We know finding affordable housing is challenging for many. It’s a big problem all over the country and here in Houston. So, when we got tips that the leaders of the Houston Housing Authority were mismanaging money meant to help low-income families - we started asking questions.
HHA provides housing and services to tens of thousands of people and families in our city using mostly federal tax dollars. KPRC 2 Investigates started following that money and found tax dollars meant to pay for improvements to Houston’s housing developments was not going to where it was supposed to.
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A lot has happened in just a few short months. Below we’ve rounded up the entire KPRC 2 Investigation in one place so you can get caught up on the latest news.
October 8th: $766K for unfinished park project: KPRC 2 Investigates Houston Housing Authority
KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis is following the money in one project that has residents and taxpayers waiting for answers.
Residents of Cuney Homes, Houston’s oldest public housing development, are voicing frustration over incomplete renovations in their Third Ward neighborhood, despite the project going over budget by more than $120,000.
The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) had allocated $643,500 for a landscape improvement project to connect Cuney Homes to the Columbia Tap Trail, which included adding benches, a table, and other amenities. However, the agency paid more than $766,000 to contractors for the job—$123,000 over budget—without delivering the promised enhancements. What happened to the money? And the project? It’s still not complete.
October 15: Houston Housing Authority Board to bring in investigator to look into contract awarding practices
In response to growing concerns, the Houston Housing Authority board has decided to bring in an independent investigator to examine its contract awarding practices. The board’s move as a step toward ensuring transparency and accountability within the organization. This decision follows a series of investigative reports that have raised questions about the integrity of the authority’s operations.
October 15: Houston Housing Authority project costs soar to $5.4 million
Project costs at the Houston Housing Authority have soared to $54 million, raising concerns about financial management and oversight. These escalating costs have impacted the authority’s budget and its ability to serve the community effectively. This financial strain adds to the challenges already facing the organization amid ongoing scrutiny of its practices.
October 16: KPRC 2 Investigates uncovers bizarre business linked to HHA contracts
KPRC 2 Investigates has uncovered a bizarre business linked to contracts with the Houston Housing Authority, raising questions about the legitimacy and transparency of these agreements. The unusual business connection, a clothing company, has sparked concerns over the authority’s contracting practices and the potential misuse of public funds. This revelation adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of the authority’s operations.
October 21: How much does the Houston Housing Authority CEO make? KPRC 2 Investigates uncovers changes to contract
Northern’s original employment contract, obtained by KPRC 2, outlined a $278,500 salary with a four-year term. If terminated for cause—such as failure to perform duties, dishonesty, or gross misconduct—he would receive no additional compensation beyond the time worked.
However, in August 2023, just 19 months into his contract, Chairman LaRence Snowden and Northern amended the agreement. (On December 19th, Amy revealed exactly how much money Northern walked away with - and it includes 11 weeks of vacation time. More on that below.)
RELATED: October 23: Former Mayor Turner’s Chief of Staff informed of HHA’s leadership problems back in 2021
October 29: What went down behind the scenes at the Houston Housing Authority
An in-depth investigation by KPRC 2 dives into the behind-the-scenes operations of the Houston Housing Authority, uncovering a series of issues that have raised concerns. Investigator Amy Davis provides a detailed account of the authority’s internal challenges, including management practices and decision-making processes that have come under scrutiny. This investigation sheds light on the complexities and controversies surrounding the organization.
October 30: Houston Housing Authority CEO placed on administrative leave amid contract scandal uncovered by KPRC 2 Investigates
The CEO of the Houston Housing Authority has been placed on administrative leave following a contract scandal uncovered by KPRC 2 Investigates. The scandal involves questionable contract practices and has led to increased scrutiny of the authority’s leadership. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into the organization’s operations and governance.
October 30: ‘They’ll be trapped in’: Safety concerns raised about A/C units amid KPRC 2′s Houston Housing Authority Investigation
Safety concerns regarding air conditioning units have emerged amid an ongoing KPRC 2 investigation into the Houston Housing Authority. Investigator Amy Davis details potential risks faced by residents, particularly during extreme weather conditions, as faulty AC units remain unaddressed. This issue adds another layer to the scrutiny of the housing authority’s commitment to resident safety.
November 5: KPRC 2 Investigates culture of intimidation and secrecy at Houston Housing Authority
The deeper we get into this KPRC 2 Investigation, the more we see a culture of intimidation and secrecy within the Houston Housing Authority. Our team revealed new allegations from employees and stakeholders who describe a work environment where fear and silence are prevalent. This revelation has prompted calls for reform and accountability within the organization.
RELATED: Federal agencies conducting investigation connected to Houston Housing Authority
November 14: Cancer patient, over 18K others on funding waitlist as Houston Housing Authority executives receive raises
More than 18,000 individuals, including a senior cancer patient, remain on a funding waitlist while executives receive substantial raises. We highlight the struggles of those in need of housing assistance and the frustration over the allocation of resources. This situation has sparked a conversation about priorities and the management of public funds.
November 19: $146 million apartments sit empty. Why was it built on contaminated soil?
The Pointe at Bayou Bend, located at 800 Middle Street, was intended to provide nearly 400 affordable housing units. However, the property’s history raises serious safety concerns. The site was once used as a trash incinerator and for underground petroleum storage. Multiple test results show ash contains lead anywhere from two times to nine times the level allowed by Texas and the EPA.
It’s a huge safety concern not to mention a waste of taxpayer money.
December 19: Taxpayers final gift to disgraced Houston Housing Authority leader
In a surprising turn of events, taxpayers are facing an unexpected financial burden as they provide a “final gift” to a disgraced leader. We’ve obtained a copy of the settlement, and the details may surprise you.
David Northern, who joined the HHA as president and CEO in 2022, served just over two years before resigning. He walked away with $210,252.18, which includes six months of pay and accrued paid time off (PTO). He was paid $65,432.18 for 469 hours of PTO. And that’s not all! After Investigator Amy Davis started asking questions Houston Housing Authority leaders said they will look more into this. Check it out.
We will keep investigating the Houston Housing Authority as we keep getting messages from you.
Need help?
Investigator Amy Davis and the team first started working on this investigation after receiving tips from viewers like you. Email Amy at ADavis@kprc.com or producer Andrea Slaydon at ASlaydon@kprc.com if you would like to send in a tip or ask a question.
