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GLCAP tells Senica County commissioners housing, childcare and utility help remain top needs
Summary
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership presented to the Senica County commissioners on June 16, describing growing demand for housing assistance, early-childhood services and utility help, and noting the agency's roughly $70 million budget and expansion across several states.
Ruth House, president and CEO of Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP), told the Senica County Board of Commissioners on June 16 that housing, early-childhood services and utility assistance remain pressing needs in the county.
House said GLCAP is the designated community action agency serving Senica County and neighboring counties and described the agency’s growth: "We have grown to about a $70 million budget and we're going to hit 600 employees probably within the next month or so," she said. The agency operates community-development programs across multiple states and runs targeted services for seniors, people with disabilities and low-income residents.
House and GLCAP staff highlighted three recurring needs: preschool availability and affordability for income-eligible families, a persistent shortage of affordable housing with rents that have not normalized since the COVID period, and gaps in assistance for water and sewer bills that local fundraising currently helps fill. "We get on average about 500 calls a month for housing," House told commissioners, describing sustained demand for rental assistance and supportive services.
GLCAP staff introduced themselves and described their work in Senica County: Alex Boroff, public relations director; Naen Thompson, mobility management; April Allison and Sherry Stewart, family advocates who enroll preschool children and connect families to resources; and Ashley Bennington, family advocate. The staff described mobility management programs funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation and an array of HUD and state-backed subsidies blended to support clients.
A local participant, Deborah of Tiffan, spoke during the presentation to describe her experience with the agency. Deborah said her earlier interaction with the agency had been poor but that the most recent assistance "went phenomenal," citing help that allowed her to stabilize housing and transition to a new job.
Commissioners thanked GLCAP for its work and took a group photo with the visiting staff. County officials said they would continue communication with the agency about appointments and local representation on GLCAP’s board.
What’s next: GLCAP will follow up on board appointments and maintain coordination with county staff on housing, early-childhood and utility-assistance needs.
