General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDoes a non profit that receives HUD funds have to abide.........
with the Freedom of Information Act?
The reason, I ask is because my mom lives in a senior high rise, that is funded by Housing & Urban Development but is run by a non profit.
The building is 6 stories tall and has about 65 residents. They have had one painter painting the floors, since January 25, 2017, he is still painting. HUD does allocate this money every few years for painting. I have a brother who is a professional painter (Union too), who says that each floor should have taken no more than one week to do.
I asked the manager, whether they had bid this work out, or was this an hourly job for the painter. She told me it was none of my business. I told her I did have the right to that information, and my mother as a resident has the right to information, the manager said absolutely not. One of the reasons I believe she won't give me that information, is because I learned last week, that the painter is the brother-in-law of the manager's secretary.
I also asked the name of the company who last week did a bath tub cut-out in my mom's bathroom. It still does not give mom access to the tub. It is now 10 months that my Mom has not been able to shower, and the manager shrugged it off & said there's nothing she can do. She of course did not give me the name of this company & again, said it's none of my business.
I think what's going on is that HUD money is being waylaid and perhaps there's a kickback to the manager.
I did electronically file an FOI request electronically with HUD, this afternoon. Am I on the right track?
Doreen
(11,686 posts)I would contact adult protection also. Your mother has you but there may be others who do not have people on the outside to watch out for them. Contact all and any agencies that have to do with human services. HUD is usually very strict about codes being followed. If you need to call the police. If it is that bad for your mother it could be worse for others. You do have a legal right to get all of that information you wanted and that land lady has no legal right to keep it from you. Any person or companies hired by HUD has to be licensed and bonded.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,398 posts)Most of them love this kind of crap.
mrmpa
(4,033 posts)there is a local TV newman/investigating reporter, who he and I have a wonderful friend in common, who I thought of calling.
mopinko
(70,197 posts)non-profits. this has been an issue here in chi, and it is a brick wall afaik.
that said, hud/your local housing authority def has the power to investigate. find this lady's boss.
dont know where you are or what your govt system is, but here in chi this is something to light up your alderman for.
also city building dept.
good luck.
Major Nikon
(36,827 posts)There are exceptions as to what they have to disclose, but generally speaking where the money goes doesn't make that cut.
Navigating FOIA can be quite challenging. Agencies will routinely stonewall your requests and if they give you anything at all they will often flood you with mountains of irrelevant nonsense and expect you to sift through all of it to find what you're after.