Norman Housing Authority

Took a day off work to go and fill out an application. Called the day before to make sure of times to turn in since you can only turn it in on tuesdays. I had some other errands to due that day so I got there at 4. I was told by the front desk receptionist that they take the last application at 4:30. I told her whoever I spoke with the day before said 5:30 not 4:30. She proceeded to try to argue with me about it instead of letting me just sit down and fill it out. After filling the entire packet out I went back up at 3 mins till 4:30. She then went through the packet at the slowest pace possible and then found I was missing the name of 2 apartment complexes I had lived in. I quickly pulled up the name with a google search and while I was writing them in she disappeared to the back. When she came back up 5 mins later she told me that her manager would not allow her to take the application since it was now after 4:30 and I would have to come back next Tuesday. I was polite the entire i was speaking with her and asked why I now have to come back when I was at the window before 4:30. She continued to tell me the same thing and then 2 more people came out of the back and began talking to me like I was stupid and telling me that I would have to come back as they allow the last hour to finish up with the last application that was taken. I asked why if there was still almost an hour till they closed did they decide not to finish assisting me with turning in my application that I had at the window before 4:30 cut off. I return the next Tuesday with everything filled out and all my documents. Sick husband and baby in tow since anyone over the age of 18 has to be there in person to turn in the application. I am missing another day of work to turn this in and went over it 3 times to make sure o had everything filled in. I get there 10 mins before they come back for lunch and wait patiently until they open again. I get up there to be told please wait for about 10 mins while the lady is listening to voice mails while a line is forming behind me. I finally get to turn it in and the lady is going through and there were 3 gaps in my previous living situations. I explain those were times when I was homeless and did not have and address to list. She then proceeds to demand where I was staying at those times and I explained sometimes in my car or on someone’s couch, one week it was a hotel when I found enough money. She then disappeared to the back and came back after a few to tell me she needs manes address for those places so they can verify them. I proceed to ask how she will be able to verify the week I lived in my car or the hotel I staid at. She said if they can’t verify the address for the last 5 years it automatically disqualifies you, so if one place doesn’t respond your application is rejected and you have to start over. She also stated if you have had an eviction in the last 10 years you will be disqualified or if you owe any money to a major utilities company you will be disqualified. If you can pass all that they will then tell you how many bedrooms you need and how long the wait is. I currently live in a 2 bedroom apartment but was told I would have to have a 3 bedroom since I have 2 daughter and my baby is a boy he would need his own room( he still nurses often at night and sleeps in my room). Apparently it’s a 6+ month waiting list for a 3 bedroom and once something would come open then they would bring you and make sure meet the income guidelines and see if you still qualify. I missed two days of work to be spoken too like I was retarded when I have graduated college and just having a hard time since relocating with my family to a new state. I have never been made to felt so worthless and stupid by people then I have the 2 times I had to go there. I have given up on seeking assistance through them as them seem to not even care. What’s worse was it was not just the receptionist that was rude but also the supervisor who came out of her office to yell and degrade me when I only asked a simply question.
1 7 years ago (08-05-2018)

The casworkers are nice.the government should hire more casworkers so their caseload is not so ridiculously heavy.It is only logical.The current receptionist is nice as well.There is big turnover with receptionist.Some are much nicer then others.
5 7 years ago (23-01-2018)

Much beter response time for maintenance than any private apartment I have lived in. Low rent but a very nice duplex with large rooms with the 1 bedroom duplexes. Lawn is impeccable. Good neighbors in my area and beyond. We help one another. In our sqare, we look out for each other. They also have wide doorways for my walker. They have a ramp coming up to the sidewalk from the street where disabled parking is located. There are no steps to get from the street into my house. If you look for the good, you will find it here. If you look for the bad you will find that also. Don't we find what our attitudes are looking for? I have lived here close to 25 years! I count my blessings consistently for my home. Office staff work hard. I respect them, they deserve it. Thank all of you who make my life easier to live!
5 7 years ago (18-09-2017)

Wow reading these reviews kinda shocks me.. I personally don't want to be around the office that often or form a personal relationship with caseworkers or inspectors it honestly is kind of humiliating even having to be here. But as far as business-wise I have only dealt with Ellen Karen and Janet all three of them were very helpful and do their job as they are required, never have I felt belittled or disrespected due to their Authority.. I'm pretty sure the people who are complaining are not doing what they are supposed to be doing..
5 8 years ago (29-06-2017)

The workers are very rude, the best one they had ended up retiring earlier this year. No matter how appropriate you are or act or how much you try to respectively treat them, they always have something prude to say in return. You would think a federally funded housing authority office would be more about actually listening to the people and being there for them to help us or maybe even them taking some sort of pride in ther job but no, they're not there to help any one or make an impressionable attempt at easing the dilemmas placed upon you while dealing with a place where you can call home. An do not expect them to call you back for at least a week or two, and also they won't notify you of any inspection cancellations. Good luck
1 8 years ago (25-10-2016)