Announcer 1: The views and opinions expressed in to the point are those of the host of the program and its guests.

They do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of WGTE public media.

The number of people considered homeless is increasing in Lucas County.

Despite the reasons behind this, with shelters full and waiting lists long.

Many individuals find themselves living on Toledo's streets.

Lucas Metropolitan Housing has decided to address this issue.

They are constructing a $15 million, 45 bed unit facility on the site of the Old Park Hotel.

Focusing on the chronically homeless, those experiencing domestic violence, and youths aging out of the foster care system.

Terry Awls, director of communications, and Keith Smith, director of real estate and development for, are here to discuss the importance of this project.

I'm Doni Miller, and welcome to the Point.

Connect with us on our social media pages.

And you know that.

You can email me at Doni underscore Miller at wgte dot org and for this episode and other additional extras.

Don't hesitate to go to wgte dot org slash To the point I am so excited today.

As always, when we get folks on this show who are making big changes in our community.

I'm so excited today to have Terry Awls, who's the Director of communication, and Keith Smith, who is, the the director of real estate and development, both for Lucas Metropolitan Housing.

We are talking about what will be a life changing project for many folks in this community.

But before we get started on that, for those of you who don't know about this organization, I want to give you guys an opportunity to tell folks a little bit about exactly who you are.

Terry: Well, we are Lucas Metropolitan housing.

We one of the largest landlords in the state of Ohio.

And our goal is to help, homeless population from all facets, from seniors to homeless to families to now 18 to 24 youth.

Want to expand on that a little more.

Keith: well just to talk about LMH a little bit LMH has been around for over 90 years.

We have been helping families in this community.

My family included.

My grandparents lived at Irving Park Village for a period of time in the late 50s and early 60s.

So, the impact is generation to generation.

My mom, who passed away last year, had friends.

The spanned her lifetime that she made it Ravine Park Village.

And we know we have other families like that who live with us today who are going to have friends from there.

For the rest of their lives.

So the impact that LMH has is not just providing housing, but providing community.

One of our missions is to provide, not only safe, affordable housing, but also to build vibrant communities.

And so that's really what we're looking to do through all of our communities, but also now with Park Apartments.

Doni: This is an amazing project.

I mean, it really speaks to your, the great job that you do in anticipating the needs of the community and responding to those needs.

And this particular project, the park, the Park Apartments is just incredible.

Not only in your intention, which you're going to talk about in just a moment, but the number of partners that you've developed in getting this done.

So the intention Terry of this project is to do what?

Tery: Well, where if you're chronically homeless or 18 to 24 or disability domestic abuse, we want to provide a safe haven for you to have to call home.

We want people to feel safe.

Obviously, with the homeless population increasing, we're trying to do our part as best we can.

Yeah.

So this this is just the start of that.

But we we figured we we would want it to be the cornerstone.

We wanted to start somewhere, and this is our starting point.

Doni: Yeah.

I think many people would be surprised to know that in that population that you're talking about, there are over 1800 young folks who are homeless and on the street.

Terry: Correct.

Keith: The numbers are staggering.

They're they're they're disappointing where we're at as a country today.

And we're just looking to do something about that.

And, and this project has been a collaborative effort since the beginning.

The conversation around this project started around 2018, 2019, previous leadership with our organization, including our former CEO, Demetrius Simpson.

One of our former chiefs, Matt Sutter, who's now with the OHFA Ohio Housing Finance Agency.

They were working with, now retired judge, Denise Cubbons with the, Lucas County Juvenile Court system and the court system.

We're identifying a problem in our community with, young adults who were coming from varying backgrounds.

Some may have come from the, from the foster system.

Some may have come, just through the court system, traumatic backgrounds, etc.. And they they were really looking for some way to for someone to really be able to step up in the community and find a way to, stop the cycle, stop the cycle of kids having issues in their youth and then that transitioning into adulthood and not having the opportunities that many of us have.

Doni: So the project, which is quite an ambitious one and in some aspects, I think, one that presents some real challenges to, your organization in terms of managing it.

But, but the the project was $15 million Keith: correct.

Doni: To build.

Keith: Yes.

Doni: 45 units.

Keith: Yes.

Doni: There are several two bedrooms, mostly one bedroom.

Keith: Correct.

Doni: Focusing on what age group?

Keith: 18 to 24.

Age group.

There will be four, two bedroom and there will be 41 one bedroom.

We do recognize that there will be young adults who are coming to live with us, that may have a child already, maybe, married and have and have a child or two.

So we want to make sure we provide a space for them as well.

And there will also be, spaces in there that are Ada compliant as well as sensory for those that may have some type of physical disability that requires that.

Doni: Yes.

So Terry, why this age group?

Terry: I think with this age group, and this is one of the few projects that we have in place, this is an age group that we, we thought was really critical, as they, you know, as a, as we built this facility, this facility came to fruition.

We thought, if we can help this, this age group, just demographic kind of get a head start, get a reset.

With the wraparound services that we're going to be providing with job skills and life training and stuff like that.

We want them to kind of get back out and kind of be productive citizens.

I think this age group is kind of critical because they're our future.

So we want to invest in our future.

Doni: Right, right, right.

And your partners in, providing the support services, I was really impressed with the number of support services that you were providing.

As you said, job training, was one.

There's there's life skills.

Life skills?

You're also providing transportation, transportation, Terry: educational services, Doni: educational services.

Terry: It just, you know, it just behavioral mental health services.

It just it's, it's a complete overhaul to kind of, you know, we we want to help you get to where you want to be.

And this is just a starting point.

Doni: So the model that you guys are using is one that's called, permanent supportive housing.

Did I get that right?

Keith: That's correct.

Yes.

Doni: Can you talk a little bit about that?

Keith: Absolutely.

So that's something that, that that collaborative group looked at back in that 2018, 2019 time frame.

They were looking around the state, around the country and what models were working for and to provide housing that that's only one component.

It's only one piece.

And we know what.

We don't just provide housing.

We also have a resident relations department that works on, financial coaching and, we want people to, to if they need our services to come see us, to find a place to live and use it as a springboard to the future.

And that's really the same thing with Park, except you're going to be in one building with those services there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, where there will be somebody there.

Depending on what your need is, because we want to come to these to the young adults where they're at today.

If they are in need of, a driver's license so we can assist with that.

Geds, job training, etc..

There's all sorts of things we can do, and there are partners that we have today, such as Harbor, providing supportive services.

But there will be more in the future as well.

We've spoke to local faith based organizations who are interested in being involved.

We know there's some trade organizations that are looking to be involved.

So we're really looking to bring a lot of partners to the table because this project isn't just about the construction phase.

It's not just about the next year.

This is about the next ten, 20, 30, 40, 50 years.

The story of this project, for us, is going to be ongoing long after Terry and I are retired, and gone.

That this project will hopefully be continuing to flourish.

Yes.

So the work we're doing today is just going to build on that, and there will be lessons learned that we'll take from the beginning.

But we're going to continue to move this forward, because we know that this age group, again, it's important to get them, get, young adults, you know, as early as we can and we know.

So we come as a team.

We may have somebody who's 23 moving into the building.

And as they move in, we want to make sure that they're utilizing whatever services they need so we can help them springboard to the future.

Doni: How does one get to live in the building?

Keith: Well, we are partnered with the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board, and they through their continuum of care.

They're the ones who are handling the applications for the property.

So you can go to their website, to apply for housing.

They there's a application you fill out and then that, it gets once you prequalify, then it goes to another application phase that then works through our housing choice voucher department at LMH.

The applications opened as of this taping.

They opened last week, Terry: last Wednesday,Keith: last Wednesday.

And I've heard there several hundred applicants already.

We know that not everybody will qualify because there are, you know, certain components that you have to you have to hit you have to be in the 18 to 24 age range.

You have to be homeless or at risk of homelessness.

And meet a certain definition of that that HUD has put out for us.

You have to, have some type of disability diagnosed with disability.

So we know that the numbers are out there in the community.

But we also know that the group that's coming to live with us, the idea is that they'll be with us 18 to 24 months, and they've got the supports, they've got what they need, and they can then go out in the community.

Exactly.

And then from there, we'll get more young folks that'll come in.

So maybe you're left with us.

Some could be nine months.

12 months.

We just don't know.

But we want to make sure that those folks that come in, they're going to get services they need.

We're going to springboard them on.

And then the the next batch that comes in.

We're going to be working with them.

And more to come.

Doni: So are there services Terry, that will be provided to these folks once they leave the organization?

Terry: I think a I think as a follow up, we want to make sure once kind of like once you buy a house, we want to make sure we're prepared for that.

But then afterwards, okay, you kind of stay in touch with you.

Hey, what's going on?

If there's something we can help you with, we will have resources to make sure that that that that sustainability is ongoing.

Yeah.

I think it's, it's only fair to do that if people want to go to our website the LMH website.

The information is on there as well for, for for them to apply as well.

Doni: So, as I was preparing for, for the show today, I read that there is a market study that anticipates that you all will be completely full within the first three months of operation.

Keith: Absolutely.

And just the the staggering numbers that apply to, within the first week.

We certainly anticipate being fourth on the first 90 days.

And then again, from there, depending on how long that the young adults need to be with us, we want to work with them, get them the help they need, get the connections they make.

And going back to your previous question.

As we connect them with supportive service providers such as Harbor or whoever else may be in the building.

We want to make that connection with them, but then that connection carries forward when they leave.

So so they've gotten that support.

They feel they feel supported.

Now I can move out and community and I can have a an apartment somewhere, a house, a duplex where I'm going to live.

And then you can still maintain those services with Harbor or whatever other community organization you may already be working with.

Doni: Thank you for that.

We've got lots more to talk about, but we need to step away for just a second.

Please stay with us.

Connect with us on social media, please.

We would love to hear from you.

And as you know, you can email me at Doni underscore Miller at wgte dot org.

And if you'd like to see this episode again or any of our additional extras, please go to wgte dot org slash To the point we have, with us today, Terry Awls and Keith Smith, both from Lucas Metropolitan Housing.

We're talking about an amazing project that is designed to help those most vulnerable folks in our community not only find a place to live, which is of course, important, but to also learn those life skills, those things that help ensure their success as adults as they move into the world.

This is a pretty ambitious project for you guys.

We've talked about why it's all important.

But what we didn't talk about in any great detail are the number of partnerships that you all have developed in an effort to get this done, which is terribly, terribly impressive.

We spend a little time talking about those partnerships.

I was I was completely blown away by the, the input of Walmart in this project.

Terry: Walmart's been, got to give them a big shout out.

They've been a great partner for us.

They're going to provide the moving kits, which is going to be pretty much a bed.

Bed in the bag.

Cleaning supplies, toiletries.

Pots and pans, you know, Doni: things that people need to understand that they're not coming to the table with.

coming in with just their clothes or.

Doni:That's right.

a very active partner with us, so I do want to give them a shout out and say thanks to them.

Along with, you know, we've got, like I said, a ton of partners, National City Bank, Premier Bank to the city of Toledo, among other partners that we've really kind of wrapped themselves around us and helped us move, move this project forward.

Doni: Yeah.

And that is because the scope of this issue is substantial.

So everybody understands that this is a major, major issue.

And that's what that's what caused you guys Keith to take this issue by the horns and try and do something about it?

Keith: Absolutely.

And, LMH knew going in that the, managing properties is something that we know developing properties is something that we know.

If you're in the Toledo area, you're you're aware of the Collingwood Green projects, that we have where we built, phases one, two and three, and currently five is under construction.

So so you've seen development from elements locally, but for a permanent supportive housing environment, it required a little bit, something extra that we needed some, some assistance with.

So we did reach out to a partner in Columbus Community Housing Network, and we've been working closely with them.

They are partner on the project.

So, they are here during the construction phase, and they'll be with us phase of the project as well.

Through the, 15 year low income housing tax credit compliance period, at least, and hopefully, further beyond.

But they've been terrific to work with, in getting this project, through the financing piece and through construction.

And now as we transition into what we're terming a blended management, approach, utilizing, LMH LHSC our development arm, CHN and their resources, as well as beacon 360, who will be the property manager on site, and Harbor, providing supportive services.

We meet regularly to talk about, the various, issues and concerns we may have, as we approach, grand opening and, bringing, the first, group of young individuals into the building, and then we'll be continuing to meet regularly after that as well, to keep those conversations going, to make sure that each person that moves in has the best outcome they can possibly have, and we can see them through to community and then the next group in.

But CHN has been a great partner.

We've also had multiple other partners throughout this, project.

From the again, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, who I mentioned previously providing financing for the project.

Huntington bank providing construction loan.

OCCH providing syndication, for the tax credit equity.

So, we've had a number of partners throughout this, and it really is it it's it the old adage it takes a village, Doni: its really apparent Keith: in development.

It has it has to be this isn't a private sector where, you've got dollars and they're a little bit easier to use, and that we have some constraints we have to work around as well.

Because of the federal dollars and the dollars where they're coming from, the various programs like the, Federal Home Loan Bank and their affordable housing program, Lucas County, City of Toledo, through their, different funding sources that we have.

So we working with all of our partners for this project and everyone has been absolutely wonderful.

They understand the need in the community.

And we know that this is this is potentially the first for the city, in that this is only 45 beds.

You mentioned the numbers that this doesn't come close to come close to, you know, Doni: do you envision doing this again?

Keith: Possibly.

Yes.

I could definitely see this happening again down the line.

We really want to get this one up and running, and we want to and we want to make understand the lessons learned from it.

Doni: Absolutely.

Keith: And figure out because we want to make sure we do it right.

Doni: Absolutely.

Keith: That's the important thing because this isn't, this isn't just an apartment building.

We're creating it.

We we are creating, you know, we there's 45 units, but these are 45 homes for young individuals.

Doni: Amazing way to look at it.

And and these aren't just homes, but these are these are homes that are wrapped around, the supportive services piece.

So we want to make sure that they're getting the right supportive services that they need because each person has their own journey in life.

So each person has their own needs, their own pieces that they need.

So we want to make sure we understand, how to manage, helping 45 individuals, 45 potential families, depending if somebody has a child or significant, significant other.

So we we understand how to help them, through this process, through this time here at Park Apartments and then, into the community and into the rest of their life.

Doni: It's a rent managed in this complex.

Are people required to pay rent?

Is it is it on some staggered scale?

Keith: It is a project based voucher.

So there will be a rent component there.

And that's something that the homelessness board will work through, through, and our Housing choice voucher program will work through with the individuals.

It is meant to be a subsidized, environment.

So, there will be a percentage of rent.

But, but, I can't speak to specific numbers necessarily.

But but it is, it is subsidized through the project based voucher program and those vouchers and after they are, with the they have their project voucher for a period of time, then, they can, transition that voucher into community as well as well.

Yes, Doni: absolutely.

So I can hear people at home right now and saying, oh my gosh, you've got a whole building filled with, 18 so 24 year olds, what keeps that building safe?

What keeps are the rules.

Are, are these really apartments that these young folks manage on their own?

Keith: Well, I can speak to this.

The, The apartments.

Yes.

You can shut the door.

You can lock it.

It's your home.

It's your safe space.

It's.

And that's why we say we're going to come to them where they are.

Because that somebody, maybe someone who is more socially active and we want to work with them, someone may not be we may need to talk to them a little bit more and see how we can assist them and how we can help them.

As far as the building goes, it is a, secure building.

There will be, 24 hour front desk.

We want to make sure that our that our residents, as there is the tenants who are coming to the building, want to make sure they're who's coming in, what guests are coming in.

The and Harbor has been terrific to work with through this process because they also set up and to work with CHN and us on doing some focus groups with young adults through the, through their programs or through the local homelessness board, to talk to the to the youth as to what type of house rules do you want?

You know, smoking as a question.

Quiet hours?

Doni: quiet hours.

Keith: quiet hours.

Yeah.

We don't we don't want a loud noise after 11:00.

We don't want to smell smoking in the building.

What type of furniture choices?

Terry: Color palettes.

Doni: Terry, they're talking about color palettes?

Terry: So we, we tended I tended several for the focus.

We talked about color palettes, what type of artwork they wanted, and so it was really neat to kind of see what the, you know, a lot of, a lot of the young adults, they don't want chairs like this one.

Beanbag chairs, they want comfort, they want comfortability.

So like, we've got a used common space.

We've got, workout facility, we've got a kitchen area, we've got, a kids play area.

And so they want those spaces to be comfortable.

And so it's kind of neat.

They were they were artwork, what kind of music they want to hear in the building.

So all those little things they so they feel like they're at home.

So we, we listened to all those we had several.

And so it was kind of neat to hear them say, this is what we want, this is how we want to.

This is how we want to live.

TDoni: This is how you want to live.

Sure.

So here's the reality.

As I see it.

You've got this amazing facility, lots of input in terms of how it was developed, so that it's absolutely responsive to the mission that you had when you started this.

You're going to be full in three months.

What happens to those folks who don't get in?

Do they?

Do you stay connected with them in some way?

Do you go find them when an opening happens?

Because, as you said, Keith, some people will be in the building for 12 months, maybe less.

Some people might be in for 24 months, so there will be rolling openings.

How do you manage those folks who have as desperate a need as those folks who are selected, but who just didn't happen to be selected?

Keith: Well, once the, homelessness board does their piece and our, LMH does our piece going through the applications and those roll to be beacon 360, then they will do the final, working with those that, pass through those different levels on housing the individuals.

From there, they'll build a waitlist, and keep that and keep that going, keep that active, keep up with that.

And the homelessness board will also be engaged with those folks because now we we have contact information.

We know where people are.

We have phone numbers, email addresses that we hope stay current.

That way they can, continue to be contacted, offered other services, etc.

that may be out in community.

We know there is a lot of great organizations doing work in the city.

Cherry Street Mission has been a terrific partner with us on some other, projects as well.

Saint Paul's and some other organizations.

City Toledo again.

So we have the contact information.

If folks are looking for that type of assistance, there are other avenues that, we could work with them to find other assistance.

Doni: Yeah.

And I guess I'd like to be clear, too.

I read, a press release that, came from your organization that said that the referrals were coming through like child and family services and those sorts of places.

But people can go directly to the website and apply.

Is that right?

Terry: you can go to the website or our social media pages have all the information on it Toledo homelessness board.

So we've we've got several partners that have this information, on, on their either social media pages or website.

Doni: Okay.

So they don't have to go through.

They don't have to be referred through our community agency.

Terry: Well, I think so.

Some of them, some of them have to be Keith: some will.

They don't have to be.

Some will come through those agencies.

Ultimately everything will flow through the homelessness board.

Doni:Oh really?Keith: Yes.

Every all the applications will, will, the, the initial intake information will go through the homelessness board and then those will then come to LMH and then we will take those and then pass on to beacon 360.

So again, a couple layers of looking to make sure that the applications, those who are applying, meet the qualifications for the building.

We have all the documentation that we need, etc.. Doni: Well, you are to be commended and, your organization is to be commended along with all of your partners in addressing this very, very difficult issue.

This your response is amazing.

And we wish you the best of luck.

We know that this is an important initiative for this particular issue in this particular city, where the number of folks who are homeless is growing and growing and growing.

Thanks so much for joining us today, and thank you all for joining me as well.

And I will see you next time.

On to the point.

Announcer 1: The views and opinions expressed in to the point are those of the host of the program and its guests.

They do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of WGTE public media.

Announcer 2: To the point is supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated by the City of Toledo and the Lucas County Commissioners and administered by the Arts Commission.

And viewers like you.

Thank you.