Lorain is actively fighting homelessness through a comprehensive, multi-year strategy outlined in its 2025-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan, developed in alignment with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines. The city allocates around $1.8 million annually from Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships funds to support affordable housing, homelessness reduction, community development, and services for non-homeless special needs populations.
Key initiatives include assisting homeless individuals and families to obtain and retain affordable housing, increasing supportive housing with tailored services, and improving neighborhood safety and livability. The city works closely with local organizations, mental health agencies, and homeless service providers to coordinate efforts, including a Continuum of Care network that streamlines access to housing and support through shared intake systems and prioritization tools like VI-SPDAT.
Recent projects reflect these priorities, such as the approval and development of Broadway Commons, a 62-unit permanent supportive housing facility for chronically homeless individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. Partnerships with nonprofits like the Cleveland Housing Network and EDEN Incorporated enable Lorain to expand housing and service options.
Additionally, the city emphasizes job creation, self-sufficiency programs, and expanded community outreach to empower homeless and at-risk populations. These efforts aim to reduce homelessness by addressing root causes, providing stable housing with supportive services, and collaborating intensively with local, county, and state stakeholders.
Lorain also maintains open public engagement through workshops and hearings to refine priorities and ensure measurable outcomes, demonstrating a strong commitment to ending homelessness in a sustainable, coordinated manner throughout 2025 and beyond.
Sources
(https://www.cityoflorain.org/DocumentCenter/View/6166)
(https://www.ideastream.org/community/2024-01-17/lorain-city-council-approves-project-for-chronically-homeless-despite-vocal-opposition)
(https://www.cityoflorain.org/DocumentCenter/View/6552/City-of-Lorain-Consolidated-Plan-Public-Notice—English?bidId=)
(https://www.lorainschools.org/studentsandfamilies/homeless)
(https://mha.ohio.gov/supporting-providers/housing-providers/resources/homelessness-and-path)
