Urban League needs new home, asks public to help before winter

The Lorain County Urban League is looking for a new home.

Since 2015, the Urban League has been its current location, 200 Middle Ave Suite 200 in Elyria.

It has been leasing the building from TCF Bank.

Recently, TCF Bank was acquired by Huntington National Bank and now Huntington is selling the property.

“Our lease is set to end in February 2022, and we would prefer to have a new home before winter,” said Parris M. Smith, president and CEO of the Lorain County Urban League.

“While we are sad to leave our current home, we know that the community is willing to help us find a new one,” Smith said.

Since 1978, the Lorain County Urban League’s programs have given underserved African-Americans and other marginalized minorities the support, they need to overcome the unfair obstacles presented to them in education, housing, employment, entrepreneurship and civic engagement, according to a news release.

With the deadline to move drawing closer, the organization is asking for the community’s help in finding a new home, Smith adds.

“The Urban League is a welcoming space that is always available to the community,” said Cynthia Kushner, Board chair of the Lorain County Urban League. “We are looking for an office with enough space for our staff to serve individuals and families, host workshops and events and to collaborate with our many partners throughout the county.”

The Lorain County Urban League would like suggestions of potential locations by Oct. 15, according to the release.

“Having locations for our Relocation Committee to view and appraise in October, will help us select our new location by late November,” Smith said. “We hope to remain at a location that is easily accessible by our constituents and to continue to serve the community while we transition.”

The Urban League has called home to several locations in Lorain County, including when it was located at 1530 W. River Road, No. 300, in Elyria.

Prior to Smith becoming president and CEO, current Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield had led the organization for about five years.