MANSFIELD — Louis Blevins has dedicated his life to serving others as a pastor. He’s hoping to do the same as a board member for the Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority.
Blevins, 73, is the newest appointee to the public housing authority’s board. His five-year term officially began May 1.
“I’ve been active in the community doing feeding programs, doing the work of the Lord and trying to help people where I can,” Blevins said. “When this opportunity came up, I thought, ‘Maybe I need to look into it, to see if I can be some kind of help.'”
Blevins is the pastor of Latter Rain Church of God in Christ on Glessner Avenue. He’s been a resident of Richland County for more than 50 years.
Ohio law dictates how many members a housing authority has and who appoints them.
In Richland County, it’s five people: one appointed by the probate court, one appointed by the court of common pleas, one appointed by the county commissioners and two appointed by the mayor of Mansfield.
Blevins was appointed by the probate court. He succeeded Sarah Hairston, whose term expired.
“Pastor Blevins has always had a heart for helping people out,” said Steve Andrews, MMHA’s executive director.
“He understands the needs in Richland County and was looking for an opportunity to serve in a capacity where he could make decisions that help people.”