July 2014
THE GRAPEVINE Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority
HRHA Resident Purchases Home
Volume 210, Issue 7
Monthly Reminders:
Stacey Davis, a native of Hopewell, grew up in a two parent home filled with support. At the age of 20, she decided it was time to leave the nest and moved into Thomas Rolfe Court. She was a public housing resident for seven years and has just recently purchased her own home. Stacey Davis was presented with a gift card on behalf of HRHA from Kathryn Thompson and Tina Raatz to purchase items for her new home.
She is a bankruptcy processor for SunTrust and began planning to purchase her first home two years ago. She stated that credit repair and saving for the down payment would be the two most important items she would emphasize to residents wanting to become homeowners. She also attributes selfdetermination and remaining focused on accomplishing her goals to her success. Stacey was able to get a $5,000 down payment assistance grant through the First Time Homebuyer’s program with the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA).
Community/Resident Council Meetings: Kippax Place — July 1, 2014 5:30 pm Davisville/Bland Court — July 9, 2014 1:00 pm Piper Square— July 16, 2014 1:00 pm Thomas Rolfe—July 17, 2014 1:00 pm Rental payments are due on the 1st of each month and must be paid at SunTrust Bank by 5:00 p.m. Any payment received after 5:00 p.m. is considered next day and a late fee will be assessed. Laos Outreach Karate Program every Tuesday at Laos Outreach Center. Job Corps Orientations at Hopewell VEC every Thursday at 9:00 am
Employment assistance every Tuesday from 9:00—11:00 a.m. at Piper Square
FSS Program Orientation in the Piper Square community center July 19th at 1:00 p.m.
“Stacey was an excellent resident who never paid her rent late,” said Tina Raatz, Housing Manager for Thomas Rolfe Court. Public housing gave Stacey the opportunity and time she needed to plan a better life for her family. Having affordable housing and the support of her family has enabled her to move beyond renting into homeownership. She stated that she tried to be a desirable resident because she considered it a privilege to live in the public housing apartment If you are interested in becoming a first-time homeowner, Resident Services has several community partners that can help you get started on your journey. Services provided by our partners range from monthly budgeting and credit repair classes to possible down payment assistance. Stacey has noticed the positive effect homeownership has had on her three children. It has enhanced their quality of life by providing additional space and privacy. “You never would have known such peace existed,” said Stacey when asked how she liked her new dwelling. She wants to encourage other public housing residents by sharing her accomplishment to dream big. “Life is what you make it.”
Inside this issue: HRHA Grievance Procedure
2
HRHA Employee Spotlight
2
Management Policy
3
Rainbow Summer Program
3
Bike-A-Thon
3
FSS Program Gets Results
4
Community Joins Together
4
Woodlawn Presb. Preschool
4
HRHA Grievance Procedure HRHA has a Grievance Procedure that seeks to assure just and unbiased treatment of all residents and to provide procedures which are not unduly time consuming or complicated. The Authority will take required actions to ensure all grievants with special needs are accommodated to provide access to this Grievance Procedure. Should it become necessary for you to file a grievance, present your grievance personally, either orally or in writing, to the Authority’s Central Management Office or the Management Office where you reside within seven days, after the occurrence giving rise to the grievance. The oral or written presentation should state:
1. That the complaint is being pursued in accordance with the Grievance Procedure. 2. The actual basis of the grievance. 3. The action of relief. A copy of the Grievance Procedure can be found at the Community’s Management Office and at the Authority’s Central Management Office. If you are not satisfied with the resolution of your complaint, you may contact your HRHA Chairmen of the Board of Commissioners at 804-720-2581.
HRHA Employee Spotlight
Sherry Henderson began her journey with HRHA in 1988 as the Maintenance Communications Clerk. She then became the Secretary/Receptionist and her final stop for the past 22 years has been the Executive Secretary. She has had many great experiences working at the housing authority. The one that she recalls the most is residents mistaking her for HRHA Housing Manager Tina Raatz because they resemble in appearance. Sherry was born and raised in Hopewell and after graduating high school, she soon received an A.A.S degree in Business Management from John Tyler Community College. Sherry loves fishing, spending time with family and friends, going to amusement parks and the beach, in addition to participating in various outdoor activities. Sherry’s greatest passion is helping others.
2
Management Policy HRHA does not discriminate on the basis of disability status in the admission or access to housing or employment in its federally assisted programs and activities. Mrs. Madelyn Madison-Hyde has been designated to coordinate compliance with nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) regulations implementing (Section 504 CFR Part 8, dated June 2, 1988) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. You may contact her at: P.O. Box 1361 Hopewell, VA 23860 (804) 458-5160
Rainbow Summer Program
Hopewell Recreation and Parks will be hosting the Rainbow Summer Program this year for children ages five to twelve. The program will be held Monday through Friday, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Parents must register and sign permission slips in order for their children to be escorted to special activities and events. The cost of the program is $35.00 per week, and will run from July 1 to August 17. Hopewell Recreation and Parks has several additional summer programs, created for the benefit of children in the community of Hopewell. For more information, please stop by the facility at 100 West City Point Road or call 804-541-2304.
Bike-A-Thon HRHA has joined forces with The Hopewell Police Explorers in hosting a Bike-A-Thon with a theme of “Bicycle Safety.” The event will take place in the parking lot of Cavalier Square on July 26th starting at 9:00 a.m. The purpose of this event is to ensure that all children are aware of and actively practice safety precautions when riding their bicycles. This is a free community wide event that will challenge the children with fun safety obstacles and games. There will be plenty of food and transportation is available for HRHA residents. For more information, please contact Terence Barber at 804-452-1880 ext. 4.
3
FSS Program Gets Results HRHA currently has 25 public housing and two HCVP residents in its Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. The agency began administering the program in 2012 for the first time in its history. It recently began marketing the program to HCVP residents. Many participants enrolled in the FSS program have successfully completed several goals, found employment and have established escrow accounts as a result of an increase in earned income. Resources like budgeting and credit repair workshops, job training assistance, GED classes and many more are available to you through the FSS program. Each participant receives individual case management services, referrals to necessary resources, and assistance with goal setting and accomplishment. For more information about how FSS can assist you and your family in preparing for successful futures, please contact Jennifer Campbell at 804-855-7065! HRHA holds monthly FSS orientations in the Piper Square Community Center on the third Saturday of each month. All HRHA residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The time and date can be found on the front of this monthly newsletter. There are endless opportunities to enhance your quality of life through FSS. Begin your journey toward economic self-sufficiency today!
Community Joins Together On Thursday, June 12th, Thomas Rolfe Court residents, HRHA staff, Hopewell School Board representatives, Hopewell Police and pastoral members of OC3 joined together for a prayer vigil in Thomas Rolfe Court. The event was held to pray against shootings, gangs, drugs, violence and other crimes in this community and the city of Hopewell as a whole. Comments were received from the community representatives and residents before everyone joined in prayer. OC3 announced that many churches would provide transportation for HRHA youth to attend their vacation bible schools during the summer. If you would like more information on upcoming meetings please contact Resident Services.
Woodlawn Presbyterian Preschool Woodlawn Presbyterian Christian Preschool, WPCP, conducts a half day program providing children with a safe place where they can develop social and educational skills as curious individuals in a Christian environment. The program is based on the knowledge that the early years are ones of phenomenal development—physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual. The program utilizes the A Beka curriculum to teach the children language, numbers, nature, art, music, and the community itself. The preschool provides an atmosphere of love and acceptance for each child. Children of any race, religion, and/or creed are welcome. A child is eligible for enrollment in the three year old preschool class if he or she is age three by September 30th of the current school year and is potty trained. A child is eligible for enrollment in the pre-kindergarten class if he or she is age four by September 30th of the current school year and can go to the restroom independently. Please contact 804-452-3240 for more information.
4
Public Housing Staff Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority
Madelyn Madison-Hyde, Public Housing Director – (804) 458-5160
P.O. Box 1361 350 E. Poythress Street Hopewell, VA 23860
Lillian Quintana, Administrative Assistant to the Public Housing Director – (804) 458-5160
Phone (804) 458-5160 Fax (804) 458-3364
Tina Raatz, Housing Manager – (804) 452-1880 ext. 3 Thomas Rolfe Court/Extension & Davisville/Bland Court
Website www.hopewellrha.org
Julie Derr, Assistant Housing Manager – (804) 452-1880 ext. 2 Thomas Rolfe Court/Extension & Davisville/Bland Court
Like our Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/ Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority
Greg Pe’ay, Housing Manager – (804) 541-0392 ext. 3 Piper Square, Kippax Place & Langston Park Lafonia Thornton, Assistant Housing Manager – (804) 541-0392 ext. 2 Piper Square, Kippax Place & Langston Park Kathryn Thompson, Resident Services Manager – (804) 541-0392 ext. 4 Terence Barber, Resident Services Specialist – (804) 452-1880 ext. 4 Jennifer Campbell, FSS Coordinator — (804) 855-7065 Emergency After Hours – (804) 640-9337
5