Housing Highlights Volume 14, Issue 16
Newsletter
Inside This Issue
- Congratulations, FSS Graduates!
- A Message from the CEO
- Meet the Staff
- Resident Council
- Community Garden
- NRP Down Payment Assistance
- Mr. Martin White
- Upcoming Events
- FSS Graduates
- FSS Survey
- ROSS Survey
- "The Survival Program" Interest Form
- Kids' Corner
- Planet Fitness
- FYI
Congratulations, FSS Graduates!
Jowanna P. Davis
Shaiveta N. Warren
The Washington Housing Authority would like to share your achievements. Please submit them to your property managers, and we will share them in our next newsletter.
Help Keep Our Kids Safe!
Please be mindful of this while traveling in residential areas.
A Message from the CEO
Thank you for partnering with the Washington Housing Authority. We have successfully made it through the halfway point of the year! We trust that your time here has provided a platform for growth, stability, and self-sufficiency. Our staff is committed to providing services and assistance alongside community partners in the City of Washington. Washington Housing Authority continues efforts to serve and impact our families and will work to support positive outcomes in our community.
We strive to be a catalyst for growth and change. While there is so much more to be accomplished, we are helping to build a stronger community through life-changing programs like the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Resident Opportunities & Self-Sufficiency (ROSS), and the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP). These programs, along with our community partners, create opportunities and inspiration to pursue BIG dreams. Financial independence and housing stability are achievable for our families with commitment and support. Goals are established, and work must be done. Staff and our partners are responsible for providing opportunities and services. The families must pursue their established goals and benchmarks.
This year, we have successfully created homeownership opportunities and uplifted several families to financial independence. These successes must be recognized and celebrated. We plan to repeat the cycle over and over again! At WHA, we support our families and provide a platform for them to thrive. Let's keep this going and finish the year strong! We are excited to have the chance to serve and work with your family. Thank you again for participating in this partnership with WHA. To visit our webpage, please click here. Once there, you will explore opportunities and events offered by WHA.
Meet The Staff
Chastity Williams - Accounting SpecialistMy name is Chastity Williams. I am an Accounting Specialist in the Finance Department. I started my journey at WHA in May 2023. I have been working in the Accounting field since I received my degree in Business Administration and Accounting. I love my work family and enjoy working with the residents to help meet their housing needs.
Towanna Williams - Housing ManagerMs. Towanna Williams, a Kinston native, is a graduate of Elizabeth City State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. She is a Housing Manager for Eastern Village, Eastern Village Annex, and East Haven. She began her housing career as an Application Specialist in 2003. Ms. Williams has also worked in LIHTC and Section 8 Project-Based Housing. She was inducted into the National Association of Professional Women. Ms. Williams has seventeen years of housing experience.
Natashia Colbert - Administrative Support/Intake SpecialistHello my name is Natashia Colbert My current position is Administrative Support/Intake Specialist for the Washington Housing Authority. I am a native of New Jersey and a mother of two handsome young men. I enjoy the arts, beaches, and reading a good book from time to time. I look forward to my new career with the Housing Authority and hope to be a great asset to the organization.
Resident Council
From the Desk of Lorraine Gordon
Hello, my name is Lorraine Gordon, and I am the 2022-2024 Resident Council Board President. I have been a resident of Oakcrest for over ten years and have served on the Oakcrest Board from 2010 to 2018. I currently volunteer with the Salvation Army and am an active member of Emmanuel Tabernacle here in Washington, NC.
My plan on the board is to bring communities together by speaking on the concerns of residents and how to provide solutions and open communication barriers, as well as bring activities that will benefit the children as well as the senior community.
I want to encourage you all to join the Resident Council Board. We meet every 3rd Wednesday of every month at 12:00 pm at WHA Main Office Community Conference Center. For your convenience, we have the meeting live on Zoom. The following information is for Meeting ID: 860 3385 5837 Passcode: RCAB. Conference Call: 1.305.224.1968 US Passcode: 056859.
I look forward to working with you and collaborating with you. Most importantly, I am looking forward to the change I know can be made with the participation of all.
Thank you,
Lorraine Gordon,
President of Resident Council BoardPlease contact our office for a copy of the Resident Council application.
The following are members of the Washington Resident Council Board and Advisory Board:
Executive Staff/Advisory Board
Ms. Lorraine Gordon - President
Paula Davis - Vice-President
Ms. Ollie Faye Price - Parliamentarian
Ms. Lillian Bailey - Treasurer
Ms. Felecia Ward - Secretary
Asst. Secretary - Vacant
Advisory Board
Ms. Joyce Eborn
Ms. Velma Smith
Ms. Sebrena Mallison
Ms. Kimberly Grimes - Personnel Liaison for the Resident Council
Franklin Scott - Personnel Liaison for the Advisory Board
Resident Council Members:
Mr. Jimmy Boston
Mr. John Hardy
Community Garden
The Josephine Royster Community Garden
Please click here to view all photos.
The Community Garden photos were taken from Mayor Donald Sadler's Facebook page.
Coming Soon! A New Garden Shed!
Special Thanks To:
First Methodist Church for donating the manpower and supplies.
NRP Down Payment Assistance
A partnership between WHN, Inc. City of Washington, and the Neighborhood Revitalization Project (NRP), can assist with obtaining two types of assistance to help you purchase a home:
- Fixed Rate Loans with Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
- Several rate loan and DPA options available.
- DPA can be up to $50,000.00 or 25% of the total loan amount.
- NC Home Advantage Mortgage, Mortgage Credit Certificates
- A special tax credit that reduces your federal income taxes every year.
- For first-time buyers (those who have not owned a home in the last 3 years)
- Can be used with TSAHC's DPA
Contact us at 252.946.0061 to see what the next step is!
Mayor Hardy Honors Community Leaders with Keys to the City at the 2024 BBQ Fest
Photo: Danny Perez, Neuse News"Mayor Dontario Hardy of Kinston bestowed the keys to the city upon several distinguished individuals during the 2024 BBQ Fest on the Neuse in downtown Kinston. Mr. Martin White, a prominent figure in entrepreneurship, business consulting, and financial coaching, was honored for his contributions to financial literacy and community empowerment. Mayor Hardy commended White's dedication, stating, "We do appreciate you giving back to your community through various activities."
Alecia Rhoe, ROSS Coordinator, had this to say about Mr. White. "Mr. Martin White has been a staple speaker at the Knowledge is Power workshops organized and hosted by Ms. Kimberly Grimes, FSS Coordinator. He was honored by the city and Mayor of Kinston, NC as being a staple in his own community. He was 1 of 4 who received the Key to the City for his contributions."
Upcoming Events
Pest Control Schedule
- January, March, May, July, September. Cleggs will come every Thursday.
- 1st Thursday = 155 Units
- Oak Crest: 115 Units
- East Haven: 40 Units
- 2nd Thursday = 142 Units
- Old Fort: 82 Units
- Clifton Meadows: 60 Units
- 3rd Thursday = 146 Units
- Westbrooke: 50 Units
- Eastern Village/Annex: 96 Units
Air Filters
- Air filters will be changed every other month. Please arrange to have an adult present with any minor child(ren).
Below is the schedule:
- Clifton Meadows - 1st week, every other month
- Oakcrest - 1st week, every other month
- Old Fort - 2nd week, every other month
- East Haven & Eastern Village - 3rd week, every other month
- Westbrooke - 4th week, every other month
A message from Housing Managers
Interim
If you have a change in your household, you must call your Housing Manager to report that change. You must complete an Interim Form and provide written proof of the change.
Examples of changes: Increase or decrease in income, Remove or add household members, Pet, Vehicle, School enrollment, school graduation, etc.. See Housing Manager for Details.Community Service
If you are 18 or older and have no income, you must complete 8 hours per month of Community Service. It must be documented in writing and/or on letterhead from the organization for which you provided Community Service.
You must provide SNAP letter to be exempt, etc. See Housing Manager For Details.Please remember that our properties are smoke-free. Thank you.
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 AleciaWho's Eligible?
Public Housing residents who are at least 18Are Elderly & Disabled Tenants Eligible?
Yes!
FSS Program: Family Self-Sufficiency Program
How to make it work for ME!
What is FSS?
The FSS Program helps families in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, residents of Public Housing, and project-based Section 8 developments to increase their earnings and build financial capability and assets. The FSS Program is designed to assist families and individuals in becoming financially independent. Participation in the program requires a personal commitment by each individual.
Key Features of FSS
- An incentive in the form of an Escrow Account
- Access to case management to help participants access resources needed to overcome barriers that are keeping them from meeting their goals.
How Does it Work?
Once a family is selected to become a participant of the FSS Program, a Contract of Participation will be signed between the two parties (client and coordinator). The contract will explain the rights and responsibilities of both parties. The contract will be a term of 5 years or more if there is a good cause for extension of the contract. The contract can include family members over the age of 18 for individual care plan goals. The plan consists of long and short-term goals. The FSS Coordinator finds services and resources the family may need to help achieve their individual goals.
The Math: An Example
A tenant has no employment and pays $50.00 a month in rent. However, this tenant decides that he/she wants to participate in the FSS Program and start working while in the program. Then rent goes up to $350.00 a month. The difference in the rent goes into an escrow account, which is like a savings account. That money stays there until you graduate from the program.
The math is $350.00 Rent Increase - $50.00 Prior Rent = $300.00 Difference.
The Math:
The possibility of what you can end up with in your escrow account. This program is for those that work as well.
$300.00 x 60 Months = $18,000 in 5 or more years in the program. Note: This is an example. However, it gives you an idea of how you can earn an escrow account while in the program.
Am I Eligible for FSS?
If you currently have a Housing Choice Voucher or live in Public Housing and you are NOT working or employed, you may be a good candidate for FSS.
The Program Offers:
- Financial Independence
- Educational Programs
- Possibility of Homeownership
- Escrow Account
- Accountability
- Counseling: Mentally/Physically
- Employment
- And so much more!
If you are interested, contact:
Kimberly Grimes, FSS Coordinator
252.644.2396 or email Kimberly.
Resident Council Meetings
From the comfort of your home!
Meetings Held Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 12:00 PM Virtually and In-Person.
Zoom Info:
Virtual Meeting ID: 860 3385 5837
Passcode: RCABPhone Call: Meeting ID: 1.305.224.1968 US
Passcode: 056859In Person: Main Office Conference Room
809 Pennsylvania Avenue, every third Wednesday of the month.You must download the Zoom app to join virtually
Public Safety Officers & Barbers Back to School Giveaway
Sponsored by the Resident Council of Washington Housing Authority & Trey's Barbershop
Free haircuts for the first 25 kids!
Where: Trey's Barbershop
(New Location in Washington Plaza Square)
When: Saturday, August 17th, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Various Food Trucks will be on site for purchase of food!
Ages: 5-17 Years OldWelcome Back to School
Free School Supplies
Paper, pens, markers, crayons, composition books, folders, pencils, index cards, and more!
Resident Council will give out supplies until gone.
The haircuts are offered to those in WHA, HCV/Section 8, and Clifton Meadows!
Note: The first 25 kids will be served. You must sign your child up for the free haircut by Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at the main office with our receptionist by 5:00 PM. You will be issued a voucher. Voucher must be presented for haircut.
For any questions, please contact Kimberly Grimes at 252.644.2396
First Come, First Served!
This event will only serve our clients who reside in WHA, Clifton Meadows, and Section8/HCV. It is sponsored by the Washington Housing Authority Resident Council and Trey's Barbershop.
FSS Graduates
Congratulations, Ms. Jowanna P. Davis and Mrs. Shaiveta N. Warren! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
To view all the photos from the 2024 FSS Graduation, please click here.
FSS Survey
ROSS Survey
The Survival Program
Beaufort County Edition
For Tweens and Teens
For Ages 5 - 17The Survival Program is a membership program lasting 5 sessions. Anticipated start is Fall 2024.
Subject matter is tailored to properly address the issues based on the age group attending each session.
Topics:
- Self-Esteem
- Peer Pressure
- Mental Health
- Abuse
- Relationships
For more information, Contact Latoya Alston - 252.227.0074
www.RisingFromTheShadows.net
The Survival Program Interest Form
To Obtain and Return Interest Forms, contact Alecia Rhoe at Washington Housing Authority Central Office - 809 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, NC 27889
Free Summer Membership
PF High School Summer Pass '24
"GIVE YOUR SUMMER AN ENERGY BOOST!"
"Since the High School Summer Pass™ program began, Planet Fitness has invested more than $200 million in waived membership dues to promote youth health and wellness and improve the physical and mental health of millions of teens*. Now through August 31st, teens ages 14 - 19 can work out for FREE at Planet Fitness! Don't wait, register now!"
To register for the High school Summer Pass, please click here.
FYI
Upcoming Board Meetings
- February 22nd - Westbrooke
- April 25th - Central Office
- June 27th - East Haven
- August 22nd - Central Office
- October 24th - Old Fort
- December 19th - Westbrooke
The Board Meetings will be held every other month. Dates are subject to change due to weather or holidays.
2024 Holiday Closings
- January 15, 2024- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- February 19, 2024 - President's Day
- March 29, 2024 - Good Friday
- May 27, 2024 - Memorial Day
- June 19, 2024 - Juneteenth Day
- July 4, 2024 - Independence Day
- September 2, 2024 - Labor Day
- October 14, 2024 - Columbus Day
- November 11, 2024 - Veteran's Day
- November 28-November 29, 2024 - Thanksgiving Day and Day After
- December 24-December 26, 2024 - Christmas Break
WHA Online Payments
- Step 1: Visit www.washingtonhousingauthority.org
- Step 2: Click Pay Online
- Step 3: Sign up for your account
- 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
- Director of Housing Services
If interested, please email Sandra.
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 8:30-5:00 pm
Amie Bryant:
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday (Westbrooke)
Tuesday & Thursday (Old Fort)
Towanna Williams:
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday (East Haven)
Tuesday & Thursday (Eastern Village & Eastern Village Annex)
WHA Phone Number
252.946.0061
Website
www.washingtonhousingauthority.orgCity of Washington
Non-Emergency Number
252.946.1444
WHA Maintenance Line
252.946.9977
WHA Maintenance AFTER HOURS Line
252.944.5283