Garden Grove Housing Authority adopts five-year housing plan at public hearing

The Garden Grove Housing Authority held a public hearing on March 25, 2025, to discuss the adoption of its five-year plan and annual plan for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. The meeting, led by Division Manager Tiana, outlined the authority's strategies for addressing local housing needs and goals, which must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by April 17, 2024.

The Housing Authority has maintained a high performance rating, achieving a score that qualifies it as a high-performing agency under the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (CMAP). This status allows for a streamlined planning process. The authority reported significant accomplishments over the past five years, including effective utilization of HUD funding and the implementation of direct deposit for landlords, which has reduced administrative costs.

Key highlights included the successful management of housing assistance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the awarding of additional vouchers to assist families in need. The authority also emphasized its commitment to outreach efforts, ensuring accessibility for non-English speaking residents.

During the meeting, Commissioner Dovin raised concerns about the lengthy wait times for housing assistance, with some individuals reportedly waiting up to 15 years. The discussion revealed that the authority's capacity to reduce wait times is limited by federal funding constraints and a low turnover rate of available vouchers. Currently, the waitlist, established in 2010, has approximately 1,550 individuals remaining, with only about 66 vouchers becoming available each year.

Despite the challenges, the authority aims to explore additional funding opportunities and improve the quality of assisted housing. The commissioners discussed the importance of setting realistic goals while encouraging staff to seek innovative solutions to address the waitlist issue.

The public hearing concluded with a unanimous vote to adopt the proposed five-year plan, which includes goals such as expanding affordable housing supply and promoting family self-sufficiency. The authority will continue to collaborate with local agencies to enhance access to housing resources for the community.