NRHA COVID-19 UPDATE ▶NEWSLETTER
LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP Unfortunately, as the summer comes to an end, COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be going away. This virus continues to upend life for so many of us. Who could have imagined we’d still be living this new normal? In these circumstances, it’s natural to feel frustrated, overwhelmed and even angry. But know that NRHA staff is working hard to minimize the impact these difficult conditions are having on you. And we must continue to work together to overcome this obstacle.
What’s Inside •
The Extended Eviction Moratorium Ends December 31
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Update to St. Paul’s Area COVID-19 Resource Guide
•
Food Distribution Programs for Residents of the St. Paul’s Area
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HRT Quick Guide: Grocery Store Access for St. Paul’s Residents
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COVID FAQs: Update
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NRHA Coronavirus Hotline
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Keep Checking NRHA’s Website
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NRHA Staff Directory
To this end, remember to continue to practice social distancing. It is very important in keeping you and your children safe and healthy. Remember to limit interactions with others outside your immediate family, and you should not be entertaining house guests who are not on your lease. Also, wear a mask outside of your home and when interacting with others. As we are working to best serve you, it is also my responsibility to keep staff safe. Maintenance has the directive to leave any unit if residents are not complaint to wearing masks. Only through cooperation, flexibility, understanding and patience can we get through this together. As this pandemic continues, here’s where NRHA stands right now: ▸ Our NRHA COVID Hotline continues to be live. Through this phone number (757-314-4200), you can leave questions and comments and receive answers to NRHA COVID-related questions that are specific to your personal situation. In addition, we have provided answers to frequently asked COVID-related questions as well as other resources that are regularly updated on our website, www.nrha.us. ▸ NRHA continues to honor the country’s eviction moratorium. As long as it is in place, we will not begin the eviction process against our residents for nonpayment of rent. This, however, does NOT mean that rent payments have been suspended. More information on this is included in this newsletter. ▸ We are here to help. As you continue to read this newsletter, you’ll see that we have partnered with the City of Norfolk and other community organizations to provide tools and resources for you during this difficult time. If you have experienced job loss or loss of income because of COVID-19, we need to know. We want to help you and work with you, but you have to let us know what’s going on. Remember, we are in this together. Through this unprecedented time, details will undoubtedly continue to change as we’re all trying to navigate through this pandemic. NRHA will continue to keep you updated and keep our lines of communication open to hear from you.
RON JACKSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR October 2020 | Page 1
THE EXTENDED EVICTION MORATORIUM ENDS DECEMBER 31 In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government declared a nationwide eviction moratorium in March to prevent landlords from evicting a tenant for nonpayment of rent. The federal moratorium will end Dec. 31, 2020, as of the date of this publication.
As required by the moratorium, NRHA will not start eviction actions against our residents for nonpayment of rent during the moratorium period of March 27 – December 31. As well, we will not assess late fees or utility charges during this time. However, it is important to understand that rent payments have NOT been suspended and are still due and payable on the first of each month. The eviction moratorium does not provide rent forgivingness. If you are behind on your rent after this period, you will still be required to pay all past due rents. Failure to do so could result in NRHA seeking eviction actions that could result in termination of your assistance. As a result of the COVID-19 situation, we know that many people are suffering real financial challenges. It’s our goal to keep NRHA families safely in their homes. If you have experienced a job loss or significant loss of income, contact your property management office right away. We may be able to lower your rent to reflect your change in income. We are keeping a close eye on what’s unfolding at state and federal levels, and we’ll immediately contact residents as changes unfold. To stay up-to-date on this information, visit www.nrha.us. Be sure to contact your property management office if you have questions or need more information.
UPDATE TO ST. PAUL’S AREA COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE The City of Norfolk has put together a complete guide to all community resources available to your family during this difficult time. The guide, updated regularly, provides organization names, contact information as well as the dates and times of operations. Topics include the following: Food resources
Utilities resources
Health resources Emotional support helplines
Senior resources
Educational resources
Internet connectivity
Economic mobility resources and SNAP emergency benefits
Teens with a Purpose – virtual teen gatherings
Housing resources Access to household resources
Resources for people who are homeless Child care provider guidance And much more
Find the guide at: https://www.norfolk.gov/4872/St-Pauls-COVID-19-Resource-Guide October 2020 | Page 2
Food Distribution Programs for Residents of the St. Paul’s area Community
For more info
Pickup Location
Pickup Time
Calvert Square*
757-664-7956
TMC Office (893 Bagnall Rd.) Hours: Mon - Wed and Fri 10 am - 3 pm or 3 - 7 pm (depending on community events)
1st and 3rd Fridays, during TMC hours Call the TMC if you are unable to pick up during office hours
Young Terrace*
757-625-3006
TMC Office (823 Smith St.) Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am - 3 pm Sat 10 am - 3 pm
1st and 3rd Fridays, 9 am - 3 pm** Excess boxes, if any, are available during TMC office hours
Tidewater Gardens*
757-390-4365
People First Office (447 Walke St.) Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5 pm
1st and 3rd Fridays of each month,** 1 pm - 4:30 pm, until all boxes are distributed
757-314-4251
Family Investment Center (1706 Greenleaf Dr.)
Door-to-door distribution on Fridays*** Excess boxes are available Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 pm
Oakleaf Forest
* Calvert Square, Tidewater Gardens and Young Terrace: Each week 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches are available for youth only. Sign up at your Property Management Office for Wednesday deliveries. **Young Terrace and Tidewater Gardens: Seniors and residents with limited mobility can call the TMC/People First office to arrange for boxes to be delivered to their homes. ***Oakleaf Forest: Residents can call 757-314-4251 to sign up for Friday door-to-door delivery.
Foodbank Pickup Sites
Pickup Time
St. Paul’s Community Mobile Pantry* (645 Church St.)
2nd and 4th Fridays of each month 9 am – 11:30 am
*The St. Paul’s Community Mobile Pantry has produce, meat, dairy and pantry items available for residents to pick up.
October 2020 | Page 3
HRT Quick Guide: Grocery Store Access for St. Paul’s Residents HRT route services currently provides daily grocery store access to stores across the city. The table below contains route information for the routes that depart from Downtown Norfolk Transit Center (DNTC) on St. Paul’s Blvd. Each one of the routes listed below operates daily and provides a one seat ride from DNTC.
Route
Frequency (mins)
Grocery Store
Location
1
15 / 30 / 60
Harris Teeter
7550 Granby St. (Wards Corner)
4
60
The Fresh Market
924 W. 21st St.
4
60
Food Lion
2401 Colley Ave.
4
60
Aldi
730 W. 21st St.
8
30 / 60
Food Lion
3530 Tidewater Dr.
8
30 / 60
Food Lion
7525 Tidewater Dr. (Southern Shopping Center)
8
30 / 60
Walmart Supercenter
7530 Tidewater Dr.
11
60
Harris Teeter
1320 Colonial Ave.
To view bus routes and times visit:
https://gohrt.com/routes/norfolk
October 2020 | Page 4
COVID-19 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is happening with the eviction moratorium? Please refer to the article on page 2 of this newsletter. As explained there, the federal government has extended its nationwide eviction moratorium through the end of the year. This means NRHA will not take eviction actions against our residents for nonpayment of rent nor are we assessing late fees nor utility charges during this time. Note that this does not dismiss any rent payments. Rent is still due the first of the month, and once the moratorium ends, all unpaid rent will be due. Not making payments at this time should be a last resort. If you are a public housing or project based voucher resident experiencing job loss or significant loss of income, contact your property management office right away. We may be able to lower your rent to ref lect your change in income. If you have trouble paying what you owe in a lump sum, NRHA will work with you to develop a payment plan. If you are a housing choice voucher participant experiencing job loss or significant loss of income, contact your landlord and caseworker right away to discuss possible payment plans or accommodations. In addition, fill in a Status Change Form and send it to your caseworker immediately along with proof of a change in income. The sooner your caseworker receives the form, the sooner an interim change can be processed that will lower your rent. What impact does the eviction moratorium have on Tidewater Gardens residents? There is no requirement that Tidewater Gardens residents look for alternate housing, move or use any relocation services during this time. If you have received a 120-day notice to relocate, know that it is delayed until further notice. However, if you desire to, you can continue your relocation efforts during this time. Relocation case management and mobility services are being provided by People First. Supportive and case management services also are available, which include health, education, employment and more. Once the eviction moratorium ends, you will be given ample time to identify housing of your choice for you and your family. If you have been issued a Housing Choice Voucher, you will be given 60 days after the moratorium to locate a landlord who will accept the voucher. Up to two 30-day extensions may be requested after that. People First offices are open and assisting residents. Meetings are held primarily over the phone. In-person meetings are by appointment only and safety protocols, such as using masks and social distancing, are strictly followed. Call (757) 390-4365 for more information. What NRHA services are available? For everyone’s safety, both NRHA offices at 555 E. Main St. and 910 Ballantine Blvd. are closed to the public. All property management offices are closed to the public, as well. Staff, including property management staff continues to be available by phone and email to serve our clients and residents. The following services are available: ▸ Processing applicant files – Low Income Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers and Project Based Vouchers ▸ Auditing files ▸ Move-in for Low Income Public Housing residents ▸ Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections ▸ Relocation efforts for residents in family communities, midrise residents and project based voucher residents All public areas, however, in our family communities and senior/disabled midrises are closed, including: ▸ Playgrounds ▸ Basketball courts ▸ All meeting rooms and social areas October 2020 | Page 5
Family Resource centers are closed for the foreseeable future, including: ▸ Grandy Village Learning Center ▸ Calvert Square Envision Center ▸ Oakleaf Forest Family Investment Center ▸ Jobs Plus Office in Young Terrace In addition, all NRHA transportation ser vices and extracurricular programming and activities are discontinued at this time. We continue to monitor conditions and revise our policies as needed. Updates will be mailed directly to residents and made available to the public on NRHA’s website and social media. What special safety measures are being taken for seniors and residents with disabilities? Health experts have made it clear that anyone can have the coronavirus and not have symptoms. This means that every person we come into contact with could potentially be a source of infection. NRHA routinely cleans the main areas, door knobs and elevator buttons in the senior/disabled midrises to prevent contact infection. However, residents must do their part in making sure everyone stays safe and healthy. Here are actions you can take: ▸ Limit the number of people who visit you ▸ Ask people who are delivering food, medicine and other essential items to drop them off and not stay to socialize ▸ Even though it’s hard, the best way for everyone to stay healthy is to avoid congregating in public areas or hallways. If you choose to congregate, then please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. How do I report a maintenance issue? Submitting a work order: Maintenance service continues to be limited to emergency services only. A list of what constitutes an emergency is provided on page 7. During normal business hours, residents can call their property management office to place a work order. Outside of business hours, you can submit an after-hours emergency maintenance work order by calling 757-623-5266. Cooperating with safety precautions: If it’s necessary for maintenance staff to enter your apartment, we ask you to help keep everyone healthy by cooperating with the following safety measures. If you choose not to cooperate, NRHA employees have the right to leave the unit immediately. ▸ Only household members can be present while maintenance staff is in the unit. ▸ Residents must wear masks and stay 6 feet away from maintenance workers. ▸ Staff will ask the following questions and provide additional instructions depending on your response. You are under no obligation to answer these health-related questions. If you choose not to answer, alternative arrangements will be made to ensure that your unit is properly serviced at a later date. 1. How many people are in your household? 2. Has anyone in the unit been on a cruise or traveled outside of the United States in the last two months? 3. Is anyone in your unit currently sick with cold or flu symptoms? 4. Has anyone visited your unit with cold or flu symptoms? Entering units where someone tested positive for COVID-19: NRHA employees will only enter a unit where someone has tested positive for COVID if it is an emergency and will be dressed with the proper PPE equipment upon entering. False emergency requests: If maintenance staff responds to an after-hours call that is not a legitimate emergency, you may be fined for a nuisance call. See next page for a list of qualifying emergency maintenance requests.
October 2020 | Page 6
Qualifying emergency maintenance items during COVID-19: Fire Flooding Major leaks of any kind – ceiling, radiator, etc. Damage to NRHA property Inoperable smoke detector Medical emergency/death Inoperable door locks Power outages Gas leak or natural gas odor
Broken and/or stuck elevator - at Partrea, Huntersquare, Bobbitt, Sykes, Franklin Arms or Cottage Bridge Refrigerator/stove not working Hot water heater leaking or ruptured No heat – if the temperature is below 55 degrees between October 15 and May 15 No air conditioning - if outside temperature is above 75 degrees between May 15 and October 15. Midrises, North Wellington, Scattered Sites, Grandy Village, Diggs Town and Oakleaf Forest only
Broken window – based on security breach, temperature factor and safety hazard
Lead-based paint hazards
No window locks - based on security breach and safety hazard
Mold
Overflowing/stopped up toilet
Unhealthy/inadequate water supply Blocked egress NRHA property/security damage - break in/ alarm sounding
How do I reach someone at NRHA? Call NRHA’s main number (757) 623-1111: NRHA staff is available in departments that serve our clients and residents. Please call (757) 623-1111 and follow the menu prompts to reach the person you’re looking for. Employees who are working remotely check their messages regularly. The fastest way to reach a specific person is via email. You will find a staff directory on page 8. NRHA COVID-19 Hotline (757) 314-4200: If you have questions regarding your application status, your Housing Choice Voucher status, maintenance or other issues, please leave a message with your name (optional), your phone number and what you need help with. NRHA staff will call you back within 24 business hours.
NRHA CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE
KEEP CHECKING OUR WEBSITE
We’ve opened a hotline where you can get answers to the NRHA COVID-19 related questions specific to your circumstances. We also welcome suggestions for improving our communications and operations during this time. We will get back to you with answers within 24 business hours.
Federal, state and local regulations are changing rapidly in response to the spread of the coronavirus. This can have a big impact on NRHA’s operations. Our website is your best source for up-to-date information on NRHA’s services and resources, so be sure to check frequently.
757-314-4200
www.nrha.us
October 2020 | Page 7
NRHA CONTACT INFORMATION
Although all property management offices are closed to the public, they are open for phone calls and maintenance requests between 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please be sure to leave a voicemail. Some staff may be working remotely but will be checking messages regularly.
NRHA Main Line NRHA Automated Main Office Number After-Hours Maintenance Line (public housing communities)
Phone Number 757.623.1111 757.623.5266
NRHA COVID-19 Hotline NRHA COVID-19 Hotline
Phone Number 757.314.4200
When calling the hotline, residents will hear a recorded message and be prompted to leave a message with their NRHA-related COVID-19 question and telephone contact information. An NRHA staff member will then call back within 24 business hours with a response. Residents are also encouraged to leave their comments or suggestions on the hotline as well. The hotline is set up for voicemail only.
Property Management/Maintenance Calvert Square Cottage Bridge Midrise Diggs Town Eulalie Bobbitt Midrise Franklin Arms Grandy Village Hunter Square Midrise North Wellington Oakleaf Forest Robert Patrea Midrise Sykes Apartments Tidewater Gardens Young Terrace Scattered site locations
Phone Number 757.624.8611 757.624.8618 757.624.8606 757.624.8616 757.314.1520 757.624.8608 757.624.8619 757.624.8616 757.624.8612 757.624.8618 757.624.8617 757.624.8602 757.624.8610 757.624.8617
Email kbritt@nrha.us cledford@nrha.us aespree@nrha.us vhamlin@nrha.us llassiter@nrha.us bfleming@nrha.us dtate@nrha.us vhamlin@nrha.us rmassey@nrha.us cledford@nrha.us tcross@nrha.us cledford@nrha.us ywiggins@nrha.us tcross@nrha.us
NRHA Programs Public Housing and Section 8 Wait List Information Public Housing/Occupancy (case managers and application processing) Resident Programs and Services, (including FSS and workforce programs) Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers (case managers and inspections) Homeownership Center
Phone Number 757.314.2665 757.314.1631 757.314.2068 757.624.8629 757.314.4202
Email ---sbullock@nrha.us ysmith@nrha.us pjoneswatford@nrha.us lfortes@nrha.us
Other NRHA Departments Administrative Services Construction Management Finance Payables Housing Operations Human Resources Media Relations
Phone Number 757.314.2672 757.314.2003 757.314.1671 757.314.1484 757.314.2674 757.314.2009
October 2020 | Page 8
