Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority

[1] During the 1930s, Cleveland Councilman Ernest J. Bohn, led an effort to create public housing for low-income families.

During the 1960s and 70s, in addition to the developments CMHA was building, the organization began acquire existing properties from many different local sources.

Following the establishment of the Section 8 Program with a law enacted by Congress in 1974, subsidies were offered for low income families seeking residency in privately owned housing.

During the 1990s, CMHA improved safety for the residents of its properties by pioneering the use of defensible space design concepts such as private entryways, exterior lighting, and perimeter fencing.

The mission of the library is to provide a safe environment that encourages and promotes reading, learning, and positive avenues for self-realization.

In 2009 and 2010, using about $7 million, CMHA renovated 163 units, common areas, and exteriors at 13 estates to be fully accessible to persons with disabilities.

Using more than $2 million, CMHA was able to replace high-rise roofs at Wade Tower, Scranton Castle, Springbrook, and West Boulevard.

Additionally, CMHA was able to use more than $17 million to complete Phase III of Heritage View, which consisted of 69 units, 46 semi-attached townhomes and 23 single-family homes.

Single-family homes in Heritage View Phase III have solar panels on the roofs; permeable pavement is throughout the development to reduce surface water runoff; recycled materials are in the construction; and building envelopes are Energy Star-rated.

CMHA met or exceeded all deadlines, completed all funded projects, and created nearly 1,000 employment opportunities in Northeast Ohio.

LEED is a voluntary third-party rating system certification developed by the United States Green Building Coalition (USGBC).

In the 1970s the department increased its size to 60 members and the "Notice To Violator" initiative was created, enabling lease enforcement for CMHA.

In 1985, Ohio House Bill #129 was passed, allowing CMHA to begin hiring Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission "OPOTC" certified sworn peace officers with the same training level and legal capability as city police officers such as the city of Cleveland, formally certifying the CMHA division of safety and security as an official law enforcement agency within the state of Ohio making it a legitimate police department.

Since the 1990s CMHA-PD has achieved multiple re-accreditations from CALEA showing a high degree of voluntary compliance with professional standards.

In 2002, CMHA-PD moved into its current location at 5715 Woodland Avenue formerly known as the Carr Multi-Purpose Center built in 1974 by the city of Cleveland.

The facility is secure, climate controlled, houses all agency functions and is in a better suited location to meet the higher service demands of the central neighborhood estates.

In 2013 CMHA police department upgraded to a state of the art Motorola two way radio system that allows for reliable county-wide and multi-agency communication capability.

CMHA-PD supplies all officers within the patrol unit with body armor that meets the latest NIJ safety standards for ballistic protective vests.