News & Information

The Housing Authority will strive to be a leading agency in the work of environmentally friendly design and operations; this means the Authority will:

• Design housing that will offer energy efficiencies for its occupants
• Develop housing that will be cost effective to operate over an extended period of time
• Utilize EnergyStar® rated appliances in all of its housing units
• Create environments within its housing developments that promote convenient recycling opportunities for residents and employees
• Consider use of non-traditional sources of energy including solar, wind, and geothermal in its new construction and renovation activities
• Transform its fleet of vehicles into one that is environmentally friendly to include flex-fuel models and energy efficient styles with cost effective options
• Adopt administrative procedures for the reduction of paper waste at all Authority operated facilities (offices and housing developments)

The Authority will also work to educate its Board, its staff members, its residents, and its clients about the value of environmentally friendly practices.  It is anticipated that all of the work the Authority does regarding its Environmental Actions will produce benefits including:

• Lowered utility bills for residents and clients; this will increase their disposable income for other activities
• Utility costs savings to the Authority for enhanced operational effectiveness
• Reduced expenses for trash hauling and disposal
• Increased recognition and awareness of the Authority and its Environmental Actions
• Potential grant revenue for further energy efficiency operations

This Environmental Vision Statement is to guide the Authority as it expands its development and administrative programming into the foreseeable future.

Adopted this 15^th day of August 2006
Skip Sipos, Executive Director

Recent Accomplishments

• Jefferson Place recently remodeled. CLICK HERE for photos and information.
• Every property is self-sustaining.
• Agency is debt-free.
• Southwick Place won National design award (NAHRO).
• More than twenty five families have worked their way off government assistance via the FSS program.
• Joint programming with OSU Extension Service.
• Agency uses no county, city or state tax dollars to operate.
• MMHA maintains collaborative efforts with other agencies like Medina County ADAMH Board, Medina County Job and Family Services, and the Community Action.
• Approximately 70% of funding comes from rents and fees; 30% from federal government grants.

Trends Reshaping Medina County's Future

• As population grows, so do housing challenges of residents with low income, those with special needs and the elderly community.
• The crisis in affordable housing for low to moderate income groups has now begun to stifle economic development efforts.
• A careful balance must be struck between providing affordable housing and maintaining community values.
• Long term, government funds for housing programs are expected to become stagnant and perhaps even decline.

Our Commitment

MMHA is addressing these trends and the needs they create by:

• Making sure that every property we buy or manage is self-sustaining.
• Keeping our Agency as debt-free as possible.
• Continuing to support the needs of other social services agencies in the county.
• Continuing our commitment to provide affordable housing to county residents.
• Continuing our commitment to help residents become more productive self sufficient members of society.