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Lucas County CARES Act Funding Supports Internet Access For
Low Income Families
In 2020, the Board of Lucas
County Commissioners made CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security) funding available to local
organizations to cover the cost of expenditures incurred due
to the unprecedented COVID-19 public health emergency.
Lucas Metropolitan Housing
received a generous grant of $297,787 to support enhanced
cleaning, modifications to community rooms and internet
connectivity for our residents and programs. Participants
included the residents at Collingwood Green and Parqwood
Apartments.
“During the pandemic,
internet access has become a top priority for all; whether
to continue education, obtain telehealth services, seek
employment or meet other needs. LMH used the grant funds to
obtain internet hotspots for homes with school age children
and families. Priority was granted to families who have been
unable to obtain a hotspot through the educational systems,”
stated President and CEO, Joaquin Cintron Vega.
The distribution was carried
out through LMH’s Information Technology and Resident
Services Departments. During the distribution process, LMH
representatives connected with residents and helped some set
up their hotspots. What follows are some of the most
memorable quotes heard from residents:
“This really came just in
time! I have four kids doing online school and my other
internet source was terminated.”
“My grandkids are finally
going to be able to stay over on school days!”
“This hotspot will help me
continue my education and make things better for my family.”
LMH remains grateful for the
partnership with the Board of Lucas County Commissioners and
for their support of this important initiative. Commissioner
Pete Gerken, when referring to the grant stated, “During
this time of crisis, the ability to have access to the
internet is critical for families and individuals in our
community, especially those with limited resources and
support. The digital divide between those who can easily
access the internet and those who can’t became even more
glaringly clear in the pandemic as schools went online and
businesses and social agencies closed or reduced operations.
Internet access through Wi-Fi hotspots will help families
and individuals with a wide range of activities, from
schoolwork to job searching to paying bills.”
Established in 1933, Lucas
Metropolitan Housing (LMH) continues to provide affordable
housing to adults, seniors and children in its Public
Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Mixed-Income and Market
Rate housing units. LMH also provides a myriad of programs
and opportunities designed to improve the total quality of
life for our residents, with the ultimate goal of achieving
self-sufficiency. The programs and services are the results
of successful collaborations with numerous community
partners.
The current housing
portfolio consists of 2,633 Public Housing units; 4,657
Housing Choice Vouchers; 322 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
units; 198 Market Rate units and 107 Homeownership
Properties. There are approximately 17,500 people who reside
in LMH properties. Lucas Metropolitan Housing partners with
ALL people and organizations willing to exchange ideas and
efforts to enhance Toledo, Lucas County and the world.
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