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Housing Highlights Volume 8, Issue 10

For Residents of Washington Housing Authority | January-March 2023

Washington Housing Authority: So Much More Than Housing logo. WHN: Washington Housing Nonprofit, inc. logo. WashingtonHousingAuthority.org. Accessibility icons. A state map with the counties outlined. The WHA logo is extending out of the map: Serving the City of Washington, NC.

Inside this Issue

  1. Staff Contest Winners
  2. A Message from the ED
  3. FSS Graduates
  4. LIEAP
  5. Resident News
  6. Enroll in ROSS
  7. ROSS Survey
  8. Upcoming Events
  9. What's Happening at WHA
  10. Knowledge is Power!
  11. Kids' Corner
  12. FYI

Help Keep Our Kids Safe!

Please be mindful of this while traveling in residential areas.

Congratulations to the Winners of the Staff Christmas Door Decorating Contest!

A woman standing in front of decorated door.
1st Place - Kimberly Grimes		 A woman holding her hands together and standing in front of a decorated door.
2nd Place - Erica Spruill
A woman stands in front of a decorated door with her hand on her hip.
3rd Place - Alecia Rhoe		 A woman leans up against a decorated door.
3rd Place - Martina Nelson

 

A Message from the ED

A man in a tie smiling at the camera.

Happy New Year, 2023! Such welcoming words!

I am truly humbled by and beyond appreciative of everyone's relentless commitment to our goals here at the Washington Housing Authority. As the newly appointed Executive Director of the Washington Housing Authority, I am proud of the work of our staff who administer, manage and maintain public housing, the housing choice voucher program, the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), and the Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency Programs (ROSS). Our staff is passionate about serving their community, ensuring our programs run smoothly, and meeting all our residents' and program participants' needs to the best of their abilities.

We anticipate the Winter/Spring season to be exciting and filled with many developments. A few of our primary initiatives are implementing a painting-occupied apartments program; modernization of the Community Room in Westbrooke; opening and operating the fitness rooms at East Haven Apartments Complex, and establishing a Neighborhood Resource Center at Eastern Village.

The Washington Housing Authority is the organization it is today with our many partners who have supported our clients and us to overcome obstacles, learn, and grow. We are made more robust and better with their assistance. I want to thank our Board of Commissioners for their vision and dedication to the Washington Housing Authority's community. With their commitment and guidance, many residents can expand their horizons and attain homeownership that would otherwise have been out of their reach.

I hope you find the January-March 2023 Housing Highlights edition useful for communicating upcoming news, events, and more. For more information, please visit our website at www.washingtonhousingauthority.org. As we enjoy the calm and cold weather that comes with the Winter/Spring season, I hope you stay safe and enjoy all the beauty this lovely season may bring. Until next time, "please take care of yourself and each other."

Michael Best
Executive Director

FSS Graduates

Congratulations to all our FSS Graduates on completing the Family Self-Sufficiency Program and completing that step of your goals!

Sandra Carter headshot. Sierra Collins headshot. Mona Paige Headshot.

Tamesha Taft headshot. Deneen Williams headshot.

A group of FSS Grads smiling together. Mr. Michael Best stands with a group of graduates.A group of FSS grads are present with awards. 

LIEAP - Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

Are you needing assistance with your heating bill?

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) may be able to help you!

You may qualify to receive an Automated Payment this LIEAP season if:

  • You or someone in your household is age 60 years or older
  • Or you or someone in your household is disabled and receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
  • And are currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services
  • And received a LIEAP payment during 2021-2022.

These households will be notified of eligibility in November and do not need to apply.
*If your heating provider has changed, please contact Beaufort County Department of Social Services to update this information.

Beginning December 1, 2022, any household with a person age 60 or older or with a disability receiving DAAS services who did not receive notice of an automated payment is encouraged to submit an application:

  • Online at epass.nc.gov
  • By phone at 252.975.5500
  • By paper and mail, drop it off at the agency, or faxing it to 252-975-5555
  • In person

*Applicants may obtain a paper application or apply in person at Beaufort County Department of Social Services, 632 W. 5th Street, Washington, NC 27889.

Beginning January 1, 2023, all other households may submit applications through March 31, 2023, or until funds are exhausted. Applications may be submitted online, by phone, paper, mail, fax, or in person, as described above.

Resident News

A woman smiles while holding a gift.

Ms. Josephine Royster submitted her letter of resignation as the Resident Commissioner at the October 27th Board meeting. She was a member of the Board of Commissioners for 28 years, beginning in 1994.

A small celebration was held honoring Ms. Royster with the Board of Commissioners, City Officials, and some staff. Guests expressed their gratitude to Ms. Royster for her years of service and all she did to help residents.

Commissioner Sadler stated, "When she was younger, one thing she did in the community was to establish things for young people. She established the Garden Club, and she would have reading circles with them and things like that. She knew what it was to be a meaningful resident in the community and also a good Resident Council Representative."

Commissioners Davis and Carroll also made remarks about Ms. Royster's time on the Board of Commissioners. They thanked her for her guidance and everything she did while being on the Board.
Thank you for your service, Ms. Royster!

A group of people gather around a seated woman.

Enroll in ROSS Today!

  • GED, Vocational Training, or Degree
  • Employment
  • Home Health
  • Transportation
  • Mental Health
  • Healthy Eating

No issue is too small! No question is not important!

Contact me! Let's chat!

Alecia Rhoe, ROSS Coordinator
252.644.6055
Email Alecia

Who's Eligible?
Public Housing residents who are at least 18

Are Elderly & Disabled Tenants Eligible?
Yes!

Enroll in ROSS Flyer. All information from this flyer is listed above.

ROSS Forms

Check out the online ROSS Forms!

Contact Alecia Rhoe, ROSS Coordinator - 252.644.6055 or email Alecia.

ROSS Services:

  • Employment
    • The Resident Services Coordinators will work with residents to help them gain employment with adequate pay and benefits; and provide coaching to help residents maintain employment for more than 12 months.
  • Education
    • The Resident Services Coordinator will work with residents to achieve educations attainment and/or training levels to prepare you for a career that pays enough to support housing, healthcare, and food expenses.
  • Health & Wellness
    • The Resident Services Coordinator will work with residents to facilitate an environment and/or resources that empower residents to pursue and achieve personal goals towards self-sufficiency and ensure that the individual resident's and/or family's physical and mental health does not prevent him/her from pursuing education and/or employment.
  • Other Examples of Services to be Coordinated
    • Childcare Services
    • Adult Basic Education/Literacy Classes
    • High School Diploma/GED Programs
    • Digital Literacy Classes
    • Job Training Skills
    • Health Care Coordination
    • Nutritional Courses
    • Employer Linkages and Job Placement
    • Transportation
    • Substance Abuse Treatment
    • Civil Legal Assistance
    • Expunging, sealing, correcting criminal records

Upcoming Events

  • February 2, 2023: Pest control for Eastern Village, Eastern Village Annex, and Clifton Meadows
  • March 2, 2023: Pest control for East Haven and Oak Crest
  • March 16, 2023: Knowledge Is Power Workshop 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
  • March 28, 2023: Job Corps Reps will be at WHA from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • April 6, 2023: Pest control for Clifton Meadows and Old Fort

 

 

Accepting Applications: FSS Program

What can this program offer you?

  • Financial Independence
  • Educational Programs
  • Possibility of Homeownership
  • Escrow Account: Saving Money
  • Accountability
  • Financial Management Counseling
    • Ex: Credit Improvement, Budgeting, Saving

And so much more!

Contact me today, and change your life for tomorrow!

Kimberly Grimes, FSS Coordinator
Phone: 252.655.2396
Email Kimberly

FSS Application Flyer. All information from this flyer is listed above.

Cornerstone Fun

Now Accepting Applications!

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world, but it's also the most rewarding! Good parenting skills don't come naturally. Attending group meetings with other parents can give you the support and confidence you need to be THE PARENT YOU WANT TO BE. 

All classes will be held at: 
Cornerstone Community Learning Center
1918 West 5th St.,
Washington, N.C. 27889

Transportation, dinner, and child care for the entire family will be provided. 

Enrollment is limited. Make your reservations NOW at CCBPS.org.

Deadline: February 28, 2023

Nurturing Parenting Programs ' Fall Session

  • March 14, 2023 - May 4, 2023
    • 6:00-8:30 PM

Age Groups:

  • Preschool: Infant - 4 year olds
  • Preadolescents: 5-11 year olds
  • Adolescents: 12-17 year olds

Classes are also offered in Spanish! 

Program Sponsored By:

FUN Cornerstone Ad with all information as listed above.

Job Corps

Job Corps - Have You Heard?

Come Meet Job Corps Reps
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
11 AM to 4 PM

Washington Housing Authority
809 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, NC 27889

  • For ages 16-24
  • Receive job training
  • Learn how to earn more
  • Be enrolled in School or Drop-Out

Open to the Public!

For more information, contact Alecia Rhoe, Ross Coordinator
252.644.6055

Job Corps Event Flyer. All information from this flyer is listed above.

Resident Council Meeting

From the comfort of your own home!

Meetings are held every 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 12 PM.

Virtually and in person.

Zoom Info
Virtual Meeting ID: 236 582 3004
Passcode: RCAB

Conference Number: +1 301-715-8592
Passcode: 424853

In-person at Old Fort Community Center - 204 W. 9th Street or Main Office Conference Room - 809 Pennsylvania Ave. Every other month.

You MUST download the Zoom app to join virtually.

Resident Council Meeting Flyer. All information from this flyer is listed above.

What's Happening at WHA?

A three photo collage of a newly renovated office.
Central Office Resource Room is coming soon!

A three photo collage of fitness equipment in a room.
East Haven Fitness Room

A pile of boxes to be shredded outside of an old pool house.
WHA staff cleaned the old East Haven pool house and shredded old files.

A three photo collage of a roof being repaired on a home.
Oak Crest Roof Replacement Project

Knowledge is Power!

Kimberly Grimes, FSS Coordinator, and Alecia Rhoe, ROSS Coordinator, held a "Knowledge is Power" workshop Thursday, December 15, 2022, about first-time homebuying, banking/lending, and credit repair. The speakers were Richard Levy and June Lee from United Bank; Rochelle Hobbs, a realtor from Keller Williams Points East; and Sarah Bradley, Financial Literary Consultant with UCES.

A woman standing behind a podium wearing a skirt. A woman speaking to a crowd. A woman presenting to a large crowd.
A man talking to a group. A man standing in front of a large group of students in a classroom. A woman in a dress talking to students.

Join our next "Knowledge is Power" Workshop - Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Knowledge is Power!

  • 1st Time Homebuyer
  • Banking/Lending Questions
  • Credit Repair
  • Realtor
  • Insurance

For Additional Info:
Kimberly Grimes, FSS Coordinator
Email Kimberly
Phone: 252.644.2369

Alecia Rhoe, ROSS Coordinator
Email Alecia
Phone: 252.644.6055

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Open to the Public

Where: 809 Pennsylvania Ave

Sponsored by:

  • Washington Housing Authority
  • Rochelle Hobbs Realtor - Email Rochelle
  • KW Points East - Keller Williams Realty

Knowledge is Power Flyer. All information from this flyer is listed above.

FYI

Upcoming Board Meetings

  • January 26 - Central Office
  • February 23 - Central Office
  • April 27 - Westbrooke
  • June 22 - Central Office
  • August 24 - East Haven
  • October 26 - Central Office
  • December 28- Old Fort

Dates are subject to change due to weather or holidays.

2023 Holiday Closings

  • January 16, 2023- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • February 20, 2023- President's Day
  • April 7, 2023- Good Friday
  • May 29, 2023- Memorial Day
  • June 19, 2023- Juneteenth Day
  • July 4, 2023- Independence Day
  • September 4, 2023- Labor Day
  • October 9, 2023- Columbus Day
  • November 10, 2023- Veteran's Day
  • November 23-November 24, 2023- Thanksgiving Day & Day After
  • December 25-December 26, 2023

WHA Online Payments

  1. Step 1: Visit www.washingtonhousingauthority.org
  2. Step 2: Click Pay Online
  3. Step 3: Sign up for your account
  4. Step 4: Log into your account, Tenant "Make Payment"
    • All online payments will charge a $2.00 convenience fee.
    • Email Confirmation will serve as your receipt of payment.

Employment Opportunities

  • Maintenance Mechanic 1
  • Maintenance Mechanic 1
  • Accounting Specialist

Apply on NCWorks.gov.

If your vehicle is towed from "No Parking" zones, you may contact George Stokes of Stokes Towing and Recovery to make arrangements to pick it up. He can be reached at 910.770.2194.

  • Deborah Rodgers
    • Monday-Friday (Oak Crest)
  • Julie Finn
    • Clifton Meadows 8:30-12:00 pm
    • Public Housing (Main Office) 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
  • Edith Cobb
    • Monday, Wednesday, & Friday (Westbrooke)
    • Tuesday & Thursday (Old Fort)
  • Towanna Williams
    • Monday, Wednesday, & Friday (East Haven)
    • Tuesday & Thursday (Eastern Village & Eastern Village Annex)