Moving Day Approaching for Residents of Dosker Manor

Residents of Dosker Manor in downtown Louisville are getting ready for a big change as the public housing complex is set to be torn down due to reports of mold, rodents, and crime. The Louisville Metro Housing Authority has started the process of moving residents out of the building, with the first 100 or so being relocated to LMHA-owned properties around the city.

One long-time resident, Mark Wilson, who has called Dosker Manor home for 27 years, is eager to leave behind the maintenance problems, crime, and offensive odors of the complex. He described the smell as “funkier than a James Brown 8-track” and is looking forward to a fresh start in a new place.

The move comes as a relief for many residents who have been living in less-than-ideal conditions, but the challenge for LMHA will be finding suitable housing options that meet the needs of each individual. With the Section 8 housing voucher waiting list closed for three to five years, residents at Dosker Manor are being prioritized for relocation.

LMHA is covering the cost of the move and has hired a moving contractor to assist residents with packing and unpacking. Residents who choose to move themselves can be reimbursed up to $1,300. Despite the challenges of relocation, Wilson remains optimistic about the future and is open to the possibility of returning to Dosker Manor once it’s rebuilt.

As the process unfolds over the next 18 months, close to 600 people will be moved out of Dosker Manor, with the hope of providing a better living environment for residents in need. The housing authority is working to ensure that all residents have a plan in place to make up for any past due rent before they can start their transition to a new home.