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Volunteer raises concerns about local Habitat for Humanity operations and use of CDBG funds
Summary
A longtime volunteer told the council that the local Habitat affiliate has not built homes recently, received CDBG funds (historically cited at about $125,000), and may be failing to deliver services and properly use donations; he asked the council to look into operations and distribution of donated goods.
Johnny Sekou, a community volunteer who said he logged thousands of hours with the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, told the council he is alarmed at what he described as mismanagement: no houses built in over five years, mold in building space, and truckloads of donated merchandise that have not reached clients.
"They receive over historically, they've received a 125,000 from CDBG, which is city money," Sekou said, urging the council to investigate distribution of donated goods and the organization's use of federal Community Development Block Grant funds.
Sekou said he has volunteered extensively and believes community members are being underserved by the affiliate; he asked the council to help address the issue and to ensure promised services are delivered. Council members acknowledged the concern and the clerk indicated staff follow-up would occur after public comment.
No formal referral or investigation was announced during the meeting; the remarks were entered during public comment for possible staff follow-up.
