WHA Offers New Brochure
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
An informational brochure about fair housing is available through the Warsaw Housing Authority.
WHA executive director Vickie Provine told the board of directors Monday that the brochure was drafted as part of the agreement in which federal funds were received for the owner-occupied rehabilitation program.
Awarding of the grant included a clause for the WHA to further fair housing in the Warsaw community.
The brochure was created by administrative assistant Catharine Walker and will be distributed by volunteers. It explains, among other points, that renting or financing housing cannot be denied by discriminating on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. It also provides information about filing a complaint if a violation occurs.
In other business, the board learned that one of the OOR program houses has been completed and the other seven homes are in the construction phase. About $105,000 of the $250,000 grant has been expended for these projects, leaving nearly $145,000 in available funds for additional rehabilitation projects.
Provine said the WHA will promote roof and furnace repairs be completed this fall. She said many homeowners are under the mistaken impression that projects must be all inclusive. However, specific repairs can be emphasized, regardless of the number of items noted as needing improved, Provine said.
In a related matter, the board approved having Bruce Woodward complete a fair market analysis for each of the houses being considered for the OOR program. It is necessary to determine whether the repairs will exceed 75 percent of the value of the house. If so, the home will not qualify for the program. Woodward will complete the analyses for $45 each.
The OOR program provides forgiveable or low-interest loans for low-income homeowners. The homeowner must have lived in the residence at least two years to qualify; other criteria must also be met. For more information, call the housing authority at 269-7641.
The board also:
jj Learned that the city of Warsaw, with the help of city councilman Porter Polston and Mayor Jeff Plank, has approved an agreement with the WHA for a $4,000 revolving pool for client security deposits. A new Department of Housing and Urban Development ruling that clients pay a full deposit was causing hardships and preventing some applicants from receiving assistance. This fund will be available to help subsidize those costs and repayment is required.
jj Welcomed new member Max Courtney. He replaces Bob Bullock, who will be relocating out of state.
jj Decided to present a slate of officers at next month's meeting. Bullock was serving as president of the board when he resigned. Vice president Sue Charlton is serving as acting president until an election can be held.
The next meeting is at 5:15 p.m. Sept. 23 in the WHA office, 220 S. Buffalo St. [[In-content Ad]]
An informational brochure about fair housing is available through the Warsaw Housing Authority.
WHA executive director Vickie Provine told the board of directors Monday that the brochure was drafted as part of the agreement in which federal funds were received for the owner-occupied rehabilitation program.
Awarding of the grant included a clause for the WHA to further fair housing in the Warsaw community.
The brochure was created by administrative assistant Catharine Walker and will be distributed by volunteers. It explains, among other points, that renting or financing housing cannot be denied by discriminating on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. It also provides information about filing a complaint if a violation occurs.
In other business, the board learned that one of the OOR program houses has been completed and the other seven homes are in the construction phase. About $105,000 of the $250,000 grant has been expended for these projects, leaving nearly $145,000 in available funds for additional rehabilitation projects.
Provine said the WHA will promote roof and furnace repairs be completed this fall. She said many homeowners are under the mistaken impression that projects must be all inclusive. However, specific repairs can be emphasized, regardless of the number of items noted as needing improved, Provine said.
In a related matter, the board approved having Bruce Woodward complete a fair market analysis for each of the houses being considered for the OOR program. It is necessary to determine whether the repairs will exceed 75 percent of the value of the house. If so, the home will not qualify for the program. Woodward will complete the analyses for $45 each.
The OOR program provides forgiveable or low-interest loans for low-income homeowners. The homeowner must have lived in the residence at least two years to qualify; other criteria must also be met. For more information, call the housing authority at 269-7641.
The board also:
jj Learned that the city of Warsaw, with the help of city councilman Porter Polston and Mayor Jeff Plank, has approved an agreement with the WHA for a $4,000 revolving pool for client security deposits. A new Department of Housing and Urban Development ruling that clients pay a full deposit was causing hardships and preventing some applicants from receiving assistance. This fund will be available to help subsidize those costs and repayment is required.
jj Welcomed new member Max Courtney. He replaces Bob Bullock, who will be relocating out of state.
jj Decided to present a slate of officers at next month's meeting. Bullock was serving as president of the board when he resigned. Vice president Sue Charlton is serving as acting president until an election can be held.
The next meeting is at 5:15 p.m. Sept. 23 in the WHA office, 220 S. Buffalo St. [[In-content Ad]]