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Fair Housing Council says Memphis Housing Authority failing tenants; commissioners ask attorneys to act
Summary
The Fair Housing Council presented a report alleging MHA routinely failed to communicate with tenants, terminated vouchers without notice, and limited public access to records and meetings. Commissioners requested the county attorney draft a notice to city council and HUD and asked for further legal options.
Shanice Anthony, executive director of the Fair Housing Council of Metropolitan Memphis, presented a special report documenting multiple complaints and 'testing' results alleging systemic failings at the Memphis Housing Authority (MHA). The council's documented examples included tenants unable to reach staff, voucher terminations without notice or record, and a lack of public access to board materials or meetings.
"We had clients who attempted to call MHA, email MHA, go into the offices to no avail," Anthony said, adding the council had counted dozens of phone calls and testers showing communication failures. Commissioners reacted with concern and asked the county attorney's office to explore options, including notifying the City Council and HUD. Several commissioners said they would request the county attorney to coordinate a formal letter and to brief commissioners on legal avenues for oversight or review.
Commissioners noted the potential federal implications: HUD could review voucher administration if program management appears inadequate, which could imperil vouchers and federal funding. The committee asked staff and attorneys to follow up promptly.
