LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After discovering a backlog and discrepancies in required paperwork for those in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), Louisville Metro Housing Authority officials are working to improve the situation.
The paperwork is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) every two years.
“Section 8 is crucial to the city of Louisville, helping more than 25,000 people afford their rent. We have an opportunity now to identify areas for improvement and strengthen LMHA’s Section 8 department, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Executive Director Elizabeth Strojan said. “I know it won’t be easy, but as we emerge from the pandemic and welcome new leaders in the organization, the future is bright at LMHA.”
Strojan said the backlog started during the pandemic. This and significant staff vacancies contributed to thousands of late recertifications.
The organization said since she took office in January, LMHA has found it was out of compliance with HUD rules and regulations; while they don't believe this has led to any payment issues with tenants or landlords, the organization said HUD may take action to hold LMHA accountable.
Here are some steps the organization has already taken:
- changed the recertification process
- Strojan requested an external audit of their Section 8 policies, procedures and practices
- Partnered with an outside party to catch up on late recertifications
- Strojan hired new leadership
“We are so fortunate to have a leader like Elizabeth at LMHA, helping this organization overcome current challenges and also transform into an innovative organization that Louisvillians will trust and depend on,” Mayor Craig Greenberg said. “While the current conditions of LMHA are not where they should be, Elizabeth’s commitment to transparency and finding real solutions are encouraging and will lead this organization in a new direction.”
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