September 2013 Grapevine

September 2013

THE GRAPEVINE Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Spotlight The Family Self-Sufficiency program (FSS) is a HUD program designed to improve the quality of life for families caught in the cycle of poverty. The program provides families with the opportunity to become economically independent by addressing existing barriers that have made them dependent on public assistance. Public housing residents who join the FSS program work closely with a program coordinator for up to a five year period. The program Kitty Wade and her children are coordinator connects residents to serpictured above. vices and opportunities within the community to assist with increasing household income.

Participants are required to sign a contract of participation. This contract details their individual responsibilities and goals and also the PHA’s responsibilities. The PHA must establish goals on how to help the families achieve economic self-sufficiency. As the participant begins to earn extra income, an escrow account is established, funded by the monthly increased rent amount.

For example, a participant whose rent increases from $150 to $200 would earn $50 per month in escrow funds. Upon successful completion of the FSS program, the resident may use the escrow funds in various ways.

Volume 208, Issue 43

Monthly Reminders: 

Neighborhood Watch/Resident Council Meetings: Kippax Place— September 3, 2013 5:30 pm Davisville/Bland Court— September 11, 2013 1:00 pm Piper Square—September 18, 2013 1:00 pm Thomas Rolfe—September 19, 2013 1:00 pm Langston Park—September 25, 2013 1:00 pm

  



Thomas Rolfe Good News Club, 1st & 3rd Saturday in the Community Center.

Laos Outreach Karate Program every Tuesday and Thursday Thomas Rolfe After School Program every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30—6:30 in the Community Center 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.

Inside this issue:

Kitty Wade, a resident of Langston Park, has been in public housing for one year and quickly decided to join the FSS program. “Much like others, I joined the program because I want to move out of public housing and become selfsufficient. I want to set an example for my children, the only way for them to see is by watching me do better, I want my children to understand public housing should never become a way of life,” said Kitty.

HRHA Grievance Procedure

2

HRHA Employee Spotlight

2

Management Policy

3

In July, HRHA hosted an event entitled “New Beginnings,” to inform those unaware of the FSS program, provide access to community partners and recruit new families into the program. HRHA families who attended the event spoke with partners offering various programs and services.

Second Place Win

3

Management Corner

4

Employment Opportunities

4

National Night Out 2013

5

After-School Program

5

Although Kitty has not been in the program or public housing very long, she is very appreciative and says, “It is awesome! I am very thankful for this program because my dreams are becoming a reality and will come true. This program is a means to do better, want better, and have better. If you want something different, this program is a way to do so. I am thankful for FSS and the encouragement I receive which also helps with completing my goals.”

5

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.

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

Jennifer Campbell is a senior at Virginia State University majoring in Social Work. She came to HRHA as an intern this January to initiate the Family Self Sufficiency program (FSS). She will be continuing her internship with HRHA through May 2014. She is working hard to recruit the remaining families to fill the 25 program slots.

Her future goals include continuing her education in Law, and obtaining her Masters of Social Work with an interest in policy, felon disenfranchisement, and human rights.

Jennifer was born in Lakewood, New Jersey and currently resides in Colonial Heights with her husband and four children. Prior to beginning her college education, Campbell worked for a local veterinary hospital for 8 years. In her spare time, she enjoys helping local families in need through clothing donations, eating pizza, and spending time with her family.

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

Second Place Win! HRHA would like to congratulate Shian Brooks, of Langston Park, for winning the second place prize in the VAHCDO “What Home Means to Me” poster contest. VAHCDO received contest entries from youth residing in public housing communities across the state of Virginia.

Shian’s artistic talent placed her in second place in the High School category.

The students used art to demonstrate their meaning of what home means to them. When asked to interpret her poster, she simply replied home means family. It is very evident that she lives in a home filled with love and encouragement by observing the family’s interaction with each other.

Shian Brooks is pictured above with her $50 award and certificate.

Shian moved into public housing less than a year ago from a home in Hopewell, where she said “I've seen things that I’ve never seen before.” She resides in Langston Park with her mother and four younger siblings.

Transitioning from your own home to public housing can be difficult. At 14 years of age, Shian had an altered view on life. “It made me realize that some people have it really hard and aren't doing anything with their lives, and it influences me to not sit around, and to do something with mine; I’m blessed,” said Shian when asked how the move affected her. She always greets you with a beautiful smile and a positive attitude.

Her future plans include moving out of public housing and pursuing multiple career paths. She has a passion for acting and modeling, and hopes of becoming a choreographer and doing Broadway. She also would like to attend a culinary school in hopes of becoming a chef. “I like cooking and I’m good at it,” she said.

With several career avenues in sight, her determination, and the support from her family; we are sure that Shian will be very successful and wish her the best of luck.

5

Management Corner Financial hardships occur at some point in our lives, and payday loans are marketed as an easy way to get cash when money is tight. Cash advance, deferred deposit, and payday loans, along with others, can end up costing borrowers much more than other types of credit. It is important to understand the facts about payday loans as well as the alternatives.

Payday loans can be very costly and should be used with caution. If a payday loan is taken, the amount should be paid back as soon as possible. These loans are usually priced at a fixed dollar fee, symbolizing the finance charge to the borrower. Since the loans have such short terms, the cost of borrowing is very high. In return for the loan the borrower usually provides the lender with a pre-dated check or debit authorization. Payday loans are considerably more expensive than other methods of borrowing money, which in most cases the annual percentage rate (APR) averages at about 400%.

A better alternative may be a small line of revolving credit with a bank or credit union. Revolving lines of credit can be as low as $100 and can help establish or repair credit. The Virginia Credit Union has partnered with HRHA to offer financial literacy classes and banking products to qualifying residents. Contact Resident Services for assistance.

Employment Opportunities

HRHA has information on employment opportunities for the following employers:

Sanitarian Position available with Food Lion Distribution



Goodwill



Central State Hospital



Community Health Systems



Hill Phoenix Pharmacy Tech Trainee with CVS Pharmacy (Colonial Heights)

If you need assistance with your job search or online employment process, please contact the Resident Services Department.

4

National Night Out

HRHA hosted a cookout on Tuesday, August 6th at the main office to celebrate National Night Out 2013.

This event was designed to promote the partnership between the Hopewell Police Department and the HRHA Neighborhood Watch Associations. There was music, games, food, prizes and opportunities to join an HRHA Neighborhood Watch Association. HRHA currently has active associations that meet monthly in Kippax Place, Davisville/ Bland Court, Thomas Rolfe Court and Piper Square.

HRHA invited local organizations, churches, civic groups, businesses and Hopewell citizens to participate in this event. Neighborhood watch associations play a very significant role in maintaining safe neighborhoods. The HRHA mission is to promote adequate, safe, and affordable housing; to enhance resident’s quality of life, promoting economic opportunity and a suitable living environment free from discrimination.

We hope all who attended had a great time and we look forward to next year’s event!

Thomas Rolfe Court After School Program The Abundant Life Christian Center International will be conducting an After School Academic Success Program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Thomas Rolfe Community Center beginning Tuesday, September 17th. The program will target students in sixth through eighth grade. HRHA is in talks with the M2 organization of Virginia State University to offer additional assistance with math. Program registration and attendance at a parental orientation session is required. The program will serve approximately 30-40 children on a first come first serve basis.

Residents needing to complete monthly community service hours can contact the Resident Services department with their contact information.

The program is currently being offered at no cost. HRHA would like to see all students in our communities expand their knowledge and have a successful 2013-2014 school year.

5

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 Millán, 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 Emergency After Hours – (804) 640-9337

6