Mission Statement
For over 60 years, the Housing Authority of the City of Leeds has been dedicated to providing quality, affordable, and safe housing, as well as economic opportunities, to low- and moderate-income individuals and families. Our ultimate goal is to create a safe and comfortable living environment that is accessible to all and free from discrimination. We strive to encourage self-sufficiency among our residents while maximizing opportunities to improve their economic and personal well-being.
Vision
Our vision is to increase the availability of affordable housing by maintaining, upgrading, and redeveloping our housing properties. We are dedicated to supporting resident's self-sufficiency and enhancing their quality of life. To achieve our goals, we will focus on five key areas: addressing affordable housing challenges, implementing strategies for resident self-sufficiency, adopting a community economic development approach, building strong partnerships with the community, and ensuring the financial viability of the Housing Authority.
Our History
October 18, 1943
On October 18, 1943, the Housing Authority of Leeds was established as a legal corporation. Two days after, on October 20, 1943, W.W Lewis, E.H Edwards, P.C Lindon, George W. Fulmer, and Roy Rogers were appointed the first five Board Members to the Housing Authority Board. However, it wasn't until December 07, 1949, Edward B. Martin was appointed as the First Executive Director.
1950s
The creation of affordable public housing in Leeds took nine years before the first units were finished. In 1952, the initial Sunset View Apartments, which included 27 apartments and one office, were built as Project 69-1. The formal dedication of the 69-1 Sunset View Units also took place on December 17, 1952. Then in 1958 Smith Apartments was completed with 18 apartments and one maintenance shop, Project 69-2.
1960s
In 1964, the Housing Authority of Leeds was granted funds (69-3A) to build an additional 18 units and a maintenance shop for the Sunset View Apartments. Another grant (69-3B) was also approved to construct 12 apartments and an office for the Smith Apartments.
1970s
In 1970, 22 new apartments were built as part of the Sunset View Apartments Second Addition (Project 69-4). Smith Apartments also underwent a Second Addition that same year, which resulted in the construction of 18 new apartments.
1980s
On October 21, 1980, the Housing Authority of Leeds commenced the construction of its final Development 69-6, comprising of 20 buildings that housed a total of 40 apartments.
2015
As part of the Rental Assistance Demonstration program (RAD), LHA’s 158 public housing units constructed between 1952 and the 1980s have now been converted to Project Based Vouchers. The Authority has demonstrated remarkable competence and forward-thinking as it moves toward the future. The management and staff are dedicated to the organization's founding mission, which remains unchanged despite changes in program names and rules. The primary objective is to offer safe, sanitary, and comfortable housing to all residents.
Board of Commissioners
Greetings from the Executive Director!
Welcome to the official website of the Leeds Housing Authority (LHA)! We're thrilled to have you here and hope you find the website informative and helpful. As the Board of Commissioners and the LHA staff, we invite you to explore the website and take advantage of the vast information available. Our website is a valuable resource for affordable housing options and other programs that can assist you in achieving self-sufficiency. You'll find a wealth of information on our website, including housing program applications and other relevant documents.
At LHA, our mission is to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing too low to moderate-income individuals and families. We understand the importance of having a place to call home, a place to make memories with family and friends. We are committed to providing the support and resources necessary to help you achieve this goal. For over 70 years, we've been a dependable source of affordable housing, promoting self-sufficiency for families and individuals with low to moderate incomes in Leeds and its surrounding communities.
Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and we're always available to guide and support our residents, applicants, and the community. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our housing programs, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for choosing LHA as your housing partner.
