Warsaw Housing Board Implements Violence Against Women Policies
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Warsaw Housing Authority Board approved the Violence Against Women Act Monday night.
The act assists female victims of domestic violence in finding safe housing.
Pam Kennedy, executive director of Housing Opportunities of Warsaw, informed board members of the act.
VAWA states that a public housing agency, owner or landlord cannot deny admission to an applicant, male or female, who has been a victim of domestic or dating violence or stalking.The act was approved by the federal government for all housing authorities in the U.S. effective Jan. 5, Kennedy said.
The board approved implementing the act into HOW's administrative plan during the meeting.
Kennedy said the act will give preference to assisting women with finding housing who have suffered violence against them.
The victim is given a federal form to fill out, and is required to submit a police report of the incident or proof of professional treatment.
Kennedy said she reviews the information and it is put safely in a file for no one else to view.
Kennedy said HOW will allow victims of abuse to end a lease before the 12-month requirement, and will be allowed to move to another state, town or county.
"This act will open doors for women who have been abused and will be helpful in assisting them to find safe housing," Kennedy said.
Kennedy also gave a WHA voucher program report for February, including three participating families searching for housing, one contract completed, three terminations, nine recertifications, 18 interims and 170 families using the voucher program.
She also said she will meet today with the United Way Vision Council to discuss the Upson House and owner-occupied rehabilitation.
WHA commissioner members are Robert Kline, Karen Bober, Page Himes, Tammy Keirn, Joel Curry, Melissa Francis and the Rev. Stephen Austin.
The board will meet again April 23 at 5:15 p.m. at the WHA office.
