I received a letter from HOC ( May 11, 2013) regarding to the HCV cuts due to the sequester that affects the residents under the program quality of life. My first thing, I thought was, "Why HOC didn't meet with the residents", before these cuts, to discuss the affects of the future. Over the weekend, when I received the letter in the mail concerning these cuts and I thought to myself, "Why is it so hard for the HOC staff to communicate with the residents"? When I was a former Commissioner, I made sure that any changes occurs concerning the residents, they would have the opportunity to interact with the decision making process before there was any cuts that may affect their quality of life. In Montgomery County HCV residents are defiantly treated as second class citizens, this is a good example, sending a letter of housing cuts and stating, "contact your Specialist", plain and simple, "How nice"! I thought to myself how would they like it if they were sent a letter, "You have no job"! I guess nothing affects them while they went home in their bed and slept all night with a good and clear conscience. There is a major disconnect here...... residents and HOC executive staff and Commissioners, no interactions or no sort of connections.
The letter that the CEO wrote is like he has personality "cold, disconnect and distance." Is this the third world country? The letter could have been written with some dignity or care, one paragraph that stands out to impose a threat, "If you don't report your income may result the termination of the program"! In the same letter about cuts and lthen a threat, very nicely done, Where is your heart? "The Commissioners hired him that they appreciate and support this kind of personality? It's proven that the Commissioners support this rhetoric or philosophy while they benefit with their perks, I wonder did cuts effect the Commissioner's perks? Trips, etc. Did any HOC Executives take a pay cut? Of course not, when they initiated this meeting, they didn't contact any residents because this would be a topic of discussion, "What about your pay cuts"! The only time there is any conversation or interactions with the residents and HOC staff is during the annual plan because it is mandated by HUD other than that I believe we are just a paycheck to them.
I certainly understand there has been a problem in Montgomery County with HCV residents over the years that involves segregation, living in quality areas and landlords accepting vouchers. When it comes to people lifes, HOC believes that the residents don't need an explanation because we receive rental assistance, "Shut Up" and if you loose your home, Oh well! I believe they slept good at night with no worry about do you have to move or how you going to get money to move. I went to HOC this week and didn't know about the cuts because the letter didn't arrive to my home until over the weekend of May 11th. However, I witness low level employees packing up saying good- bye. Monday, I tried calling HOC but the phones was flooded that I couldn't get through; finally I was told there will be a town meeting. However, the woman who answer the phone was in distressed with the many of phone calls. I made another phone call and I was told that residents just have to move, that's it. A town meeting with angry residents after you decide to cut their voucher and loose their apartments? Added expenses to pay another security deposit and moving expenses? No explanation to anyone who is a recipient under the program with no kind of dignity or respect that would affect our lives. The town meeting will be packed and overwhelmed that no one could get their question answered at all. What about the non-speaking English residents? Why a town meeting now?
Everyone understands about the cuts but how the process was initiated is the problem. The preparation could have been done with better quality even though you dealing with the low-income community. It's my belief because when it involves the low-income, seniors and disabled it is handled the way HOC intended, very heartless and cruel!
I called my caseworker this morning and discovered that she is terminated, now, "How am I going to get the information that was written by the CEO concerning the Voucher cuts? This is definitely a strong case of mis-communication that only affect the lives of the recipients! Maybe someone will call me back.
