For Stacia, Optimism Returned with an Emergency Housing Voucher

HUD Southeast Regional Administrator José Alvarez and HUD's Kentucky team congratulated Metro Louisville Housing Authority and the Coalition for the Homeless in their effectiveness using emergency housing vouchers.

Stacia McGaughy's outlook on life turned optimistic after receiving the keys to her home with an emergency housing voucher.

After an eviction in the Spring of 2021, Stacia McGaughy slept in friends' cars and on their couches. By October she was overwhelmed and desperate to gain stability in her life. Several organizations in Louisville, KY had been looking for low-income housing for McGaughy, but past evictions prevented her from obtaining the keys to a home.

An Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) from Louisville Metro Housing Authority made the difference. A housing specialist from Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare collaborated with organizations including Louisville Metro Housing Authority, Coalition for the Homeless, and Louisville Urban League to help McGaughy pay for utilities and comfortably move into her new apartment. McGaughy is now inviting loved ones into her own home. She is grateful, optimistic about her future, and looking forward to rebuilding her life.

Created as part of the American Rescue Plan, the EHV program has already helped about 18,000 individuals and families nationwide who were homeless, survivors of domestic violence, and other risks to afford a safe, stable place to call home. Louisville Metro Housing Authority initially received 129 EHV vouchers in 2021. Its effective cooperation with the Continuum of Care made possible a full utilization of the vouchers. When additional vouchers became recently available, HUD awarded 32 more to the housing authority.

HUD Southeast Regional Administrator José Alvarez congratulated the partners on May 3rd. "It takes a communal effort from public housing agencies, continuums of care, landlords, and advocates working together to ensure success. Metro Louisville has demonstrated how it is done," said Alvarez.

Lisa Osanka, Executive Director of Louisville Metro housing Authority highlighted these partnerships as vital. "Our partners at the Coalition for the Homeless are critical to the success of this program; we couldn't do it without them and the dedication of their team."

Brandi Scott, Director of Planning at the Coalition for the Homeless emphasized their common goal with the housing authority. "This effort highlights the strong commitment of the housing authority to help end homelessness. They have several urgent priorities, and we are glad that helping the homeless is one of them."

The HUD Kentucky team, including Field Office Director Ahsaki Thurman, Public Housing Director Carol Spencer, and Community Planning and Development Senior Representative Anita Bowles, hosted the call to congratulate the local partners.

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