Finding 501146 (2023-005)

-
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-09-30

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority failed to provide adequate documentation for one applicant on the waiting list, violating HUD requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Internal controls as per 24 CFR 960.202 were not followed, leading to non-compliance in applicant selection.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The Authority should reassess and strengthen their procedures and controls for waiting list selection and documentation retention.

Finding Text

2023-005 Special Tests and Provisions - Waiting List Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Criteria: 24 CFR 960.202 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed to be in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list applicant selection. Context: The auditor selected the 40 applicants that had reached the top of the waiting list, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the applicant’s file and support to ensure that proper procedures for selection from the waiting list are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list selection.   Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with all regulations. This resulted in the Authority not maintaining the appropriate documentation to adequately provide information required by federal regulations so the waiting list could be monitored for proper compliance. Effect: The Authority does not have adequate controls in place to ensure they are in compliance with HUD requirements regarding the waiting list applicant selection process. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-005 Special Tests and Provisions – Waiting List Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. A review of existing procedures revealed that there were issues with the management of the waiting lists. The Houston Housing Authority is transitioning to a new software program during 2024. One of the reasons for the implantation of the new software is to make use of a better wait list management feature that is available within the new software. Waitlists have been reviewed and purged of stale an do dated information which will facilitate better management of the waitlist for future periods.

Categories

Special Tests & Provisions HUD Housing Programs Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 501142 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501143 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501144 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501145 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501147 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501148 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501149 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501150 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501151 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501152 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501153 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501154 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077584 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077585 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077586 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077587 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077588 2023-005
    -
  • 1077589 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077590 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077591 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077592 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077593 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077594 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077595 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1077596 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.881 Moving to Work Demonstration Program $236.73M
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $11.01M
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $6.18M
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $4.36M
14.267 Continuum of Care Program $2.26M
14.856 Lower Income Housing Assistance Program Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation $1.02M
14.870 Resident Opportunity and Supportive Services - Service Coordinators $833,588
14.895 Jobs-Plus Pilot Initiative $266,217
14.249 Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy $194,601
14.191 Multifamily Housing Service Coordinators $188,859