The Corpus Christi Housing Authority has new leadership aiming to rebuild public trust after an investigation led to the firing of the former director.<\/p>\n
For months, a KRIS 6 News investigation raised questions about how the agency was being run. The investigation uncovered controversial deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars and possible violations of state law.<\/p>\n
New Corpus Christi Housing Authority director aims to rebuild public trust after controversial deals<\/p>\n
Now, new Corpus Christi Housing Authority Director Rhen Bass says gaining the public trust is a top priority.<\/p>\n
“The housing authority is one of the most critical public services,” Bass said.<\/p>\n
Bass said he understands the hurdles of the past.<\/p>\n
“Every once in a while, there\u2019s something that will go wrong. And we need to address it,” Bass said.<\/p>\n
“I know that we can do better. The city can do better,” Bass said.<\/p>\n
I spoke with resident Mary Garcia, who said she lost trust in the housing authority because of what happened in the past.<\/p>\n
“You know, because it\u2019s housing we should be able to live in a community where we feel safe,” Garcia said.<\/p>\n
I took her questions directly to Bass and asked what he says to residents with these types of concerns.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s due for a transformation, it\u2019s due for an upgrade. And that\u2019s where I\u2019ll be working with the city leaders,” Bass said.<\/p>\n
Bass said that work will involve new support from the city, including a $1.4 million grant and housing vouchers for 50 families over the next two years.<\/p>\n
When asked how he plans to earn back the trust of the residents, Bass said it comes down to accountability so the same mistakes are not repeated.<\/p>\n
“Collectively I think we can do a lot more, and I\u2019m sure we will,” Bass said.<\/p>\n
For residents like Garcia, who rely on public housing every day, they say this new leadership is something they are watching closely.<\/p>\n
The need is clear, with almost 40,000 people in the city on a waitlist for affordable housing.<\/p>\n
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