The MMHA has Moved!
Our new address is 120 W. Washington St., Suite 1-L, Medina, OH 44256.
There is a 24/7 drop-off box outside the door for submitting documents and rent payments.

Family Portal Online Payment Feature Temporarily Disabled

The Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority (MMHA) has been made aware that our software company will be partnering with a new payment processor for online rent payments. For the software company to make the switch to the new processor, online payment processing must be disabled until the switch is complete. (Please note, this does not affect direct debit payments that MMHA pulls each month on the 5th- only payments initiated online.)

MMHA disabled the online payment feature through the Family Portal on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Online payments will not be available in March. Please make sure MMHA receives your rent payment by the 5th business day to avoid a late fee being assessed. If you are interested in signing up for direct debit, please have completed forms turned in to MMHA.

At this time, we are unaware of how long it might take for the switch to be complete. Once we know the switch is complete and online payments are available again, we will send a notice to inform all residents.

MMHA apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact your Community Manager. Thank you for your cooperation regarding this matter.

Public Notice

The Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority (MMHA) has drafted its 2024 PHA Plan for FY2025, inclusive of our Moving to Work (MTW) Supplement, in compliance with the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. The draft documents are available for review by contacting our office at 330-725-7531 or by email at mmha@mmha.org. The Authority accepts calls Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. In addition, a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Authority’s office at 10:00 A.M. The public is welcome to attend and comment on the draft plan. The new address for the Authority’s office is 120 W. Washington St. Suite 1-L, Medina, OH 44256, just off Medina Public Square.

Skip Sipos, Secretary
Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority

Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority

Welcome, The Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority helps build vibrant communities within Medina County. MMHA provides stable, decent, safe and affordable housing to many low and moderate-income families and individuals.

Headquartered in Medina, the MMHA office is centrally located among our properties so we can provide fast, responsive service. In addition to managing housing units owned by the MMHA or other entities, MMHA manages rental assistance and emergency programs. MMHA collaborates with several local agencies including the Medina County ADAMH Board, the Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, Medina County Job & Family Services, the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities, The Society, and many others.

Property and Program Waiting Lists

Due to the high demand for affordable housing that has resulted in lengthy waiting lists, the Housing Authority has closed the following waiting lists.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

Brunswick Properties
Manhattan Place
Southwick Place
Southwick Manor

Medina Properties
Jefferson Place
North View Manor
South Court Senior Villas

Wadsworth Properties
Wadsworth Villas

Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority Supports The Children’s Center of Medina County and its Pinwheel Promise Campaign

The Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority supports The Children’s Center of Medina County and its Pinwheel Promise Campaign as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. In 2022, there were 595 children who had an investigated case of abuse or neglect in Medina County. Shown in the above photo at Santee Landing, is Labrador Retriever, Kulu, the Housing Authority’s therapy animal who also supports the Pinwheel Promise Campaign.

Moving to Work (MTW) Demonstration Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on September 27, 2022 announced the selection of the Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority as part of its expansion of the Moving to Work (MTW) Demonstration Program. Through this initiative, HUD will evaluate asset building activities that encourage the creation and growth of savings accounts and other strategies to enhance the economic outcomes for assisted households. The Housing Authority was one of only 18 agencies selected throughout the country for this expansion and the only one in Ohio.

First authorized by Congress in 1996, MTW is a demonstration that provides public housing authorities (PHAs) the opportunity to redefine how they operate by giving them flexibility to try “outside the box” ideas that address local community needs in innovative ways. MTW allows PHAs the flexibility to create customized solutions to their community’s specific challenges. With the addition of the 18 PHAs selected for this cohort, HUD will have added a total of 87 PHAs to the MTW Demonstration Program since January 2021. MTW PHAs are now in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

MTW encourages an entrepreneurial spirit to think of and create solutions in a new way. This is consistent with Medina MHA’s Strategic Plan as it works to connect eligible households with resources for affordable housing to aid in meeting other economic, educational, and social needs.

Medina MHA serves over 1,250 households each month with rental units, rental assistance programs, and emergency housing assistance. Founded in 1953, the Authority closely collaborates with the Medina County Commissioners, the cities of Brunswick, Medina, & Wadsworth, and county agencies like Job & Family Services, the ADAMH Board, and the Office for Older Adults.

Please contact Piper Morgan, Program Manager, with any questions at 330-725-7531 ext. 2252.

Santee Landing Apartments in Wadsworth

The Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority has finished the construction of Santee Landing located at 455 Seville Road in Wadsworth, Ohio. Santee Landing is an affordable housing development comprised of 45 apartments. This is the Authority’s fourth residential facility in Wadsworth.

Development costs for Santee Landing were slightly over $10,000,000 with funding through the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency as well as other sources. The building consists of five one-bedroom units, 35 two-bedroom units, and five three-bedroom units ranging between 650 square feet and 1,118 square feet. Several units have been constructed to accommodate persons with mobility and sensory impairments. Rent is priced between $400 and $899 a month and tenant paid utility costs are estimated at $67 to $103 per month. Leasing of the Santee Landing apartments began in December 2021.

Southwick Place Renovations

The Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority completed renovations to the Southwick Place townhomes (50 units) resulting in the creation of energy-efficient housing for residents and providing a modern, updated, living environment.

Renovations include:
  • New roofing on all buildings
  • New energy-efficient windows
  • New furnaces and air conditioning units
  • New kitchen and bath cabinetry and countertops
  • New energy-efficient appliances
  • New floor coverings and window treatments
  • Replacement of sidewalks and street repairs
  • Additional parking added

About Us
Our Mission

We create and advocate for quality, innovative and diverse housing choices; we support those who face housing challenges with resources and opportunities; and we collaborate with partners who share our vision for stronger communities.

Our Vision

We envision a future where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home, a sense of belonging, and a solid foundation for stability, self-sufficiency and success.

Our Values
  1. Pride of Purpose

    We believe that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home and that it is a privilege to serve those who face housing challenges. We are advocates for the individuals and families we serve and strive to help those outside MMHA understand and support our mission. We speak well of our clients, our colleagues and our organization, both internally and externally.

  2. Customer Service Focus

    We believe that each person who comes to MMHA has a unique life story and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We work tirelessly and creatively to find the best possible solution to meet their individual needs. We are kind, compassionate and patient, especially with those who have special challenges.

  3. Quality Work and Continuous Improvement

    We deliver our best in all that we do. Our reputation is important to us. We want to be known for being reliable, delivering consistently high-quality work and providing housing that is an asset to the community. We question old ways of working, and if there is a better idea, we are willing to change. We seek and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

  4. Honesty and Integrity

    We tell the truth – always. We share necessary and appropriate information, insights and advice frequently and constructively. We handle difficult situations with courage and candor. We question actions that are inconsistent with our values.

  5. Leadership

    We share MMHA’s vision for the future and inspire others to join us in making it a reality. We set good examples and expect others to follow. We accept and delegate responsibility, seeking opportunities to develop others. We make timely, thoughtful decisions—and communicate them to others.

  6. Professionalism

    We conduct ourselves with composure and confidence. We share knowledge with others so they can learn and grow. We respect our colleagues’ time by being responsive, prepared and organized. We are consistent and fair in our treatment of others.

  7. Accountability

    We hold ourselves accountable—personally and as an organization--for delivering on our promises. When we make a mistake, we acknowledge and learn from it. We recognize our obligation to be good stewards of the resources we are given.

  8. Working Together

    We believe that our clients and our community are best served when we work collaboratively – both inside and outside MMHA. We deliver more success through shared goals and mutual support. Within MMHA, we work across departments to improve processes, balance workloads and find solutions for clients. Outside MMHA, we seek partners who share our commitment to providing quality, diverse and innovative housing choices, and who can help us support those who face housing challenges with resources and opportunities.

  9. Respect for Others

    We respect people for who they are and for their knowledge, skills and experience as individuals and colleagues. We express our appreciation for others and recognize their accomplishments. We value our people, encourage their development and reward their performance.

  10. Inclusion

    We know it takes people with different ideas, strengths, interests and cultural backgrounds to make MMHA succeed. We encourage healthy debate and differences of opinion. We advocate for all voices to be heard and we intervene if someone else is being marginalized.

Our History

The Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority (MMHA) was established in 1953 as an independent political subdivision of the State of Ohio

Our Commissioners and Staff

MMHA is governed by a five member, publicly appointed, unpaid Board of Commissioners. Board members are appointed by the Mayor of Brunswick (2), the Medina County Common Pleas Court, the Medina County Probate Court, and the Medina County Commissioners. Our members serve five-year terms.

MMHA Board

MMHA Board

Carol Lawler
Carol Lawler

Chairperson

Appointed by the City of Brunswick

Carol Lawler is a longtime resident of Brunswick Ohio and has been a member of the MMHA board since 2003. She retired in 2023 after serving as the Director of the Medina County Board of elections, where she was employed for 17 1/2 years.

She attended Cleveland State University and has many years of experience in the financial industry both in banking and mortgage lending. She also worked in her family-owned deli-restaurant in Brunswick.

Carol has three adult children and two grandchildren and is a member of St. Martin of Tours parish in Valley City.


Julie Batey
Julie Batey

Vice-Chair

Appointed by Common Pleas Court

Julie Batey has served on the Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners since 2006. Mrs. Batey earned an Associate Degree in Community Services and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media Communications from the University of Akron. She spent several years in human resources and is currently serving her third term as a member of the Wadsworth City Schools Board of Education and is also a member of numerous school district committees.

Ms. Batey is Vice-Chair of the Wadsworth Grizzlies Community Foundation. She is an active member of the Wadsworth Lions Club, Wadsworth High School Alumni Association, and assists in coordinating Feeding Medina County’s Summer Weekender Bag program in Wadsworth.

Julie is a lifelong resident of Wadsworth. She and her husband, Bruce, have two children, Sofie and Tony, and the family enjoys spoiling their two dogs, Trixie, a Jack Russell mix, and Rudy, a purebred miniature dachshund.


J. Jeffrey Holland, Esq
J. Jeffrey Holland, Esq

Member

Appointed by Probate Court

J. Jeffrey Holland has been a commissioner for the Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority since 2010. Mr. Holland is a strong believer in community service. He is a graduate of Leadership Medina County and Leadership Ohio, and has served on the board for a number of nonprofit organizations, including his current service as a board member for Leadership Medina County and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

Jeff was raised in Medina County. He received his B.A. from Denison University, and his J.D. from the University of New Hampshire School of Law. Mr. Holland was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1988. He is currently a partner at Holland & Muirden, Attorneys at Law in Sharon Center, with his wife of 33 years, Marjorie Muirden.


Scott Miller
Scott S. Miller

Member

Appointed by the Medina County Commissioners

Scott S. Miller was appointed to serve on the Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners beginning in February of 2020. Mr. Miller earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education at Bowling Green State University and his Master’s Degree in Special Education at Notre Dame College of Ohio.

Mr. Miller has taught in the Wooster City School District for the past 15 years where he currently teaches history at Wooster High School. Mr. Miller is the President of the Wooster Education Association representing 500 certified and classified district employees.

Mr. Miller spends time volunteering for the Brunswick Area Historical Society and advocates for his love of history and literacy with others. He lives in Brunswick Hills Township with his wife and two daughters who attend the Brunswick City School District.


Nick Hanek
Nick Hanek

Member

Appointed to MMHA Board in July 2019 by the City of Brunswick

Experience
Current
  • Brunswick City Vice Mayor, Brunswick City Council President, & Brunswick City Council Ward 2
  • Attorney at Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis
  • Adjunct Faculty at the University of Akron School of Law
Previous:
  • Business Owner, Hanek Law Office
  • Legal Counsel, Summit County Children Services
  • Assistant Prosecuting Attorney – Criminal and Child Protection Divisions – Lorain County
  • Assistant Prosecuting Attorney – Civil Division – Medina County
  • Staff Attorney – Medina County Job and Family Services
  • Law Clerk for the Honorable James L. Kimbler
Education
  • J.D., University of Akron
  • B.A., Case Western Reserve University
  • Brunswick High School Graduate
Community Involvement
  • Resident of Brunswick for over 25 years
  • Chair-Elect, Board of Trustees – United Way of Medina County
  • Board of Zoning Appeals – City of Brunswick
  • Brunswick Town Center & Lake Park Advisory Group
  • Former Brunswick Rec Center Youth Basketball League Coach
  • University of Akron Lawyer/Law Student Mentorship Program
  • Ohio Supreme Court Lawyer to Lawyer Mentorship Program
  • Medina County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association Member

MMHA Key Staff

MMHA Key Staff


Skip Sipos, Executive Director

Skip Sipos was hired as the Housing Authority’s Executive Director in March of 1994. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Cleveland State University and graduated from Leadership Medina County in 1997. He completed the Executive Director Training Program from Rutgers University via the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association in 2011. He is also a certified Public Housing Manager.

Skip previously served as the Executive Director of the Buckeye Area Development Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio. He served there for eight years. The organization focused on community and economic development activities and rehabilitated over 200 homes during his tenure as well as redeveloped over 50,000 square feet of commercial space.

Skip’s duties at the Housing Authority include overseeing the agency’s many properties and programs. He most recently oversaw the construction of Santee Landing, a 45-unit, affordable family housing development in Wadsworth, Ohio. He reports directly to the Authority’s Board of Commissioners.


Gary Blake, Deputy Director

Gary serves as the Deputy Director for the Housing Authority. He oversees the Housing and Program Departments which include the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), Shelter + Care (SPC), several Emergency Housing Assistance Programs (EHAP), and our portfolio of Housing Properties. In total, these programs serve over 1300 households each month.

Gary was hired in 2013 as the Finance Director. He was promoted to the Chief Operating Officer 2017 after successfully leading both Housing & Finance Departments. He was promoted to Deputy Director for the Authority in 2020. Gary previously worked for Medina County Job and Family Services from 2006 to 2013. He served in Finance, SNAP & Medicaid Family Unit, & Aged, Blind, Disabled Medicaid Unit. Gary worked as a General Manager for McDonald’s for 20 years.

Gary directly supervises the Program Director and Housing Manager. Together, these departments strive to meet the mission of affordable or emergency housing availability to eligible Medina County citizens.

Gary received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from The University of Akron in 1993. He also earned a graduate designation from Hamburger University - McDonald’s Corporation. Gary also has a specialized designation - Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) from the National Association of Home Builders. Successful HCCPs have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the complex net of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit regulations that keep owners and managers in compliance.

Gary and his wife Julie live in Congress Township with their big, blended family – seven boys and three girls. You can often find them watching soccer when away from home and work.


Kelly Parker, Program Director

Kelly Parker serves as the Program Director for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Emergency Assistance Programs. She was hired in 2004 as the Family Self-Sufficiency Case Manager. She then served as Program Manager for 14 years. She previously worked for Lucas County Job and Family Services as a Social Service Case Manager for 3 years.

Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from State University of New York at Fredonia in 1999. She also earned a Master of Education degree in Adult Learning and Development from Cleveland State University in 2005.

Kelly earned a certificate in Lean Mastery through the University of Akron Workforce Training Solutions in April 2021. She also earned a certificate in Housing Choice Voucher Executive Management in 2008.


Rob Ebner, Finance Director

Rob Ebner serves as the Finance Director, coming to MMHA May 2021. He came to the Authority from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (GCFB), a $100M 501(c)(3) serving as their Controller. During his tenure at GCFB, he automated several processes, including bank reconciliations, and month end closing.

Prior to working at GCFB, he was the Chief Financial Officer for the Battered Women’s Shelter/Rape Crisis Center of Summit and Medina Counties (BWS/RCC). He served 5 years in that role, overseeing the BWS/RCC acquisition and remodeling of their current building at 974 E. Market Street, transforming it to a 154-bed capacity facility and growing the operations to an annual budget of over $7M through new public and foundational support.

Rob graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) in 1992 with a BS in Accounting and passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in 1995.

Rob serves on two boards as their Treasurer:
  • Medina Cares from 2017 to 2021, which helps those with living expenses who are facing a short-term medical crisis and,
  • Ohio Council for the Social Studies (OCSS) since 2017, the professional organization for Social Studies teachers licensed in Ohio.

Ed Witt, Maintenance Director

Ed Witt has joined the team at Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority to continue his mission of serving others through his extensive experience in facilities and project management. Ed brings a wealth of knowledge in building systems, preventative maintenance programs and fiscal responsibility to the Housing Authority.

Ed comes to the Authority from MetroHealth Systems where he served as Facilities Manager responsible for 23 satellite locations comprised of hospitals, surgical centers, emergency departments, clinical and business use spaces. Daily facility operations included the supervision of all mechanical and life safety systems as well as strict adherence to regulatory compliance, and ultimately, the safety and comfort of all patients, staff members and visitors.

Personally, Ed has enjoyed serving his church as a parish council member, usher, eucharistic minister, and as a member of the finance committee. He has also devoted his time teaching and coaching youth baseball and basketball and is a lifelong fitness enthusiast.

Ed and his wife Misty reside in Brunswick Hills. Their children include Brandon, owner of an investment real estate firm in Phoenix, Emily, a current medical school student, and Shane & Chad who attend Brunswick Schools and serve the community as altar servers and as Greater Cleveland Young Marines.


Aarika Newlon, Housing Manager

Aarika Newlon joined the Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority in September of 2014 as a Management Assistant and has worked her way up to the Housing Manager position. She now oversees the day-to-day of the Housing team that manages 550+ units of affordable housing throughout Medina County.

Aarika is certified as a Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM), Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS), Tax Credit Specialist (TCS), Fair Housing Coordinator (FHC) and Management and Occupancy Review Specialist (MORS). She also completed the Lean Mastery program through the University of Akron Workforce Training Solutions and was certified in April 2021.

Aarika previously worked at the Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority as the Intake and Property Manager along with various retail establishments.

Aarika and her husband Brian enjoy spending time with their two young boys who keep them extremely busy with all their beloved sports and activities.