Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank was honored for his contributions to the city's housing needs at Monday's Warsaw Housing Authority meeting.

Plank, who is retiring in March after 13 years as mayor, has made several appointments to the board while being a strong supporter of the WHA.

"In any organization the tone is set by the administration," said Vickie Provine, executive director of the WHA. "His heart for the people and his desire to provide programs has enabled others to provide programs," she said.

"Why so many of our projects were successful in helping housing needs in the city of Warsaw is because Jeff Plank was instrumental in encouraging us and helping us find the source of funds that we needed," Provine said.

Provine said Plank was instrumental in helping secure the support of the city council on many WHA programs:

• In the past nine years the WHA has received three funding increments.

• The authority was able to develop a comprehensive housing plan for the city of Warsaw.

• The owner-occupied rehab program has helped 17 families repairs their homes with partly forgivable loans.

• The good housekeeping program, with Pam Kennedy, city inspector, has provided rewards for city residents who keep their homes in good condition.

• The city has helped with funds to start a family self-sufficiency program.

• The city has provided monies for a revolving loan for a security deposit program that has already helped four families secure housing.

Besides helping with these programs, Plank has encouraged the authority to pursue other avenues of funding, Provine said.

The board also honored Brad Tandy, who retired from the board after eight years of service. "I knew he'd serve the city and the board well," said Plank of Tandy's appointment.

Plank also said that finding qualified people to serve on city boards has never been a problem. "I hope we never lose that character," said Plank "It's vitally important. [[In-content Ad]]