City seeks a 'plan B' for housing HIV patients

Fearing it might be forced to stop funding THAP to manage the housing, Tampa wants to have a backup plan.

By CHRISTOPHER GOFFARD

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 26, 2001

TAMPA -- While the city awaits a long-overdue audit of the nonprofit Tampa-Hillsborough Action Plan, city leaders want to know if other organizations can provide the housing for HIV patients now provided by THAP.

City Council members said they fear the independent audit, expected to be completed by next week, might uncover problems that force the city to abandon THAP as the recipient of the federal housing funds.

If that happens, said Council Chairman Charlie Miranda, "We don't have a plan B."

THAP now houses 48 residents in its HIV-housing program in Sulphur Springs on a budget of $450,000, and is asking the City Council for another to $522,000 to expand the program.

The council on Thursday asked the city's Department of Business and Community Services to report next week on possible alternatives to using THAP and how the city might oversee the contract with a new group.

"I think we need a lot more oversight than we had before," said Council member Mary Alvarez. The council also asked its auditing department to report how quickly it might be able to conduct its own investigation of THAP's HIV-housing program.

"We don't want to spend another nickel until we're confident of what the money's going to," said Council member Bob Buckhorn. "THAP is such a multiheaded hydra. It's possible other providers can pick up the slack if THAP is found not to be in compliance."

Also next week, the City Council is expected to debate whether it should compel members of nonprofit groups to disclose their financial interests. Miranda said the rule might apply only to "the people who call the shots," rather than rank-and-file staffers.

The council's actions Thursday stem from controversies that have dogged THAP in recent months. THAP director Chet Luney has acknowledged performing personal favors for city housing chief Steve LaBrake, whose office has channeled millions of dollars to THAP in grants and contracts.

Also under scrutiny is Luney's dual role running a housing program for veterans through THAP, and collecting $80,279 from the Department of Veterans Affairs to write grants that funded the program. Luney resigned from the VA this month after the St. Petersburg Times began asking questions.

-- Christopher Goffard can be reached at 813-226-3337 or goffard@sptimes.com.

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