History

Laconia Housing Authority (LHA), originally Laconia Housing & Redevelopment Authority (LHRA), was organized by vote of the Laconia City Council on April 26, 1950. The Authority was active until 1953, and then was inactive for 9 years. On October 29, 1962 it was reactivated by the appointment of four Commissioners. A fifth Commissioner was appointed November 26, 1962. The Housing Authority has continued without interruption in the performance of its public corporate purposes since that date.

The original task of LHRA was to help relocate people displaced by the Urban Renewal project; a project to revitalize downtown Laconia.

In 1988, LHRA assisted in the development of the Laconia Area Community Land Trust (LACLT) and provided them office space until 1995. In 1994, LACLT acquired and rehabbed five properties on Avery Hill. LHA assisted LACLT with development and funding on the Avery Hill project. LACLT is now a completely independent organization.

With increasing longevity and sharply rising health care costs, LHA realized that the needs of seniors were changing. In 1992, LHA began a Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) providing meals, housekeeping, laundry service, emergency response, transportation and personal care to seniors enabling them to continue living in their own homes. This program has served over 250 residents, saving considerable amounts of county and federal tax dollars. Since 1992, millions of dollars in savings has been realized by providing services to seniors who would otherwise have had to go to a nursing home.

During the Urban Renewal project, the Tavern Inn (aka Stafford House) was converted to apartments; however, it was still under private control. In 1995, LHA acquired the entire property in a partnership with Laconia Savings Bank and Village Bank & Trust. Working with the Belknap-Merrimack Community Action Program and LRGHealthcare, LHA converted the defunct mini-mall into a Senior Drop-In Center and a Senior Day Care Center. CAP manages the activities of the Drop-In Center and LRGHealthcare managed the Senior Day Care.

In the following year, LHA began the Transitional Alternative Housing Program (TAHP) providing the same services as the Congregate Housing Services Program to tenants who were not eligible for the HUD Public Housing CHS Program.

In 1996, LHA promoted the creation of the New Hampshire Regional Community Development Corporation; a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation which assists LHA in developing needed housing and services programs.

In 1997, using a three-year HUD Grant, LHA set up a Congregate Housing Services Program for the Concord NH Housing Authority. During these 3 years, LHA staff assessed participants and trained Concord Housing staff to run the program.

During this same period, LHA won a HUD grant to provide the Laconia Police with $150,000 over a five-year period to implement programs which reduce crime and drug activity in the downtown neighborhoods.

In 1998, LHA provided office and administrative support to a homeless family support group called Open Arms. Open Arms is now a completely independent organization.

In 1999, LHA launched programs to assist families in establishing goals and get started in furthering education or job training, with the goal of attaining self-sufficiency; living independent of subsidy programs.

During 2000 and 2001, LHA set up computer labs for tenants at Sunrise Towers and the Tavern Inn / Stafford House, and arranged for students to assist in training seniors on computers and the internet.

In 2002, LHA started an internal Home Health Agency which allows LHA to provide tenants with an array of health services, including nursing services. This enables seniors to remain in their own apartments delaying more expensive long term care. If they are hospitalized and discharged, LHA works with local home health agencies to provide care.

Also in 2002, LHA purchased Blueberry Place (35 apartments) and Northfield Village (36 apartments). Support Services are available to tenants in both complexes.

In 2003, LHA acquired Orchard Hill II; 32 apartments in a country setting off Plummer Hill Road in Belmont. Support services are also available to these tenants.

In 2006, LHA was the developer of the Normandin Square / Scott & Williams project. Sixty apartments, (currently managed by Stewart Property Management), were created and rented in record time. In addition, new facilities were created for the Lakes Region Child Care Center and two businesses providing medical care services to the community.

In 2008, LHA collaborated with the Laconia Police to establish a sub-station at the Tavern Inn / Stafford House, providing a place for officers to do paperwork, make follow up phone calls, and interact with the tenants at the complex.