Special Programs

The Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority administers programs that serve the needs of homeless individuals and families in our community.

To find out if you are eligible to receive assistance for our homeless programs, you must contact the Homeless Hotline by phone at (330) 452-4363.

The Homeless Hotline is a central information program that answers questions about homeless programs in our community, maintains a list of available shelter beds, and directs those who need service to the correct agency. The staff at the hotline will assist you in determining the type of help you need.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH):

Permanent Supportive Housing – Permanent supportive housing serves individuals and members of their household who have serious mental illnesses, chronic substance abuse problems, or AIDS and related diseases. Supportive services are available through partnering agencies, depending on individual and community needs.

Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV):

Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA) has received 61 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) that were authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

For EHV assistance you must meet one of the qualifications below:

  • Be, literally, homeless as defined in section 103 (a) of the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302 (a)) and codified in HUD’s Continuum of Care Program regulations at 24 CFR 578.3, which qualify households for placement on the Homeless Continuum of Care of Stark County Permanent Supportive Housing Prioritization List.
  • Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking.

In order to determine eligibility for the EHV Program you must call the Homeless Hotline at 330-452-4363.

NOTE:  Please do not contact SMHA regarding EHV’s.  All EHV’s will be distributed based upon referrals received directly from the Coordinated Entry of the Homeless Continuum of Care of Stark County.

For more EHV information, you may contact:

Jada McElroy, Special Programs Coordinator at (330) 454-8051 ext. 359 or jmcelroy@starkmha.org

Jada McElroy
Special Programs Coordinator

330-454-8051 Ext. 359
jmcelroy@starkmha.org