We are seeing real results from a KPRC 2 Investigation into the Houston Housing Authority. A third-party investigation into shady deals exposed by KPRC 2 is now complete.
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3″ Apple MacBook Air with 8GB RAM/128GB SSD for just $200Six months after our KPRC 2 Investigates team uncovered shady contracts at the Houston Housing Authority that cost you millions of dollars... an outside investigation commissioned by the HHA board confirmed our findings. We told you in April the Housing Authority board hired a third-party law firm to investigate all contracts, agreements, and payouts. The findings show: “Significant lapses in process and procedures within HHA concerning the award of contracts, as well as contract administration and procedure, including the review and approval of payments under awarded contracts.” The Houston Housing Authority embarked on a project to install 1,615 window air conditioning units across three local housing projects, originally budgeting $2.3 million. However, the final cost ballooned to more than $5.4 million—leaving many questions about the use of public funds and who benefited from the extra costs.The summary reveals the project to install window units at three housing projects in 2023 went 3.1 million dollars over budget because of mismanagement, inexperienced and unqualified contractors, and a lack of oversight.The Columbia Tap Trail project to connect Cuney Homes with the walking trail left residents without tables, benches, and lighting that contractors were paid to install. “We were not the board who approved or oversaw either of these projects. The investigation has proven extremely helpful to our new president and his new leadership team who have embraced the opportunity to strengthen our internal processes,” said Jody Proler, Houston Housing Authority Chairman Former H-H-A president David Northern resigned last year in exchange for an agreement that the board would not investigate or reveal any alleged wrongdoing by him. He is now the president and CEO of the Housing Authority in Flint, Michigan. KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis talks with the new Houston Housing Authority CEO. HHA has been the center of a months-long KPRC 2 Investigation into money mismanagement. Jamie Bryant says he is making changes across the board thanks, in part, to what KPRC 2 Investigates uncovered.Bryant shared the significant changes he is implementing “One of the very first things I did when I stepped in here was I turned off the spigot... and said, ‘turn it off,‘” Bryant said. He emphasized that he halted the flow of funds from the Houston Housing Authority while reviewing new projects and the personnel on his team.Bryant noted that many key leaders, including vice presidents and senior vice presidents from the previous administration under David Northern, are no longer with the organization. Bryant eliminated the senior advisor position held by Na’Shon Edwards, who had previously spent thousands of housing authority funds at upscale restaurants. While thousands of people sit on a waiting list for housing help, Houston Housing Authority execs are spending big. KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis opens the books at the HHA to show you how employees are spending your tax dollars.He also terminated senior vice president Khadija Darr, who received a $24,000 pay raise after less than two years, and fired Marquis Barnes, who was linked to questionable contractors and deals.KPRC 2 Investigates the Houston Housing Authority. A KPRC 2 viewer contacted Investigator Amy Davis to say she's been on the waitlist for a voucher for years. Amy Davis is getting answers for her and others in this part of our HHA investigation.Another part of the KPRC 2 Investigation involves vouchers. More than 18,000 are on a waitlist to get a voucher to help them pay rent.to a 62-year-old cancer patient who has been on the housing voucher waitlist since 2016—over eight years. Many others are in similar situations, waiting for assistance.their contact information and select “Save My Spot” to remain on the list. People have until June 30th to register.Our investigation into the Houston Housing Authority started with emails from viewers who had questions and needed help.Adrian Montes is an investigative photojournalist at KPRC 2 in Houston. He has worked on major projects, including "The Evidence Room," a true crime docuseries. His work focuses on creating visual content for news stories and investigative reports.Read full article: Upgrade your beauty routine and kitchen essentials with these Insider DealsGet a refurbished 13.3″ Apple MacBook Air with 8GB RAM/128GB SSD for just $200
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