A.G. Gancarski
Global Ministries Foundation, owner of two challenged HUD properties in Jacksonville that have been the focus of federal attention in recent months, faces “welfare fraud” charges in Indianapolis.
The Indy Channel reports that “Global Ministries Foundation is being asked to repay $618,962 in housing benefits for the past year over allegations they failed to provide safe or sanitary housing.”
Meanwhile, the “Indianapolis Housing agency accuses GMF of welfare fraud and providing questionable living conditions” to 147 families who are receiving Section 8 assistance, in three of GMF’s Indianapolis apartment complexes.
Among the issues identified: “defective and worn out roofs” at one complex.
GMF’s Richard Hamlet offered the following statement to the Indianapolis news outlet.
“GMF’s affordable housing properties in Indianapolis continue to be heavily sought after places to live by those in the workforce in need of affordable housing. Though we have only one partial Section 8 property in Indianapolis, Peppermill Farms, it is an important home to families in Indianapolis and it recently received a HUD REAC inspection score of 88, which places it in the top tier of affordable housing projects. Several of our other properties accept housing assistance vouchers and have consistently had waiting lists for applicants seeking affordable housing. GMF is committed to finding solutions to systemic issues in low-income housing for the benefit of all residents.”
Peppermill Farms is one of the properties cited by the Indianapolis Housing Authority.
GMF’s HUD properties in Jacksonville have attracted attention from Sen. Marco Rubio, who has called for a concerted, multi-agency federal investigation into GMF’s business processes.
Meanwhile, HUD has been in Jacksonville this week, visiting with residents at Eureka Garden and Washington Heights, and proclaiming its commitment to finding solutions.
As Rubio said, though, GMF’s issues are systemic. And clearly nationwide, if a property that scored an 88 is named in a complaint alleging welfare fraud from a municipal authority.
