups against the property frequently results in adding a barrier to productive reuse of property.
• Restrictions placed on use of government funds, such as new lead regulations, make housing rehabilitation more costly and more complicated

C. Strategy to overcome weaknesses in institutional delivery system

• Provide support services to organizations like the Housing Consortium that bring various groups together to share information and work on cooperative projects.
• Provide support, technical assistance, and funding to non-profit organizations and neighborhood associations working to become active as a CHDO.
• Create a climate to attract skilled, non-profit developers to Lima and/or support training of existing staff.
• Work with AMHA and others to make affordable housing available throughout the County.
• Undertake a housing study to identify promising strategies to retain and attract all income groups to live in Lima.
• Expand initiatives focused on encouraging tenants and landlords to behave responsibly.
• Implement a land reutilization program in cooperation with the County.
• Obtain staff training and encourage contractor certification to successfully implement new lead-based paint requirements.
• Market the assets and opportunities of Lima in a more aggressive and focused manner.

Coordination Efforts

The City of Lima will continue to maintain and pursue the coordinated goals stated in the 2000-2004 Consolidated Plan submission by carrying out the following goals:

• Work with non profit organizations to increase staff capacity to undertake affordable housing and supportive social services;
• Provide for a system of training, technical assistance, and peer assistance for those involved in the financing, production, rehabilitation, and management of affordable housing and related supportive services;
• Serve as a clearinghouse for sharing information on programs, codes and regulations, zoning, and other building and program techniques that contribute to affordable housing;
• Cultivate positive, cooperative working relationships among housing and homeless advocates;
• Continue to support and participate in the network of non profit organizations, private organizations, foundations and other philanthropic organizations, lenders, corporations, and local government agencies that play key roles.

Public Housing Strategy

The Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) will implement the strategies and activities described in its annual FY 2001 Plan and will undertake the following:

• Utilize Capital Funds to purchase and rehabilitate a storage and maintenance facility;
• Continue to apply for Comprehensive Grant/Capital Funds for long term needs for both family and elderly housing;
• Continue to apply for future Drug Elimination, New Approaches, and Youth Sports Grants;
• Continue to apply for future Continuum of Care Grants in partnership with local housing providers, social service agencies, the City of Lima, and Allen County;
• Continue to apply for Mainstream Housing funding for the disabled population;
• Continue to provide support and apply for funding to enhance the Allen County Tenant Council;
• Administer Section 8 housing in the amount of $2,872,381 per year (approximately 790 certificates and vouchers);
• Administer 165 units of Moderate Rehabilitation;
• Administer and maintain 257 public housing units (as of 6/00 which include units intended to be sold under the 5(h) Homeownership Program). An additional four to six units will be acquired and/or rehabilitated with current project funds;
• Administer the 5 year 5(h) Homeownership Program where 30 houses are expected to be sold to PHA residents, Section 8 tenants, or waiting list applicants who undertake home-ownership classes and are able to secure financing;
• Administer a Ross-FSS or other grants to promote Self-Sufficiency; and
• Apply for additional grant funds, including TANF.

Other Strategic Elements

In order to prepare and implement the goals and objectives of the Consolidated Plan, a number of other organizations must be involved. These organizations included:

• Lima City Council
• Lima/Allen County Regional Planning Commission
• Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority
• Allen County Regional Transit Authority
• West Central Association of Realtors
• Lima-Allen County Neighborhoods in Partnership (LACNIP)
• Lima/Allen Housing Consortium
• Habitat For Humanity
• United Way of Greater Lima
• Lima-Allen Council on Community Affairs
• PSA#3 Agency on Aging
• Allen County Board of Mental Retardation
• Lima Board of Education
• Allen County Health Department
• Allen County Human Resources
• Allen County Community Development Department
• Area institutions of higher learning
• Area hospitals
• Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce
• Lima/Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Downtown Lima, Inc.
• Allen Economic Development Group
• NAACP
• Neighborhood Associations
• Lending Institutions
• Non Profits
• Homeless/Special Needs Providers