Programs & Services

Applications are available for download HERE, or by calling 440-204-2020 to speak with a member of the Housing Division. 

Applications will be accepted beginning November 1, 2021.

Related Documents:

• Application (non-fillable)
• Application (fillable)
  
• Fair Housing Poster
• Cartel de Vivienda Justa (Fair Housing Poster)

Home Repair Program

Home Repair Program Brochure
Programa de Reparacion en el Hogar

Home Repair Application

Eligible Repairs

• Code Violations
• Structural Hazards: leaking roof, rotted or unsafe floors, ceilings, walls, stairs, etc.
• Electrical and other fire hazards
• Gas Lines
• Roof Repair/replacement, gutters
• Repair/Replacement of heating systems/HVAC
• Repair of air conditioning systems (Must be medically related with doctor’s notifications)
• Plumbing (includes, water tank and waterlines which may include branch lines and well pump repair or replacement) and sewer/septic repair

Ineligible Repairs

• Additions
• Fences
• Fireplaces (unless posing a fire hazard)
• Garages
• Landscaping

Eligible Accommodations:

• Ramps, Grab bars, Door widening, Level door knobs/faucets, Assisted technology devices, Toilets

• 80% or below AMI

*EFFECTIVE June 1, 2019*

• If a household income is at or below 60% AMI, 100% of the loan will be deferred and forgiven over 5 years. 
• If a household income is above 60% AMI but at or below 80% AMI, 20% of the total loan will be payable over the 5 year loan term. 80% of the total loan is deferred and forgiven during the 5 year loan term.

Neighborhood Revitalization Program

Neighborhood Revitalization Program Brochure

Eligible Exterior Repairs

• Installation or repair of wheel chair ramps
• Installation or repair of gutters and downspouts
• Install, repair or replace exterior doors
• Repair porches
• Repair Fences
• Repair exterior lighting fixtures
• Repair or replace porch steps and sidewalks
• Repair Driveways
• Demo nuisance out buildings
• Repair minor roof defects
• Exterior weatherization
• Power washing, landscaping and lawn care are provided within the scope of an eligible repair project.

Program Eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, the homeowner must have lived in the proper ty at least twelve (12) months immediately prior to making application to this program and be current on all property taxes, mortgages, and hazard insurance. All utilities: gas, electric, water, sewer, and trash must be current as well.

Households whose income falls between 50% and 80% of area median income (AMI) may be required to repay their project costs through a zero-interest loan over a five-year period. This decision is based on the project’s funding source and the homeowner will be advised prior to the beginning of any work performed. 

Assistance provided to residents whose income falls below 50% AMI will be forgiven over a five-year period. 

City of Lorain residents must be at least 62 years of age to be eligible to apply. 

Please note that other restrictions may apply and are based on constraints placed on the program by the funding source.  

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. 

• The tenant resides in the City of Lorain
• The tenant has a loss of income due to COVID-19
• The tenant income qualifies

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.

SMALL BUSINESS STABILIZATION PROGRAM (SBSP)

Are you a City of Lorain small business that has been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

The purpose of the SBSP is to help businesses prevent, prepare for or respond to coronavirus and the related economic downturn and recovery. Businesses are eligible to receive forgivable, no-interest loans, designed to help local businesses avoid financial hardship, remain in operation, and/or re-open after the state-mandated non-essential business shutdown. Storefront businesses are eligible to use SBSP funds to assist with rent/mortgage expenses, utility costs, payroll, and/or to retrofit their place of business under state and county public health guidelines. Home-based businesses are eligible to use SBSP funds for general operating costs, not including rent/mortgage, utilities, and/or payroll. Expenses before March 22, 2020, are not eligible for storefront or home-based businesses.

This program is funded through CDBG-CV funds and therefore, requires the City of Lorain to verify that there is no duplication of benefits. All applications are required to complete a Duplication of Benefits Affidavit as part of the application process. This affidavit acknowledges the City of Lorain’s requirement that any person or entity receiving CDBG-CV assistance must agree to repay assistance that is determined to be duplicative. 

Storefront Business

Eligible to receive up to $15,000 for:

Payroll

Rent/Mortgage

Utilities

Retrofit

Home-based Business

Eligible to receive up to $10,000 for:

Operating Expenses*

*Not including rent, mortgage, utilities, and/or payroll

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