After being under Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) receivership since 2013, the Gary Housing Authority (GHA) is now transitioning back to local control.
“The Gary Housing Authority has made significant progress over the past several years,” HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge said. “I’m pleased that we are able to take this important step with (Gary, Indiana) Mayor (Jerome) Prince to return the GHA to local control, where it will continue to serve its residents and the community. HUD looks forward to ensuring a successful transition under the oversight of the Board of Commissioners. We could not take this important step without the partnership of the housing authority and the local government.”
The Agency’s recovery team collaborated with the community to provide GHA the tools and support to correct issues and turn the agency around. GHA is no longer designated as troubled in its public housing program, and its Housing Choice Voucher program has achieved a high performer designation.
“This is a great moment for the people of the City of Gary and for the Gary Housing Authority,” Prince said. “Under Director Taryl Bonds, we’re looking forward to exceeding our GHA residents’ expectations and providing them with the best possible service. I especially want to thank Secretary Fudge for her leadership and vision.”
Officials indicated GHA received an overall passing Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) for GHA’s properties; improved physical condition and inspection scores; increased occupancy rates; produced an unmodified financial audit with no findings; initiated the demolition of more than 400 blighted units at six sites; and approval to demolish approximately 600 additional obsolete units at four sites.