BRENHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY RESIDENT FACING EVICTION
A resident of the Brenham Housing Authority (BHA) is facing eviction after being told she is ineligible for the housing authority program based on income she is not yet making.
Sonceria Robinson has lived at the Northview Village Apartments since December 2019, and received a renewal packet in August. In July, Robinson became self-employed, so she listed her projected income upon attempting to renew.
According to Robinson, she has been informed that she violated a Section 8 credit law in regards to the amount of money she is expecting to make, falling into a tax bracket that makes her ineligible for the program. Robinson said she expects to make $150,000 annually through her self-employment; however, she claims she has not yet begun to make any revenue.
In a statement, BHA Executive Director Ben Menjares said Northview Village receives funding through the tax credit program, and as such, the housing authority has agreed to rent the units to low income families. The program measures income by what the tenant is anticipated to receive, and tenants are relied on in cases of self-employment to self-certify what they expect to earn. He said if a tenant disagrees with the housing authority’s decision regarding eligibility, he or she can request an informal hearing.
Robinson claims she was not aware that this was a tax credit apartment complex upon moving in. She has inquired about being provided graphs or formulas showing how she fell out of the proper income bracket and violated tax code, but claims she has been denied that information. She also said she has spoken with other residents who have experienced similar circumstances or situations, and wishes the housing authority would have a liaison in order to more easily hear any complaints or concerns raised by tenants.
In September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an agency order, effective through December 31st, which halts residential evictions for nonpayment of rent for renters who meet certain criteria. However, the order reads that individuals covered under it expect to earn no more than $99,000 in annual income for the 2020 calendar year.
Robinson is organizing a meeting Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Northview Village basketball courts, where she will gather input and comments from other tenants. She encourages any tenant who wishes to make a statement at the meeting to bring it in writing. She will present comments received to the BHA Board of Commissioners at a future meeting.
There are many people who cannot get on, or lose their eligibility everyday. It seems as though this is her mistake, not BHA. Instead of airing her grievances in a public format, to try and change the rules for her, maybe she should of, or still can say she was misinformed of her income, and added one too many zeros on her estimation. I would be really interested to know what newly self employed person can make $150,000 in the first year. Sound like a pyramid scheme or something close to it.
Wow this is bull. Why in the heck would someone put a “story” like this out ? This is so rude to put peoples business out there like that they haven’t been charged with anything so I don’t feel this is or should Be public knowledge
The story was brought to KWHI’s attention herself, as she wanted publicize her Friday meeting for residents with grie
vences.
Reading comprehension apparently is a lost skill. The article clearly stated that the woman projected her expected income but so far had not made any money. So although her actual income was zero; she was being evicted on the possibility she would make $150,000.
She has not made $150k yet, and the reality is being newly self-employed is very difficult, so she will probably need housing assistance until she is making real money. She is better off putting down a more realistic income amount. Good luck to her.
This is just flat out stupid. I’m always hesitant to use this word but it fits.
This is stupid that potential future income, not actual, is a factor.
This is stupid that you would say you’re going to make an amount like $150,000 when you live in section 8 housing. $150,000 in Brenham is inside the top 10% of households.
I can’t believe $99,000 is the threshold the CDC uses. But then again, these are the same people that cant decide if a mask is helpful and then shut down an entire economy over something that impacts less than 1% of the pop. This is despite the fact that they know that resulting poverty will kill many more.
It is really simple. Change your projected income to be within the guidelines. Once you get close to making over $99,500, notify the Management company in writing & give them the opportunity to do an IR (interim certification), or wait until your annual rectification & ask you to move on because you no longer qualify for the tax credit program. It’s just that simple. The lady needs to think and adjust her paperwork, since she hasn’t earned the disqualifying income limit amount.
She can only request an interim if the LIHTC program is layered with Section 8. I believe she probably miscalculated her anticipated income and self certified it in error.
This is unbelievable. I work my butt off to live in a 50 year old house and pay over $400 a month in property taxes, I am regulated and can’t even build a carport to protect my used car. Now, I hear that I pay for other people’s public housing with my tax dollars who bring home more than twice as much money than me. I’m ready to sell my house, just lease a new car, and go live in the gov housing. I want have to pay taxes, I can work less hours, and not have to worry about fixing my refrigerator or a broken water pipe. I can even afford to go to Disneyland with the family this summer.
i have a infant child i got evicted under grounds of non payment i signed the declaration from the cdc and recorded myself serving it to my landlord….apparently its completely legal for a landlord to refuse ur rent payment and then evict you 3 days before thanksgiving and have to move during the pandemic with an infant in 14 dayd before the sherriffs dept came I WOULD LIKE EVERYONE TO KNOW THE CDC DECLARATION WONT STAND FOR YOU IN COURT IM LIVING PROOF
She’s being penalized for being optimistic.
Wait a minute going to make 150K and needs housing help??!!!
EXACTLY…..and that SIR is why we have a problem. The self entitlement is astonishing!!! People always looking for handouts….looking to use other people’s money before using their own.
She has no sympathy from me, nor should she expect it from others.
I see you didn’t read to comprehend what this story is about. She isn’t making any money yet. She just started a business about a month or two ago and isn’t making any revenue due to the pandemic. She’s not looking for any handouts. She’s trying to make away for herself and family. She’s not trying to stay on Section 8. They asked for an estimate of what she thinks she would make next year. That was a Google estimation. She isn’t trying to get over, but do better so she can move on from her situation. One day you may fall on hard times and have to use Section 8. Stop looking down on people and understand their situation before speaking.
Exactly, that housing should go to a family that’s been on q wait list for years that are out there homeless with children! I see this happen all the time. Use section 8 as a stepping stone to get a career then move on and let another family who needs the help, move in. Over $100 000 and wants to live on section 8, that’s just ridiculous. She should be ashamed of herself and embarrassed.
There are lots of things a self employed person can sell & make 150K.