Erlanger City Council discussed a proposal for the Housing Authority of Covington to administer United States Department of Housing and Urban Development programs within the city during a meeting last week.
Central to the discussion was the potential impact of the Housing Choice Voucher program in Erlanger, which allows those in the program to receive vouchers that help pay their housing costs.
Under the voucher program, participants can select their preferred housing, including single-family homes, townhouses or apartments, provided they meet program standards. However, selected housing units must meet acceptable health and safety levels before approval. Moreover, families moving to units where rent exceeds the payment standard are protected by law, ensuring they do not pay more than 40% of their adjusted monthly income for rent. This flexibility ensures beneficiaries can find suitable accommodations.
Erlanger is trying to sustain the provision of housing choice vouchers and intends to entrust the program’s administration to the Housing Authority of Covington, which would manage operations in Erlanger. This transition is intended to bolster housing accessibility and support for vulnerable populations within the community.
Citizens do not need to relocate to Covington to apply for and receive a voucher. The vouchers will still be good in Erlanger; the Housing Authority of Covington would simply oversee how they operate.
In December, Covington and the Housing Authority of Covington began merging the city’s housing choice voucher program into the housing authority, following a request from the city’s Neighborhood Services Department.
During last week’s meeting, councilmember Jennifer Jasper-Lucas emphasized the importance of clarity and empathy in decision-making.
“I put myself in the shoes of others because I’ve never been in their shoes,” she said. “We’re making decisions that affect other people.”
Jasper-Lucas also highlighted the significance of taxpayer dollars in ensuring ease for tenants.
“It’s our tax dollars, it’s everyone’s tax dollars, and we want things to be easier for the tenants,” Jasper-Lucas said.
Given that the demand for housing assistance often surpasses available resources, resulting in long waiting periods, Erlanger wants to expand resources and allow greater access. Through this resolution, Erlanger anticipates advancing its mission of fostering inclusive and sustainable communities.
A final date for the vote has not been set.