Help With Information on HUD

[PsychoDad]

Hi, I'm Psychodad's wife, he told me to use his account to login and post (i just registered and it won't allow me to create posts - heh). Anyway, here's the scoop: I had to call a neighboring town to get the representative organization that handles HUD in our area (living in a small out-in-the-boondocks town sux). We want to move into HUD housing (rental) and there is an available trailer practically next door to our current residence which we most probably could move into right away. When I contacted the local rep (not in our town) I was told they are not currently accepting applications, they haven't for a while now, and to check our local newspaper for when they will be accepting applications. I told them we don't have a local paper, so I was told well whatever paper handles the county we live in. I told them we don't have a County paper. So I was told well, whatever newspaper that is delivered to our town. So I decide, this just sounds weird, and called the Fed Government, finally finding the phone # in Indianapolis Indiana (get this... no toll-free number for this office).. and was told that HUD has not been accepting applications for a while, and won't be for the next 2 years. So I call the HUD housing authority in the next town over, to ask about renting, and was told I can put in an application, but the waiting list is 6 months to a year. That funding has been cut drastically for HUD, but I can apply with them, I'd have to move there of course. So they are sending me an application. Here's the deal: there's a trailer for rent on the same street as ours, they want to rent on HUD. Its empty. We want to move there. All this requires is to get on the list. But there are no funds and no applications are being accepted at this time. What's the deal here? And who do I contact in our representatives (local, STate, FEd) to complain and turn to for legislative action/complaint/someone who will listen? Any advice would be welcome, and thanks in advance!!!

[plasticwidow]

1. Its me, psychodad's wife... plasticwidow

Hey, its me, Psychodad's wife.. this is my username and account here on Democratic Underground. Again, I'd appreciate any replies to the above. This is just frustrating, and Bush is just screwing around with so many things, and HUD is one of them. Getting really pissed off with Bush and his cronies and their screwing with VA benefits, our military and HUD and other programs that help people.

Thanks again!!!!

[salin]

2. Sounds crazy...

had a brief dealing with a co that did (outsourced) work for Indy Hud office - they were losing their HUD contract and didn't really give a darn - and thus were slow and laxadazical. I am not surprised that you found the INdy HUD nonresponsive. At least the 'near local' office had better news (6 months is better than two years - though it doesn't seem to make sense.)

I would start trying to go through political hoops (seems to be the only way, sometimes, to get things moving.) Try local office holder - highest up you can get... then state representative... and your congressman. Realistically fed officials (eg congressman, senate) would be more flex worthy (can flex muscle) than state or local... but state or local can enlist the help of the office of the fed folks. Don't know that anyone would do anything - but if you can frame your story in a way that publicity from the official's help could be seen to that person (or his/her office) as being a good "story", then they might be willing to have their office put in a call or two to try to helpout.

Wish that I had more helpful advice... its an area which I know nothing about.

Good Luck!