With the recent increase in methamphetamine in Kosciusko County, Warsaw Housing Authority is informing the community of Housing and Urban Development's illegal drug use policy for people seeking federal assisted housing.
Warsaw Housing Authority was established in 1979. Its mission is to provide quality housing opportunities to improve the lives of the citizens who are in need and to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for eligible residents of Warsaw."WHA is concerned with families losing or not qualifying for federal housing programs due to drug use. We want Kosciusko County families to be aware of the rules set forth by Housing and Urban Development," said Pam Kennedy, Housing Opportunities of Warsaw executive director.
The policy states an applicant will receive denial of admission and termination of assistance for drug use if any household member is currently engaged in any illegal use of a drug. The same applies to a pattern of illegal use of a drug by any household member or their guests interferes with the healthy enjoyment of the premises by other residents.
The policy also states WHA will immediately terminate assistance for a family under the program if WHA determines that any member of the household has ever been convicted of drug-related criminal activity for manufacturing or production of methamphetamine on the premises of federal assisted housing.
The policy has a reasonable cause for concern clause that states if WHA receives allegations, visually observes drug-related items, or has concern for their safety, WHA may choose to have a law enforcement officer accompany WHA staff for a housing quality standard inspection or a special inspection.
Kennedy said the housing authority has encountered applicants and identified participants involved with meth within the last year.
"If you are a family member convicted of drug-related criminal activity for the production or manufacture or methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing, you are not eligible for housing assistance for a lifetime," Kennedy said.
She said there is an appeal process after three years. To qualify for the appeal process, the person must prove they have received professional help and that they are completely drug free.
Kennedy said Kosciusko County has many federally subsidized housing units such as Pike Lake Pointe, Heron Preserve and Canterbury Apartments.
Kennedy said if someone was living in one of the units and was convicted on meth charges and later applied for the section 8 housing voucher program through Warsaw Housing Authority, their application would not be accepted.
She said another concern the housing authority is having to address is the safety of its staff.
Kennedy said families on the housing choice voucher program will now be required to sign a paper during intake and during their annual reviews acknowledging that Warsaw Housing Authority may have a police officer accompany them on site visits.
Warsaw Housing Authority has put together a brochure about the dangers of methamphetamine and drug use.
