With the resignation of the Warsaw Housing Authority's director, Warsaw is losing one of its most dedicated public servants, community leaders say.

WHA executive director Vickie Provine will be leaving the WHA June 19 after nearly 9 years. She has accepted a position with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Monroe County. According to Provine, the Bloomington-area group already has a full-time staff of seven overseeing its programs.

"We're sure reluctant to see you go, but we wish you well," board president Bob Kline told Provine. The board accepted her resignation at Wednesday's meeting.

"Our loss is certainly Bloomington's gain," said former Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank. While working with the housing authority he found Provine extremely dedicated and committed to serving people who are often ignored, he said.

Plank called her dedication to service an increasingly rare characteristic.

"In today's world, because of all the time demands on all of us, we are redefining charity into the writing of a deductible check," Plank said. "Vickie still is one of those people who not only invests her money in folks who are less fortunate but also her entire being."

"It's been a pleasure working with everyone," said Provine. She added that it was hard to believe she had been with the authority for nine years.

"The city has been a big support, the board has always been supportive, and I've had wonderful people to work with," she said.

One recent success established under Provine's direction, with the city's assistance, is the owner-occupied rehab program. The program allows low-income homeowners to restore their homes to city code with low-interest loans.

More than 15 city residents have had their homes improved with the partially forgiveable low-interest loans. Some of the rehabs have been substantial - replacing foundations or demolitions of additions that could not be saved.

The WHA will be experiencing some other changes soon with the creation of a Community Housing Development Organization and the adoption of not-for-profit status. Both moves will aid the organization in financing staff costs, office expenses and equipment, hardware and software, strategic planning, organizational development and the expansion of existing programs.

Provine has called the expansion into CHDO and nonprofit status a positive step to further housing opportunities in the community. Catharine Walker, the new director of the housing authority, said the new status will be better for the housing needs of the community.

Walker, who has worked closely with Provine at the authority for eight years, said Provine will be sorely missed both personally and professionally.

But the board and Provine feel the WHA will be in good hands. "Catharine's a visionary; I think she can really lead the housing authority into some exciting new areas," said Provine. [[In-content Ad]]