HUD Scandals and Sam Pierce

I am writing in review of the July 15 article (Part I) on the disgusting corruption at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Greed and personal gain took precedent over helping the poor and the homeless of this country. I knew (former HUD Secretary) Sam Pierce wasn’t doing his job very well back in 1986. That was the year that he came to tape an interview for “Nightline” from Transition House, our award-winning medium-term shelter in downtown Los Angeles. I knew we were in trouble when he didn’t understand his own department’s programs. Little did I know that was merely a symptom of a much more serious disease that infected HUD.

As cronies and political insiders profited, the homeless of this country paid the price. A HUD grant of $250,000 to Transition House would have fed, sheltered and socialized 416 residents for 60 days each at that time. Our 63% success rate illustrates that this money would have been effectively spent. Thankfully, the private sector has continued to be there for us so that our programs have not suffered.

I am determined to continue to fight to have McKinney Act funds set aside for existing programs that have proven successful in helping those homeless who really want what Transition House has to offer and mainstream back into society. Much of the money this act provides has gone to building new shelters. I am committed to work for more recognition for ongoing programs.

Let’s hope that some sense of fairness returns to the helm.

MARTHA BROWN HICKS

President

Skid Row Development Corp.