Johnstown, PA (WJAC) — State Representative Frank Burns is calling on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to take corrective action by changing the public housing policy that allegedly makes the Johnstown Housing Authority "fiscally responsible" for Section 8 housing payments, even after a voucher holder leaves the city.
According to newly obtained documents, Rep. Burns says that the Johnstown Housing Authority reportedly paid $1.5 million, in 2019, to cover the costs for families who were no longer residing in the city.
Rep. Burns claims that the cost grew each year, according to the documents, and will continue to do so unless a policy change is made.
“It appears the Johnstown Housing Authority’s hands are tied when it comes to this nonsensical policy, which has siphoned millions of dollars away from Cambria County residents,” Burns said. “And if nothing is done, I’ve discovered the problem is on course to get worse.”
The release states that, "because out-of-county housing authorities are under no obligation to absorb the cost of Section 8 vouchers, JHA is currently paying over $8,000 per month to the Philadelphia Housing Authority to cover housing costs for seven families."
“Why should the JHA be at the financial mercy of a whim from the Philadelphia Housing Authority, or any other housing authority?” Burns asked. “It should be a HUD rule that if you leave Cambria County, the obligation of subsidizing your rent leaves with you.”
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