Housing Highlights, Volume 16, Issue 18

Newsletter

Inside This Issue

A Message from the CEO

All-Star Residents

FSS

Homeownership

Resident Council

Black History

Upcoming Events

Meet the Staff

Staff Retreat

Housekeeping Tips

FYI

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 posted speed limits while traveling in residential areas.

A Message from the CEO

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season! As we embark on a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on WHA's recent achievements. Thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of our esteemed partners, WHA staff concluded the year with notable success, advancing our mission to create quality affordable housing opportunities, support neighborhoods, strengthen communities, and contribute to the development of a greater Washington.

The Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP), in partnership with the City of Washington, continues to foster homeownership opportunities for moderate to low-income families in the heart of Washington. As we continue to thrive and challenge our staff to provide greater community support and strengthen working relationships with neighboring service agencies, I am proud to say the future is bright! We need each family to work closely with our dedicated staff to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Partner with WHA to establish goals and foster commitments to empower each family to positively influence their neighbors.

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is a life-enhancing opportunity that can ultimately change the trajectory of participating families. We encourage you to reach out to our staff for more details about this transformative program. Visit our website at www.washingtonhousingauthority.org. Your commitment and partnership are essential to improving our communities.

I want to express the deepest appreciation for our families and the City of Washington for supporting our efforts to improve the community. We will continue our efforts to promote opportunities for growth and empowerment in Washington. The future in Washington is bright for all citizens!

All-Star Residents!

On behalf of WHA and the FSS Program, we would like to congratulate Ms. Latoya N. Moore on being the first participant of the FSS Homeownership Program to purchase her first home. She is a native of Washington and worked very hard to achieve homeownership. She is the mother of two beautiful daughters, who are in college now. Ms. Moore has stated in the past, "If you work hard and trust God, your dreams can come true."

I recall when we had our first "Knowledge Is Wealth Workshop." She was one of my first clients to attend. After Mrs. Hobbs and I completed the workshop, she came to me and said," Ms. Grimes, I cannot do anything right now, but give me a year to get myself together." We worked on her goals, and she did exactly that. The next year, we worked on her getting her first home.

There are two homeownership programs offered at WHA: the NRP and the FSS Homeownership Program. The FSS Homeownership Program is for only those in the FSS Program, while the NRP is for the WHA, Section 8, Clifton Meadows, and the community at large.

I want to extend my congratulations to Ms. Latoya N. Moore on purchasing her 1st home and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Article by: Kimberly Grimes, FSS Coordinator

In the pictures: LaToya N. Moore, Towanna Williams, Rochelle Hobbs, Attorney James Wynne of Wynne, PLLC, and Kimberly Grimes.

Washington Housing Authority recognizes Betty Gatlin for receiving Beaufort County Community College's 'BCCC's Best Award' for this semester's theme: commitment. She was nominated by her professor who recognized her commitment to her education, keeping her goals to the forefront despite challenges she has faced. Betty has been an active member of the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Program and is on track to graduate May 2025!
Congratulations, Mrs. Betty!

FSS Program - How To Make It Work For Me!

Congratulations to Ms. Lakesha Jordan for graduating from the FSS Program.

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 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 member 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 is paying $50.00 a month in rent. However, this tenants decides he/she wants to participate in the FSS Program and starts working while in the program. Then rent goes up to $350.00 a month. The difference of 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: $350.00 rent increase - $ 50.00 prior rent = $300.00 is the 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 plus years in the program.

Note: This is an example. However, it gives you an idea of how much you can earn in an escrow account by being 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

If you are interested, contact:

Kimberly Grimes, FSS Coordinator

252.644.2396
or

kgrimes@wha-nc.org

The Program Offers:

Financial Independence

Educational Programs

Possibility of Home Ownership

Escrow Account

Accountability

Counseling: Mentally/Physically

Employment

And so much more

Build Your Dream House

In the Heart of Washington On the Pamlico

Start Price $190K*

NRP - Neighborhood Revitalization Program

Making Home Ownership Your Reality!

*Down Payment Assistance available for eligible applicants!

Your Journey to Homeownership Starts With Us!

Our award winning real estate broker has been an active steward of historic Washington for 12 years. She's passionate about helping you navigate the home buying process and find the site and home design that's right for you.

Alexis Davis, Realtor
252.702.9697 - alexisdadavis@seacoastrealty.com

With 34 years of experience in Housing Management, I can walk you through the homeownership application and preliminary approval processes. I connect first time buyers with resources to prepare you for homeownership and help you clear stumbling blocks and feel at ease with this big step.

Julie Finn, Housing Manager
252.944.6382 - julie@wha-nc.org

With 40 years experience in affordable housing, including USDA, I assist you in finding affordable home loan packages. I'll guide first-time buyers through down payment assistance and clearly define your eligibility for various homeowner products.

Let's turn your homeownership dreams into reality!

Beverly Casey, Financial Consultant
252.402.0298 - bcasey@wha-nc.org

Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP)

NRP - Phase I

Your dream home should be built by us...

Teacher's Row and Beyond

City of Washington in Partnership With Washington Housing Non-Profit, Inc.

Horton Contractors, Inc. - "Committed to Excellence"

What we do...

Build New Affordable Homes

Restore/Rebuild Existing properties

Inspire Community Responsibility

Provide Safe Neighborhoods for Families

Help Families Remove Financial Eligibility Obstacles

Restore Teacher's Row to a Vibrant Mixed-Income Community

Help Existing Owners Secure Renovation Funding

NRP - Neighborhood Revitalization Program

Our homes are built by an award-winning local contractor with Washington's best interest at heart. Horton Contractors build homes, not houses. He'll make yours feel just like it's meant for you. We pride ourselves in presenting a variety of options in homes, not cookie cutters.

Our support team of an experienced Realtor with historic interest in Washington's revitalization, a caring Housing Manager who walks you through the whole process, and a veteran Financial Consultant, work tirelessly to ensure your success.

Just take the first step and we'll be with you until the key to your dream home is turned over to your family.

Once you're happily settled in your residence, NRP provides at least one year of support in lawn care and home warranty. You'll love the way we show our love for renewing the neighborhood and making you a part of this beautiful project.

A Sense of Community

Restored for by and for you! "Phase I" is affordable homeownership within reach!

Horton Contractors, Inc.
"Committed to Excellence"

Phase I Summary

"Restoring Teacher's Row"

The heart of Washington is steeped with history. It's core was once a vibrant mixed income community with a concentrated population of Black Professionals - laborers, small business owners, the local dentist, first-responders, and teachers. This blend with local factory, mill, domestic and farm workers created a community blended for support vested in one another's success.

In the late 1940's through the late 60's Seventh Street, between Market and Pierce Streets, was known as "Teachers Row. Names like Beamon, Boyd, Cooper, Eason, Foxhall, Howard, Owens, Parham, and Teele were not only associated with residents on or around the corner from this street, but tied to the classrooms of the Black public schools.

The home of the descendants of Louis Randolph, the first principal of public education for Blacks, was once a grand landmark on the corner of 7th and Respess Streets. Randolph also built and taught at an Enterprise Institute in the area where he trained teachers for his understaffed public school.

Narratives like this abound in the entire 18-block NRP area.

The heart of Washington is on the rise!

What's Your Home Design Preference?

Choose from professionally-designed homes to fit your taste. Make it your own by customizing if you are financially eligible before construction is complete. Contact us soon to review all options!

Questions? Contact Us.

Alexis Davis, Realtor: AlexisDavis@seacoastrealty.com 252.702.9697

Julie Finn, Housing Manager: Julie@wha-nc.org 252.944.6382

Beverly Casey, Financial Consultant: BCasey@wha-nc.org 252.402.0298

FSS Homeownership Program!

A Home is in Your Reach!
"New or Existing Home in the City or County!"

Qualifications!

Must be a member of the FSS Program

No Debt owed to WHA or any other agency

Credit Score of 640 or higher

Meet the income guidelines

For additional Information, contact:

Kimberly Grimes, FSS Coordinator at 252.644.2396 or kgrimes@wha-nc.org

Washington Housing Authority - So Much More Than Housing

Resident Council

Bingo Game Night

Games

Prizes

Fun

BINGO will be held weekly on Fridays.

January 31st - Westbrooke Community Room

February 7th - Old Fort Community Room

February 21st - Oak Crest Community Room

February 28th - East Haven Community Room

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Refreshments will be sold.
Telephone: 252.944.5926 (After 6:00 PM)
Participants must bring three gifts from Dollar Tree







Resident Council Meeting
Zoom Meeting Information

Virtual Meeting ID: 860 3385 5837

Code: RCAB

Phone Call: Meeting ID: +1.305.225.1968 US

Passcode: 056859

In Person: 809 Pennsylvania Avenue in the Main Conference Room

Join Resident Council Now!
You Are Needed!

For More Information: Contact:

Lorraine Gordon at lgordon@wha-nc.org
or

Kimberly Grimes at kgrimes@wha-nc.org
and/or

252.644.2396

Starting January 2025, The Resident Council will be drawing "Door Prizes"! You must be present at the meeting in order to win!

Black History

Ages 10 - 14: Write a one-page essay on A.D. King and Jackie Joyner-Kersee and include the answers to the following questions. Please submit your essays by March 3rd to the main office at 809 Pennsylvania Avenue. Two winners will be chosen to read their essays at a later date.

A.D. King

What is his full name?

When and where was he born?

What campaign did he help to organize?

What happened to him?

Who was his brother?

What else did you learn while writing about A.D. King?

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

What part of track and field is Jackie Joyner-Kersee known for?

When and where was she born?'

How many medals does she have? How many gold, silver, and bronze medals?

What was her fastest time in the 100-meter hurdle?

How has her story inspired you?

Rebecca Lee Crumpler - American Physician

"Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. A true pioneer, she battled deep-seated prejudice against women and African Americans in medicine. After earning her degree in Boston, she spent time in Richmond, Virginia after the American Civil War, caring for formerly enslaved people. In 1883, Dr. Crumpler published her Book of Medical Discourses."

www.nps.gov/

Dorothy Height - American Human Rights

"Dorothy Height's lifetime of achievement measured the liberation of Black America, the advancement of women's rights, and a determined effort to lift the poor and the powerless. Height began her career as a staff member of the YWCA in New York City, becoming director of the Center for Racial Justice. She became a volunteer with the National Council of Negro Women when she worked with NCNW founder Mary McLeod Bethune. When Bethune died, Height became president, a position she held for forty years."

www.womenofthehall.org/

Medgar Evers - American Civil Rights Activist and Soldier

"After becoming NAACP's first field officer in Mississippi and moving to the state capital of Jackson, Evers established new local NAACP chapters, organized voter registration drives, and helped lead protests to desegregate public primary schools, parks, and Mississippi Gold Coast beaches."

https://naacp.org/

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.

Satellite Dish
When residents want to get a satellite dish, cable, or the internet, they should contact their Housing Manager first. The form the resident must sign has important information on the procedure for the technician and the resident to follow.

Trash Bins
Trash bins must be pulled back to their individual units by noon the following day (the day after pickup). Failure to do so will result in a $25 fine. Issues with trash pick-up should be reported to the City of Washington Public Works at 252.975.9302.

Please remember that our properties are smoke-free. Thank you.

Programs and Resources

Urban Life Youth Ministries Presents
The Awakening
Inspire, Ignite, and Impact

An evening of worship, real conversations, food, fun, and fellowship.
It's your time to grow, discover purpose, and connect with others.

Don't miss it... Bring a Friend!

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Westbrook Community Building

100 Manual Drive

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Washington Housing Authority - So Much More Than Housing

We Need You to Make the Class Work!

Digital Literacy Courses and GED

Improve Your Skills

WHA in partnership with BCCC will provide digital learning skills!

Are you interested in getting your GED?

So Much More Than Housing

Investing in our community

Classes start in March 2025

Date, Time, and Location to be announced at a later date

Contact:

Kimberly Grimes at 252.644.2396 or kgrimes@wha-nc.org

Digital Navigators Program

Ready to navigate the digital landscape? Our Digital Navigator Program teaches you new digital skills to help you in the classroom, in the workplace, and as a digital citizen.

BCCC Digital Bridge

Northstar Digital Literacy

Some skills you can learn:

basic computer skills

career search skills

information literacy

your digital footprint

Windows 10 and Mac OS

Laptop/Hot spots Lending Library

Unlock Your Digital Potential
BCCC Digital Bridge

Schedule an Appointment for your free services today!
Call 252.940.6478 or complete our online form to request services.

Job and Resource Fair

Join us to connect with High School Students from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, and Job Seekers from 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

Wednesday, April 30th 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Washington Civic Center - 110 North Gladden Street

Register now!

Organized by the Beaufort County Workforce Development Team

For more information:

Call 252.946.3970 or Email info@beaufortedc.com

Cornerstone FUN - Families Understanding Nurturing

Nurturing Parenting Programs

Spring Session: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM

March 11, 2025 - May 1, 2025

Preschool (Infants - 4-year-olds)

Preadolescents (5 - 11-year-olds)

Adolescents (12 - 17-year-olds)

Now Accepting Applications

Deadline: March 3, 2025

Enrollment is Limited.

Make Your Reservations NOW!! at www.ccbps.org

Phone 252.946.6109 - cfwcfunprograms@gmail.com

All Classes Will Be Held At Cornerstone Family Worship Center

1918 West 5th Street, Washington, NC 27889

Transportation, Dinner, and Child Care for the entire family will be provided.

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.

Program Sponsored By:

Beaufort County Department of Social Services, Beaufort County Department of Juvenile Justice, Beaufort County City of Washington, and Beaufort County Government.

Scholarships Available for 2025-2026

Washington Housing offers scholarships for those coming out of high school and attending a 4-year and/or 2-year college.

The following scholarships are offered:

TORCH Scholarship Deadline: May 30th, 2025

CCHRCO Scholarship Deadline: May 8th, 2025

ECAHRO Scholarship Deadline: April 18th, 2025

Washington Housing Authority is committed to serving our families and youth!

For more information, contact:

Kimberly Grimes

So much more than housing...

Investing in our youth!

Servitude

Call or email today
252.644.2396 - kgrimes@wha-nc.org

Pre-K Screening

For The Following Beaufort County Programs:

Chocowinity Primary

Eastern Elementary

Care-O-World Enrichment Center

A New Adventure

Appointment Date and Times

Monday, March 10, 2025: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday, March 11, 2025: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday, March 12, 2025: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Thursday, March 13, 2025: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

There Will Be No Extra Countywide Screenings in June

Beaufort County Schools Professional Development Center
845 North Pierce Street, Washington, NC 27889 (Behind King Chicken)

To schedule an appointment, please call 252.975.4647

Requirements:

You must be a Beaufort County resident

Your child must be four years old on or before 08/31/2025

Bring The Following To The Appointment:

Pre-K aged child

2 proofs of residency - one must be a utility bill, and the second may be a rental/mortgage agreement, a lease, or a property tax statement

The Child's immunization records

The Child's certified birth certificate (not the mother's copy)

Proof of household income - this includes step-parents' income as well as child support (1 month's worth)

Meet The Staff

Kim Kidwell - Office Services Assistant

Hi! My name is Kim Kidwell, and I recently joined the Washington Housing Authority as the Office Services Assistant at the Central Office. I have the unique opportunity to be the first point of contact for many of our clients and business partners, whether over the phone or in person.

Because I interact with people at their best and sometimes their most challenging moments, I strive to maintain a can-do attitude that helps guide everyone toward the most straightforward path to a positive outcome. I genuinely enjoy helping others and find great joy in volunteering at my church, my children's school, and several local community service agencies in my spare time.

I look forward to applying the training I am receiving to better serve both our external and internal customers.

Martina Nelson - HCV Manager

Hello, My name is Martina Nelson, I am the Section 8 Manager for the Washington Housing Authority. I oversee the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, ensuring that all residents are in a safe, comfortable, and well-managed living environment. My goal is to support you by addressing your housing concerns, explaining program guidelines, and assisting with any questions about your lease or voucher.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you need any assistance. I look forward to working with you!

Nikki Whitley - Accounting Specialist

My name is Nikki Whitley, and I work in the Finance Department as an Accounting Specialist with the Washington Housing Authority. I was born and raised in Washington. I have no intentions of leaving the area. I received my MBA from Liberty University. I enjoy crunching numbers to the finest detail. I have a teenage daughter, Payton, who is very active in all sports, so she keeps me on a busy schedule. I also have a Bullmastiff dog, Piper. I enjoy all outdoor activities and traveling. I believe there is good in everyone, and with the passion to encourage others to see it, we will all be successful.

Staff Retreat

The Washington Housing Authority had a Staff Retreat in early January. Our retreat focused on building trust, teamwork, communication, and leadership. Through activities and discussions, we learned how to work better together and support each other. These skills make us better prepared to serve our residents with care and understanding.

Housekeeping Tips

General Cleaning

As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping your house clean. Cleaning your house regularly is very important as it keeps your family healthy.

Some areas of your home, such as the kitchen countertops and sink, should be cleaned every day. Other areas can be cleaned weekly (such as floors and bathrooms) or monthly (such as fan blades and wiping cabinets).

Your Housing Manager and Inspector will check how clean your house is during regular inspections.

Bugs and pests
There are several things you can do to keep pests, such as cockroaches, ants, insects, ticks, and fleas, under control. These include:

keep your apartment clean

put rubbish in the trash bin and make sure the bin is emptied and cleaned regularly

make sure food that is in the cabinets is in sealed containers or bags

don't store, eat, or cook food in bedrooms

keep doors closed and make sure window screens do not have holes

If you have problems with bugs and pests, contact your Housing Manager.

Trash

You must keep your apartment and yard free of trash.

Each apartment is furnished a trash bin that should be kept outside of the house.

Keep smaller trash bins inside, make sure you empty them on a regular basis into the outside trash bin. All trash should be in trash bags.

Remember to pull the trash bin to the street on your trash pick-up day. After pick-up return bin back to your apartment.

To keep flies and maggots out of your trash bin, keep the lid closed all the time and wash the bin each time it is emptied.

Housekeeping Inspections

Residents who "fail" an inspection due to housekeeping will be issued a copy of the inspection report with items that need to be corrected. A re-inspection will be conducted within 10 calendar days by housing management staff.

Failed inspections could result in Lease Termination.

FYI!

Upcoming Board Meetings

February 20th - Westbrooke

April 24th - Central Office

June 26th - East Haven

August 28th - Central Office

October 23rd - Old Fort

December 18th - Westbrooke

The Board Meetings will be held every other month.
Dates are subject to change due to weather or holidays.

2025 Holiday Closings

January 20, 2025 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 17, 2025 - President's Day

April 18, 2025 - Good Friday

May 26, 2025 - Memorial Day

June 19, 2025 - Juneteenth Day

July 4, 2025 - Independence Day

September 1, 2025 - Labor Day

October 13, 2025 - Columbus Day

November 11, 2025 - Veteran's Day

November 27-November 28, 2025 - Thanksgiving Day & Day After

December 24-December 26, 2025 - 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

We do not have any open positions at this time.

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 (Old Fort)

Tuesday & Thursday (Westbrooke)

Alecia Rhoe:

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday (East Haven)

Tuesday & Thursday (Eastern Village & Eastern Village Annex)

WHA Phone Number

252.946.0061

Website

www.washingtonhousingauthority.org

City of Washington
Non-Emergency Number

252.946.1444

WHA Maintenance Line

252.946.9977

WHA Maintenance AFTER HOURS Line

252.944.5283