The State of HUD and Its Programs

The mess at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development seems to be a never-ending story. The public image of all HUD programs is one of a giant fiasco. HUD Secretary Jack Kemp has even referred to some of the programs as a “swamp.” Organizations that have used HUD funds prudently and wisely are now becoming suspect.

Neighborhood Housing Services of La Habra Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation that has been the recipient of HUD Funds through the Community Development Block Grant program since 1977. This public/private partnership, governed by a board of neighborhood residents, city officials and local business leaders, has received some $920,000 in CDBG housing funds. The funds have been used to assist hundreds of low-income families through loans to repair and improve their homes.

These funds have been used prudently. They have been used wisely. They have been loaned and repaid and loaned again. More than $3 million in home improvement has been funded from the original $920,000 and assets in the fund now totals $1.17 million.

Drain the swamp, but preserve and encourage those programs that are on high ground. Much work remains to be done if we are to decently house American families.

GLENN HAYES

Executive Director, Neighborhood Housing Services of La Habra