Programs & Services

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Housing programs are open and available to eligible City of Lorain, owner-occupied residents only. Subject to fund(s) availability.

HOME Rehabilitation Loan Program

HOME We are here to help-ENGLISH logoThe City of Lorain’s new HOME Rehabilitation Loan Program affords eligible low-and-moderate income homeowners to make repairs on their home to improve the quality of their lives and create a positive effect in the surrounding neighborhood. The program provides up to $45,000 of home rehabilitation to owner-occupied houses in the City of Lorain.  

Applications are available by calling 440-204-2020 to speak with a member of the Housing Division. 

Related Documents:


RGLogo2022

Roof & Gutter Program (formerly Home Repair)

Please Call: 440-204-2020 for an application and brochure.

Maximum Eligible Area Median Income (AMI) 

  • 80% or below AMI



EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Rental, mortgage and utility assistance is available for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Do you have a tenant that is at risk of eviction due to the inability to pay their rent because of COVID-19?

If you think your tenant may be eligible and are willing to accept assistance to stop the eviction process and allow the tenant to remain in the home, the Lorain County Urban League may be able to assist you. Payments, up to 6 months, will be made directly to you on behalf of the tenant. 

Eligibility:
  • The tenant resides in the City of Lorain
  • The tenant has a loss of income due to COVID-19
  • The tenant income qualifies
Please contact the Urban League at 440-323-3364 or email ashannon@lcul.org for more information. The housing counselor will gather the necessary information and reach out to your tenant.

Are you struggling to pay your rent due to a loss in income from COVID-19? The Lorain County Urban League has a rental assistance program, providing assistance for up to 6 months, that may be able to assist you.

Eligibility:

  • City of Lorain resident
  • Valid and current written lease agreement
  • Economic loss due to COVID-19

Please contact the Urban League at 440-323-3364 or email ashannon@lcul.org for more information. The housing counselor will work with you to determine eligibility and gather all required documents. If approved, rental payments will be made directly to the landlord.


The Lorain County Urban League is also offering utility assistance for gas and electricity to City of Lorain residents impacted by COVID-19. Assistance can be provided for up to 3 months. Please contact the Urban League at 440-323-3364 or email ashannon@lcul.org for more information.


Weatherization Program 
(Furnace & Hot Water Tank Repair and Replacement)

For more information contact:

614-861-7992


Lead Abatement Program

For more information contact:
Erie County Health Department
419-626-5623


ARPA FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The City of Lorain (the “City”) conducted a city-wide survey to determine the prioritization for the use of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Based on these results, the needs of the community, and the importance of Non-Profit Services and Small Businesses, the City, through its Building, Housing, and Planning Department, has created the Non-Profit Relief Fund, the Relief & Recovery Fund, and the Storefront Renovation Program.

Applications are now available. Completed applications can be submitted via email OR dropped off at Lorain City Hall:

Department of Building, Housing, and Planning

200 W. Erie Ave. - 5th Floor 

Lorain, OH 44052

Any business or organization that primarily sells tobacco products, cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, THC, or vapor products as those terms are defined in Section 2927.02 of the Ohio Revised Code or operating as a sexually oriented business as that term is defined in Section 2907.40 of the Ohio Revised Code are ineligible for any program or service. 

Non-Profit Relief Fund (NRF)

Applications are available now!

This program intends to provide grant assistance to local Non-profit Organizations assisting disproportionately impacted communities that have been affected and negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fallout. 

Grants will be provided based on financial need in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, based on funding availability and eligibility. 

Eligibility

  • Non-profit organization: Any organization registered at the local, state, and federal level that has been granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) because it furthers a social cause and provides a public benefit within disproportionately impacted communities. The nonprofit must be located in the City of Lorain or serve individuals who reside in the City of Lorain. 

Use of Funds

  • Rent or Mortgage
  • General Operation or Organizational Expenses
  • Utilities
  • Payroll
  • Ancillary Impacted Organizational Needs

Relief & Recovery Fund (RRF)

Applications are available now!

This program intends to provide grant assistance to local hospitality, tourism, and other small businesses located within qualified census tracts that have been affected and negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fallout. 

Eligibility

  • Small business: any business, registered at the local, state, and federal level with 25 or fewer employees and located in the City of Lorain
  • Hospitality & Tourism: A business, registered at the local, state, and federal level that provides lodging, food, and/or recreational services and is located in the City of Lorain. If a nonprofit organization fits within this category, please apply for the Nonprofit Relief Fund.

 Use of Funds

  • Rent or Mortgage
  • General Operating or Business Expenses
  • Utilities
  • Payroll
  • Ancillary Impacted Organizational Needs

 Grants will be provided based on financial need in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, based on funding availability and eligibility.

Minor Storefront Renovation Program (MSRP)

Applications are available now!

This program intends to assist businesses address code enforcement violations as well as create more aesthetic retail and commercial districts for a recovering economy from the COVID-19 pandemic. A renovation must be a new project. Funding is only available to eligible businesses located in a qualified census tract that has been affected and negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fallout. 

Grants, up to $25,000, will be awarded based on financial need in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, availability of funding, evaluation of the business façade, and renovation proposals provided. 

Eligibility

  • Business or Non-Profit Storefront: any business or nonprofit registered at the local, state, and federal level with 50 or fewer employees and located in the City of Lorain
  • Commercial/Retail Building Owner: Any building owner located within an eligible zone (B-1, B-2, MU, I-1, and I-2) and qualified census tracts. Building Owner intends to lease space for new businesses must provide quarterly reporting data. 

Scope of Work and Eligible Renovations

  • Display windows
  • Upper floor windows in unoccupied residential
  • Awnings
  • Doors
  • Masonry repair
  • Painting
  • Paving
  • Bulkheads
  • Lighting
  • Landscaping with substantial façade renovation
  • Roofing as part of a larger project to protect the investment of the façade 
  • Signage (including removal of old signage, design, construction, and installation of new)
  • Additional façade improvements