A need has been identified in the NW Ohio community for individuals between the ages of 18-24 who are experiencing housing instability, homelessness, or aging out of the foster care system. These young adults need a place to call home, and simultaneously, need support to transition to adulthood. Lucas Housing Services Corporation (LHSC), the non-profit branch of Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority, is partnering with Community Housing Network and Harbor to provide a solution for this at-risk population. Research suggests that 31-46% of youth exiting foster care experience homelessness by age 26*. In Lucas County alone, approximately 4,000 young adults are at-risk or experiencing homelessness. Because of this, we are excited to begin the construction of The Park Apartments.

The Park Apartments will provide safe, affordable, permanent supportive housing with spaces for socialization, counseling, and education resources. The building includes 41 one-bedroom, and four two-bedroom, fully furnished apartments. Common-area amenities will include a community room with an attached kitchen, a fitness space, laundry facilities, and ample storage. On-site parking for both vehicles and bicycles will feature sustainable design components. The complex is situated with an established mixed-use portion of south Toledo and is located on a bus line.

The project totals approximately $15 million and was funded from Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, a $3.2 million investment from the City of Toledo and $750,000 from Lucas County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

With a goal opening date of August 2025, LHSC is in need of $750,000 of philanthropic dollars to provide three years of support services to residents, including trauma-informed case management, employment assistance and job training, life skills training, along with connection to behavioral/mental health supports, education services, child care, food and transportation assistance. This $750,000 will ensure Park Apartments’ sustainability to service these vulnerable individuals in our community.