Auditors also found that the housing department over the years did not verify the income levels of residents who did receive housing. But the plan was set aside in 2015 when Bowser became mayor and Donaldson took over the housing department, he said. Simms said the housing department continued to make changes, engaging developers and lenders and overhauling underwriting practices. Bowser had just appointed housing department director Donaldson, who had built a career working with local nonprofit groups. As the housing department works to prevent future losses, 27-year-old Mareesha Branch waits for a better place to live.

Source: Washington Post May 06, 2017 20:21 UTC