Greensburg, IN—The Greensburg Housing Authority is in jeopardy of being transferred and no longer being able to provide local services due in part to an obligation owed to HUD. Past financial indiscretions described by Director Milissa Ashley as “embezzlement from past administration” of funds while speaking at the Greensburg City Council meeting on Monday, which is said to have occurred over many years has resulted in a time-sensitive demand letter being issued from HUD.
The letter outlines that GHA has until January 10, 2020 to come up with $27,279. 00 to make a repayment of money that is missing. Both the director and Board members made a plea on Monday for funding from the City of Greensburg. They explained to the Council that the payment could be made all at once or over a 3 year time period. Should they not make this repayment term, the GHA, the only one of its kind in the area, will be forced to close its doors and all current voucher program recipients would be transferred to the Indianapolis office. Future participants would then be addressed on a waiting list along with all other applicants in the Indianapolis office as funding becomes available. The Board and Ashley outlined plans to assure this situation would not occur in the future.
Housing vouchers are used to help individuals on a fixed or low income, in a domestic violence situation, or those who are disabled with rental assistance. These are individuals that might not necessarily have the means of transportation to drive to apply in Indianapolis.
The amount of time spent on the waiting list depends largely on the way the organization’s federal funds are distributed. In some areas, the wait can be years long. GHA is a subsidiary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Because the funds are distributed on a month by month basis, it’s not possible to place many applicants at once.
To qualify for a housing voucher, applicants must meet income guidelines, as well as completing a voucher meeting where others factors determining eligibility will be explained. According to Ashley the income guidelines usually fall in the range of individuals making $22,000 or less per year.
Ultimately after discussion and several questions, the Council voted 3-2 to not assist in funding the GHA.
