JHA: Prospect Homes rehabilitation project down to 'small' details, new Section 8 vouchers issued

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – All major construction is complete on the Prospect Homes rehabilitation project.
The Johnstown Housing Authority-owned public housing units were repaired and upgraded after substantial deficiencies were discovered, particularly ceilings that were in danger of collapsing, requiring all tenants to vacate the units in the spring of 2023.
'While it's essentially complete, all three contractors are still working up there, finishing up small punch-list items,' JHA Executive Director Mike Alberts said Tuesday during the board's regular monthly meeting. 'This could be things like 'Hey, you missed a second coat of paint on this wall' or 'Hey, this electrical outlet isn't working,' small items like that.'
Along with the remaining small-detail construction items, JHA workers are taking care of other final matters, such as installing appliances.
'Before they're 'ready ready' we still have some more work to do,' Alberts said.
Right now, JHA is focusing on finishing apartments of former Prospect residents who have expressed a desire to return to the community.
Up to 20 families have already returned to the public housing complex as apartments have passed inspection.
Vouchers issued
JHA issued 17 new Section 8 rental assistance vouchers in March.
'Those were the first vouchers that have been issued in the Section 8 program in about a year,' Alberts said. 'We felt we were comfortable enough with the (federal) HAP (Housing Assistance Payments) funding where we think we could put more vouchers on the streets and not feel too far upside down.'
There are 960 Section 8 vouchers allotted to JHA with 769 in use.

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