Housing numbers stablize

Monday, April 17, 2006

The numbers in the Greencastle Housing Authority Section 8 voucher program have remained steady and Max Johnson couldn't be more pleased.

Coming off a year in which the numbers fluctuated more than normal, the Executive Director told the GHA board Thursday the numbers through the first four months of this year have been steady.

He said there are approximately 180 people in the program currently, with 16 vouchers also out. He added that 15 more vouchers are being processed and 15 more possible occupants have been contacted.

"We're in pretty solid shape there," Johnson told the board members.

The funding for the program has increased from the first two months of this year. The program was funded for $46,049 in January and February. However, funding for March and April has been $46,598, an increase of $549.

Unlike last year, when funding was down, Johnson told the board Thursday the program may be able to house more people this year. But he did say the monthly funding could change again.

"We're real close to being right on the money," he said. "But because the number is going to change, we're off again."

The program was in the red for April by $349, unlike in March when it operated in the black by $707.

It started the year in the black at $1,056 but fell in the red again in February.

For the year, the program is still operating in the black by $199.

Still, Johnson said he believes the program's numbers could increase as the year unfolds.

"I would like to be at 180-184," he said. "I think we can fund it. We may be able to stay closer than we did last year, and that's encouraging.

"Right now, the vouchers are where we want them to be."

Meanwhile, Johnson informed the board there are approximately 20 people occupying the A-Way Home Shelter. Johnson also said nearly 10 of those occupants are children.

"We're still running the same kind of numbers we have been," Johnson said.

Johnson told the six board members in attendance Thursday that the shelter board is still in need of one more member.

GHA Board President Marjorie Smith was unable to attend Thursday's meeting.

In other business, the board:

-- Learned Johnson hired Floyd Coons as the new maintenance manager of Northview Apartments. Johnson also informed the board there was one vacancy at the facility.

-- Approved receivable write-offs.

-- Learned Johnson may visit two director's meetings coming up.

The board meets regularly on the second Thursday of each month. Its next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., May 11.

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