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The Licking County Coalition for Housing (LCCH) was founded in late 1992, as a 501(c) (3) not for profit organization intended to serve the housing needs of homeless, low- and moderate-income residents of Licking County, Ohio. The first program - Transitional Housing for homeless families - consisted of four newly-remodeled apartments, one volunteer staff member, and utilized $15,000 in funds contributed by local churches, individuals and local government. The organization was established through partnerships with local social service agencies, churches, individuals, businesses, and local governments located primarily in Newark, the county seat. LCCH adopted as its purpose the statement: Our mission is to provide a community forum, to assess housing resources, to identify problems, and to create solutions through collaboration.
Consequently, in addition to the initiation of many community planning and education activities, LCCH services the community directly by addressing the need for transitional housing and housing referral services for homeless families and individuals, as well as those at risk for homelessness. LCCH regularly contributes to the development of the City of Newark Consolidated Plan and the Licking County Community Housing Improvement Strategy (CHIS). On May 17, 2000, LCCH co- sponsored the Licking County Housing Forum 2000, a bi-annual event designed to bring together practitioners from all aspects of the local housing continuum - from homelessness prevention to multi-million dollar homes - to discuss the local housing picture, associated issues, and develop plans for action. LCCH worked in conjunction with the City of Newark, Licking County Planning Commission, Licking Metropolitan Housing Authority, and Community Mental Health and Recovery Board.
In 1995, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded LCCH $1.8 million in Supportive Housing Program funds over a three-year period to further develop the fledgling transitional housing program from five to 30 housing units, and to hire ten full-time staff. The program remains the only one of its kind serving Licking County. The three-year grant was renewed in 1998 and again in 2001.
At this time, LCCH provides a wide variety of housing services to homeless and low-income members of our Licking County community. LCCH now operates nearly 40 units of Transitional Housing for homeless families and individuals - serving nearly 80 households (including more than 100 homeless children) every year. At least 63% of those transitional housing residents are able to get their lives back on track and secure permanent housing. And the real test - more than 85% are able to maintain their new housing for at least six months, the toughest time of transition for any household. In July 2000, LCCH added four more units of transitional housing through a partnership with Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries, LEADS Community Action Agency, and the Veterans Administration to serve homeless veterans and their families.
Through Project Homeline, LCCH provides homelessness prevention services, and housing referral services to over 800 households each year. As of October 2004, LCCH's database of nearly 7,200 rental-housing units are available via the agency's Web Site. (It can be accessed by clicking on "Apartment Database" on the left of your screen.)
LCCH continues to take on new challenges, despite funding challenges at the state, local and federal levels. With the help of local funders, LCCH now offers the following programs:
- An innovative Individual Development Account program - a matched savings program that requires participants to designate the ultimate use of the funds (either purchasing a home or furthering their post-secondary education) and to attend money management training. LCCH is working with LEADS Community Action Agency, Goodwill Industries, Licking Metropolitan Housing Authority, and First Federal Savings and Loan of Newark to offer this program to income-eligible members of our community. OSU Extension Services and Newark Campus Business and Industry Institute, as well as representatives of local financial institutions and others provide economic literacy training. The Licking County Department of Human Services provided initial funding for the program. Funding to continue the program is being provided by LEADS (using Community Services Block Grant), the Sylvia J. Sinsabaugh Trinity Rector's Fund, and The Park National Bank. Additional funding for the program to provide an additional 20 IDA accounts has been pledged from City of Newark Community Development Block Grant and Ohio CDC Association's Assets for Independence program (with funds from U.S. Dept of Health and Human Welfare). Since the program was launched in October 2001, three families have purchased homes. With funding provided by the Boeing Employees Community Foundation, IDA participant families will start a Homebuyer Club later this year.
- AmeriCorps Positive Balance:
Every household (adults and children alike) participating in the LCCH transitional housing program receive all the time and attention they need from certified teachers and volunteers to make sure they are achieving their academic potential. Funding for this program was originally provided through a contract with the Licking County Department of Human Services (LCDJFS) and a grant from Trinity Episcopal Church. Since June 30, 2001, funding has been provided through HUD and a (October 2001) contract for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds and an Adult Literacy and Child Reading grant through LCDJFS.
Positive Balance is a comprehensive financial literacy and financial empowerment program launched by the Licking County Coalition for Housing. Using highly trained AmeriCorps members, Positive Balance works to overcome the financial challenges facing Licking County. All Positive Balance services are provided free of charge.
Join others who help the LCCH....
Now you can join the ranks of LCCH supporters with a generous gift. Financial contributions are vital, but you may also help by donating household goods, furniture, appliances and vehicles, providing professional or trade services (printing, counseling, plumbing, carpentry, etc.) or encouraging your employees to volunteer on the Coalition's behalf.
Your gift to the Licking County Coalition for Housing is tax deductible. The LCCH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization registered with the State of Ohio and the Internal Revenue Service.
The personal rewards enjoyed from giving may ultimately be even greater than the help provided to those you assist.
To make a donation....
It's easy to make a donation to the Coalition. Checks should be mailed to:
Licking County Coalition for Housing
P.O. Box 613
23 South Park Place, Suite 200
Newark, OH 43058-0613
Credit Card donations click below for the form:
Donate Now Online
Or ask about our endowment fund. We will be happy to share more information about the good work we're doing.
If you are able to donate materials, the Coalition staff and volunteers will be happy to make arrangements to pick up items at your convenience. Receipts are issued for all donations.
There are many other ways in which you can help:
Click Here To See How You Can Help!
Please call: 740-345-1970 or Toll Free: 1-877-421-5224
The Licking County Coalition for Housing is a member agency of the United Way.
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