After CMHA delays, Columbus grandmother thanks Problem Solvers for helping her get housing

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — After months, a Columbus grandmother said she finally has a home after ABC6 On Your Side Problem Solvers got involved in her case.

Deanne Saleh told her story last month regarding the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and her wait for a housing inspection keeping her homeless. Saleh just received word that she can move into an east side apartment this week.

"I got a couple of emails, and the vice president gave me a call," Saleh said about communication with CMHA after her first story aired.

Saleh said she placed a previous apartment on hold for $140 this summer and then waited months for an inspection to be scheduled. Due to the extra-long wait, Saleh's Section 8 voucher expired through CMHA and her previous place on hold went to someone else.

After Saleh's story went public, inspectors with third-party vendor CGI scheduled an inspection. She found a unit last-minute with Williamsburg Square Apartments, where some of her relatives live, and said an inspection was completed last week. CMHA sent paperwork this week enabling Saleh to move in after months of homelessness and nights of sleeping in her car.

However, more landlords are calling Problem Solvers to say they're turning to the courts regarding their battles with CMHA. Some claim more delayed housing inspections are preventing them from getting paid.

CMHA and CGI are already facing a class-action lawsuit on behalf of the 13,000 clients who use the authority's Housing Choice Voucher program.