Some housing authorities having to change stance on guns - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Some housing authorities having to change stance on guns

When it comes to owning guns and living in subsidized housing, the rules vary greatly, with differences even between Winnebago County and Rockford.

Many housing authorities prohibit gun ownership, but some have recently modified their standards to keep up with changing laws. Alan Zais, the director of the Winnebago County Housing Authority, says the organization has traditionally forbidden firearms.

"It was always a standard that guns were not allowed on public housing...basically, it's government owned housing that somebody is renting from the government and getting housing assistance for, and so it's a matter of additional safety provided to neighborhood residents," Zais said.

However, Ron Clewer, the director of the Rockford Housing Authority, says gun ownership is allowed there if a person has a FOID card and also registers their firearm with the housing authority. Non-residents are not allowed to bring a gun onto Rockford Housing Authority property.