Vermilion Housing Authority Executive Director Jackie Vinson says the organization received just a little more than expected for this year’s disbursement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for modernization and maintenance of the county’s public housing stock. But Vinson says this is right in line with what usually comes VHA’s way, and now begins the long term routine of figuring out how to spend it.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: There’s a long process that takes place, from the appropriation being made to the Housing Authority receiving the money. We have to create and submit a plan, essentially for the use of these funds. We submit that to HUD; they review and approve that plan. And then we can start obligating those funds. So it’s quite a process. I don’t know, usually a three to four month process.
Vermilion Housing Authority Executive Director Jackie Vinson.
As far as what will be in that plan the Vermilion Housing Authority submits to HUD, Vinson says her team will be making suggestions.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: We’ll really start soon working with our asset managers, our property managers, on the needs on their properties. So we’ll identify needs that we have on our list, any new needs that have come up, and then we’ll work to prioritize what we’re going to address in the coming year.
Vinson says this funding from HUD can be used for demolition, but that is not the plan for this year. Instead, it’s a matter of things like upgrading infrastructure where necessary; and making sure VHA buildings are decent, safe, and sanitary.
