By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Ten families will have to switch to a different housing choice voucher program, although what the process will look like is uncertain at this point.
The discussion came during the Housing Authority of Glasgow’s monthly meeting on Aug. 20. Executive Operations Officer Sheri Lee said the emergency housing voucher program will not be funded after 2025.
Lee said the emergency voucher program was created during the pandemic when people began losing jobs, houses and income.
“Emergency Housing Vouchers are tenant-based rental assistance,” a 7-page document sent to public housing agencies across the country. “Eligibility for [vouchers] is limited to individuals and families who are homeless; at risk of homelessness; fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; or recently homeless and for whom providing-rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness or having high risk of housing instability.”
There are 10 emergency housing vouchers currently in use by families, according to information provided by the housing authority. Those 10 vouchers collectively are receiving $3,547 in assistance.
At the end of the year, when the Department of Housing and Urban Development ceases to provide funding for the program, Lee said those on the emergency voucher will have to switch over to the similar housing choice voucher program, a move which is “strongly encourage[d]” by the department, according to the document.
Lee said they are reading the document for specifics on how exactly to transition those from emergency the choice vouchers, which is helping fewer people due to the increase in rent prices in the county.
The commissioners also briefly discussed the ongoing sinkhole mitigation at E.P. Terry Estates in Cave City. Lee said the sinkhole is becoming a “significant issue” and the American Engineers will have to fill it in with concrete. She was unsure of the exact cost, but said it would likely be in the six figure range.
She said the housing authority is soon to have a new website and logo.
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