Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

As stated on its webpage, https://www.hawinchesterky.org, the mission of the Winchester Housing Authority “is to provide and develop quality affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families while promoting self-sufficiency and neighborhood revitalization,” and “is your local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).” 

The WHA has a long history of serving the community of Clark County positively, providing rental housing or rental assistance to low-income families, people with disabilities, and the elderly. 

Recently, some residents reached out with concerns about the latest changes. 

At Memorial Park, some raised concerns about the frequency by which visits occur. 

“I’ve had maintenance [seen] on my video cameras come in…there was no notice the day before,” said Jonathan Young, a two-year resident. “[They] come in…[and] start changing stuff. They were supposed to come back and fix stuff. They never came back…they cut a hole in the wall [and] never came back to sand it down or paint it.” 

Other reasons for visits – though these are governed by law – include smoke alarm inspections and pest control. 

Another complaint – as alleged by tenants – has been the seeming lack of communication before action is taken. 

“On Friday, [November 8], they had sent somebody out, and the Internet wire was cut, and so was the cable.” Another resident asked to remain anonymous. “They didn’t send a notice…the only [information] we got was a notice for the blacktopping, the remodeling, [and] the roofing.” 

“We never [had] anything like this,” stated another anonymous resident. 

Speaking openly, Young acknowledged that – recently  – it’s his opinion that matters have worsened. 

“No one has taken me [seriously],” he said. “I would say as far as attentiveness to tenants…it has only [become] gradually worse…they are kicking people out [due to] small inconveniences.” 

When asked what he hoped to see differently, Young further responded. 

“I would like to see them take initiative. When someone [says] that there’s something wrong with their apartment, they should try to do something,” he said.

The Winchester Housing Authority holds weekly tenant meetings for residents of properties at Memorial Park, Tyler Banks, Stevenson Heights, Sequoia Village, and Smith Manor.