Jacksonville, Florida, December 5, 2025
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) in Jacksonville has revealed significant overpayments in the HOPWA Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance program, totaling over $116,000. The investigation identified 65 recipients who exceeded the 21-week assistance limit without proper documentation. The OIG has recommended corrective actions to enhance oversight and prevent future discrepancies.
Jacksonville, Florida
Overpayments Uncovered in Jacksonville’s HOPWA Program
Jacksonville’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has identified significant overpayments in the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance program, totaling over $116,000. These funds were disbursed to recipients who exceeded the program’s 21-week assistance limit without proper documentation.
Details of the Findings
The OIG’s investigation revealed that 65 recipients surpassed the maximum assistance duration without documented waivers. Additionally, 55 of these recipients provided incorrect information regarding their prior receipt of STRMU HOPWA assistance within the past 12 months. The funds for the HOPWA STRMU program are provided by a HUD grant and distributed through a network of local not-for-profit organizations, known as sub-recipients, each with its own application process. The analysis indicated that if assistance had been limited to 21 weeks, the applicants would have received only $218,493.88 based on their average weekly disbursement, highlighting the extent of the excess payments.
Background on the Program
The HOPWA STRMU program is designed to provide up to 21 weeks of financial assistance for rental payments, mortgages, and utility costs to eligible individuals. The program is funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered through local not-for-profit organizations. The OIG’s review of 12 months of applications in the program, which is funded by a $3.03 million federal grant, uncovered these discrepancies.
Recommendations and Actions
The OIG has recommended corrective actions to improve the application process and prevent future overpayments. These recommendations include enhancing oversight mechanisms, improving documentation requirements, and conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with program guidelines. The OIG encourages the public to report any cases of fraud, waste, and abuse to promote transparency and accountability.
Reporting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Residents are urged to report any instances of fraud, waste, or abuse related to city programs. Reports can be made through the OIG’s electronic reporting form available on the City of Jacksonville’s website. Alternatively, individuals can contact the OIG directly via email or by phone.
About the Office of Inspector General
The OIG for the City of Jacksonville was established to provide independent oversight of government operations, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity in the administration of city programs. The office conducts audits, investigations, and reviews to detect and prevent fraud, waste, mismanagement, misconduct, and other abuses within city operations.
Key Features of the HOPWA STRMU Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Assistance Duration | Up to 21 weeks of financial assistance for rental payments, mortgages, and utility costs. |
| Funding Source | Federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). |
| Administration | Managed through local not-for-profit organizations. |
| Program Purpose | To provide financial assistance to eligible individuals for housing-related expenses. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the HOPWA STRMU program?
The HOPWA STRMU program is designed to provide up to 21 weeks of financial assistance for rental payments, mortgages, and utility costs to eligible individuals. The program is funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered through local not-for-profit organizations.
How did the OIG uncover the overpayments?
The OIG’s investigation revealed that 65 recipients surpassed the maximum assistance duration without documented waivers. Additionally, 55 of these recipients provided incorrect information regarding their prior receipt of STRMU HOPWA assistance within the past 12 months.
What actions has the OIG recommended?
The OIG has recommended corrective actions to improve the application process and prevent future overpayments. These recommendations include enhancing oversight mechanisms, improving documentation requirements, and conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with program guidelines.
How can residents report fraud, waste, or abuse?
Residents are urged to report any instances of fraud, waste, or abuse related to city programs. Reports can be made through the OIG’s electronic reporting form available on the City of Jacksonville’s website. Alternatively, individuals can contact the OIG directly via email or by phone.
What is the role of the Office of Inspector General?
The OIG for the City of Jacksonville was established to provide independent oversight of government operations, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity in the administration of city programs. The office conducts audits, investigations, and reviews to detect and prevent fraud, waste, mismanagement, misconduct, and other abuses within city operations.
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