Keeping In Touch
Transcription
Keeping In Touch
First Quarter 2008 March Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers Keeping In Touch The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers Made History in 2008! Special points of interest: • Housing Authority Made History! • Mistress of Ceremony Ms. Tyisha Fernandes Fox 4 News • HOPE VI Update • Family SelfSufficiency Information • Employee Spotlight • Upcoming Inspections • HACFM Mission Inside this issue: Executive Director’s Message 2 First Annual Banquet 3 Keynote Speaker Michigan Neighbor4 hood Network Center Senior Corner 5 Resident Services/ FSS 6 Housing Information 710 Housing Choice Voucher Program 11 The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM) has been in existence as a not-for-profit government entity created over 45 years ago. The HACFM owns and manages six public housing developments and one Section 8 project based development. Our mission is to serve the extremely low, moderately low and low-income residents. In addition, our goal is to assist families in becoming economically self-sufficient, independent of government assistance. and services are rendered through partnering with other agencies and organizations in the community it has brought about changes in the lives of our residents. The Resident Services and HOPE VI Departments collectively identified residents who are making strides in successfully moving toward self-sufficiency. Becoming economically self-sufficient is a struggle for most families in public housing, however our job is to educate them and ensure the famiThe HACFM has made history in lies are aware of the resources and 2008. The Family Self-Sufficiency services available to them. The program was a dream come true HACFM held it’s First Annual for the HACFM in 2003. The for- Recognition Award Banquet on mer Director of Resident Services/ February 22, 2008 at the Pelican Family Self-Sufficiency Coordina- Preserve, Magnolia Ball Room. tor, Mrs. Marcia Davis ignited a Fifth Third Bank was the Platinum program regulated by the Housing Sponsor, while Norstar Developand Urban Development Office ment USA, L. P., and TAG Asso(HUD). The program is designed ciates Inc. was Gold Sponsors. to assist families in becoming self- The Mistress of Ceremony was sufficient. The grants awarded to Ms. Tyisha Fernandes, Fox 4 HACFM in support of the FSS News Reporter. The Keynote participants has allowed public Speaker, the former Senator of housing families receive assistance Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Nadine Thoto attend a trade school to receive mas stood at the podium and Certified Nursing Assistant certifi- shared an inspirational message cation, Childcare assistance, Fiwith the honorees. The Dunbar nancial Literacy Education, GenHigh School Trio Band was star eral Education Development and performers, the music was outmany more services and resources. standing and accommodating to Although some of the resources the environment. It was an eve- Ms. Tyisha Fernandes, Mistress of Ceremony, Fox 4 News Reporter ning to remember as the honorees walked across the stage to receive their awards. There was a total of fourteen residents recognized for their accomplishments; a mixed combination of Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing Residents: Roderick Boston, Fransharlette Daniels, Mayra Delgado, Tameacca Duncan, Stacey Stephens-Gordon, Phonenicia Grant, Robbe LeVatt Hampton, Helene Harris, Pauline Hypolyte, Belinda Jackson, Marisol Morales, Rosa Murphy, Mamie Scrivens and Candice Wicks. On behalf of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers, the Board of Commissioners, Mr. Marcus Goodson, and staff: thanks to our platinum sponsor Fifth Third, the gold sponsors Norstar and TAG Associates , Story continues on page 3. Keeping In Touch The Executive Director’s Message Greetings, “As we prepare to close out another fiscal year, we often reflect on the successes as well as disappointments that we experienced during the current year.” Mr. Marcus D. Goodson, Executive Director. “Either way this will be a moment in history that many said would never come, at least in their lifetimes.” It is hard to begin any conversation these days without talking the monumental events that are currently taking place within the Democratic presidential primaries. The field has been narrowed to Barack Obama, Senator from Illinois and Hilary Rodham Clinton, Senator from New York State. Senator Obama has surprised this nation with his showing thus far and currently has a 100 delegate lead as we approach the upcoming Ohio and Texas primaries. Either way this will be a moment in history that many said would never come, at least in their lifetimes. Just to be living in this moment is something special which we all should take a minute to appreciate regardless of the candidate you support. Some believe we could finally be living in an America that our founding fathers envisioned when they penned the Constitution of the United States. On a more concerning note, all economic indicators point directly to a recession in this country. The rise in foreclosures has been devastating to families that are losing their homes, but for public housing authorities with Housing Choice Voucher Programs landlords are losing homes that are housing choice voucher holders, thus placing these families in the unexpected position of having to relocate and find new housing. This is particularly disturbing when you consider that many of these land- Page 2 lords are defaulting on their mortgages while still collecting payment from the housing choice voucher program. We remain committed to working with these families to secure quality housing while minimizing the stress associated with relocating their families. As we prepare to close out another fiscal year, we often reflect on the successes as well as disappointments that we experienced during the current year. Florida public housing authorities were very successful negotiating with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation with respect to the 2008 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). The 2008 QAP will include favorable public housing language for proximity points and it also includes a goal of funding one HOPE VI project. The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM) received the highest score of all the SAIL applications submitted to FHFC; our SAIL application was funded $7.1 million, which will be used as a funding source for the construction of our proposed elderly project. We also applied for $750,000 in Hurricane Mitigation funds through the State of Florida Department of community Affairs, if approved these funds will be used for the replacement of hurricane proof windows and doors for Bonair Towers, which is one of our two elderly high-rise buildings. By the end of March 2008, we will have made the final transi- tion to asset management as mandated by the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). I have never opposed this business model for housing authorities based on my belief that if we are to survive in this changing world, we must embrace creative thinking and ideologies that challenge traditional policies. We choose to view this change positively. Additionally, we subscribe to the belief that the public housing world has become stagnant, not solely because of decisions and mandates from HUD, but primarily because we tend to choose the predictable route as opposed to the more creative but perhaps more challenging route. Take the challenge; stick your toe in the water, you may find it to be warm and inviting of a much needed swim. Sincerely, Marcus D. Goodson Executive Director First Quarter 2008 Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers Made History in 2008! and to all of the program participants, thank you for sharing your time and talents at this special event. Finally, to all of the honorees congratulations and best wishes to all of you in your future Endeavour's! Mr. Goodson said, “We are excited that HACFM has made history in the years of existence, the First Annual Recognition Award Banquet. I am looking forward to the next one in 2009.” Enjoy the pictures from the event, a big thank you to Jessie Dortch, the photographer who made this a memorable occasion. Sincerely, Vivian L. Watkins Director of Resident Services/ Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator Dunbar High School Trio Band “The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers made history in the forty five years of existence, The First Annual Recognition Award Banquet.” Trophies and Gift Bags presented to the Honorees. Honoree, Stacey Gordon receives a trophy and gift bag, presented by HACFM and Fifth Third Bank Platinum Sponsor. Former Senator Nadine Thomas. Marisole Morales, honoree, Homeownership Voucher Program Participant. First Time Homebuyer. Page 3 Pauline Hypolyte received a trophy and gift bag during the presentation ceremony. Keeping In Touch Employee Spotlight - Renee S. Gray “She was and still is a dedicated employee and her diligence paid off as she was later promoted to Assistant Section 8 Coordinator.” Renee S. Gray, Employee Spotlight.” Michigan Court NNC hours of operation Monday—Friday 10:00— 6:00 P.M. Tuesday’s Job Club 9:30— 11:30 A.M. Page 4 Renee became an employee of the HACFM on October 1, 2006 as the result of the merger with the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Prior to the merger she had been a dedicated employee of the City of Fort Myers for 16 years. It has been a long road traveled as she began working only part-time as an office aide. As time passed her desires grew and she later became a Housing Counselor for the Section 8 Program. She was and still is a dedi- cated employee and her diligence paid off as she was later promoted to Assistant Section 8 Coordinator. She has worked with the HCV Program for nearly 15 years. Renee is responsible for handling the Section 8 Wait List, and she is a very capable supervisor during the absence of the HCV Director. She’s very knowledgeable with regulations and program procedures. Renee is a patient and understanding person who is always willing to help out when needed by staff or customers. If you’ve ever visited her office you will know that Renee enjoys listening to music. The music helps her to relax and focus on her job. Renee is the proud parent of two beautiful, loving children; one boy, one girl. Michigan Court Neighborhood Network Center Operating; Hours 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Daily, Tuesdays 9:30 A.M.— 6:00 P.M. The Michigan Court Neighborhood Network Center (MC NNC) is open and ready to assist all residents of public housing. Resources and services are available to meet human services needs which includes, Financial Literacy, Literacy (ESL), Basic Computer training, and job career needs. Many resources and services are available and ready to be presented by Keith Jackson, the NNC Coordinator. The programs are free, the residents can enroll in the financial budgeting class (Financial Peace University). It helps the residents to create a budget and learn how to handle their finances and make investments. We encourage our public housing residents to take advantage of these programs. It’s an opportunity to become knowledgeable and prepare your families to work toward becoming economically independent of government assistance. Lee Mental Health is in the process of hiring a new case manager to assist our residents. The Mommy & Me program will continue to be a part of the services offered as well as new programs to help families strive to become self-sufficient. The Sickle Cell Anemia Association of Lee County has a new Outreach Coordinator, Mrs. Priscilla Hardaway. The Association has an onsite staff member to provide case management, supportive services, seminars educational outreach, and healthcare information for residents of public housing that have Sickle Cell Disease. In addition, the Outreach Coordinator, Mrs. Hardaway provides these services in the community. Also, the Sickle Cell outreach program services both Lee and Collier counties. To increase public awareness of Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait, the Outreach Coordinator presents information throughout the community in both counties to individuals, families and organizations. For more information, please contact Mrs. Hardaway at (239) 461-5703. Keith Jackson— Michigan Court Neighborhood Network Center Coordinator, 4224 Michigan Avenue, Unit 530, Fort Myers, FL 33916. (239) 461-7257 or (239) 461-7255 Join us at the Michigan Court NNC Open House to be held on March 20, 2008 from 5:00— 7:00 P.M. First Quarter 2008 Senior Corner Happy New Year to Everyone! The last quarter was filled with so many wonderful holiday festivities from Thanksgiving feasts to tree trimming celebrations. In this quarter, now that the holiday season is behind us I have spoken with several residents who are encountering major transportation issues? And it’s no wonder...due to the increase of fuel, HACFM can no longer provide residents with individual transportation to and from their doctor’s appointments. We may only provide two group-outings for each senior development. Good Wheels has also cut their funding and has denied transportation to residents who were previously enrolled, and furthermore, some residents may not qualify for Lee Trans Passport services. The application process for this is very detailed and may take one month or more to process. Therefore, in response to this crisis, I have been actively searching the community to find alternate solutions for our residents whom are most affected by these changes. There is a great resource for information on transportation services called Transportation Disadvantaged Helpline, their telephone number is 1-800-983-2435. (Thank you to the thoughtful resident at Bonair Towers who posted this information for all to read on the bulletin board in the lobby). The Helpline staff is available Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. to assist callers with transportation related concerns. Florida is one of the few states in the nation that has a statewide Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) in every county. To get help and find out who the CTC is in your area call 1-800983-2435! In order to qualify you must not be able to obtain your own transportation because of disability or income. Trips are provided for medical appointments, shopping, employment, and includes educational and recreational purposes for elderly and disabled as well. In addition to this resource, I have spoken with the Senior Companion Program Director at Dr. Piper Center for Social Services. Any resident who has a vehicle and would like to help out a neighbor, may register with the Senior Companion Program and receive a gas and mileage reimbursement for volunteering their time to take an elderly or disabled person to and from medical appointments. For those of you who have a vehicle and are still very independent and capable, please take some time to consider helping a neighbor in need. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please call Dr. Piper Center at (239) 3325646 for more information. Rena Flournoy has been with the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers for seven years and serves as the right arm to the Senior Services Coordinator. She is always willing to help whenever and wherever she can, from delivering holiday meals to home-bound elderly residents, to transporting them to and from medical appointments. Recently, at the Resident Council meeting (senior developments) the residents were informed to utilize other sources to obtain transportation to the doctor’s office. Although we would love to be able to provide transportation however, our main focus is to connect the seniors with the appropriate agencies to obtain transportation. Most of the time Rena is available to assist with our senior outings and she genuinely likes working with our elderly residents. She is kind and compassionate, she is hard working, reliable and dedicated. On behalf of myself and the senior residents whom she has assisted, we would like to thank Rena for her kindness, her patience, and the sympathetic care she gives to our senior residents. Rena’s efforts and assistance to our elderly residents are exemplary, and serve as an important reminder of how fortunate we are to have her as a member of our staff…Thank you Rena for your dedication and commitment to helping our senior residents! Page 5 Home Depot North donated Christmas Decorations and decorated the Royal Palm Towers lobby and meeting areas. Ed Janowski looking at the decorations completed by Home Depot North, thank you Home Depot. “Kindness is the Language which the Deaf can hear, the Blind can see and the Sick can feel.” ~ Mark Twain Senior Services Coordinator— Jennifer Avin (239) 332-1239 “We would like to thank Rena for her kindness, her patience, and the sympathetic care she gives to our senior residents.” Keeping In Touch H PE VI Community Cooperative Executive Partnership (CCEP) “In order for our families to attain their goals of becoming self-sufficient one of the first hurdles they have to overcome is gainful employment.” “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” ~ Maya Angelou~ “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” Anne Bradstreet (1612? - 1617) Page 6 CSS staff has been working diligently to improve the overall self-sufficiency of each family member to include children and their parents. As part of our Community Cooperative Executive Partnership (CCEP) we have been successful in developing a partnership that will allow HOPE VI families to enroll directly into the Community Coordinated Child Care (4C’s) program without having to be on a long waiting list. As long as childcare remains a prevailing concern for our residents it is imperative that we continue to seek ways to offer support. Therefore, as a result of the efforts put forth by the CSS staff we are now able to offer an enrollment procedure that streamlines former Michigan residents the 4C’s daycare sub- Community Supportive Services sidy program. The first families have already begun the enrollment process and we anticipate being able to assist many more families in the future. Fort Myers Youthbuild In order for our families to attain their goals of becoming selfsufficient one of the first hurdles they have to overcome is gainful employment. Unfortunately, due to the current conditions of the housing market our residents have experienced even more difficulty getting hired and retaining work. Therefore, the CSS staff has been partnering with the Workforce Development Board and Tri-County Apprenticeship Academy in a collaborative effort to enroll 30 youths between the ages of 18 and 24 into the Youthbuild fellowship program. This program will provide HACFM residents with the opportunity to learn a skilled trade in the construction industry that they will be able to use in the future. This program offers an opportunity for them to have onsite experience working with the various minority subcontractors during the redevelopment process of Michigan Court. Students will be given a stipend with the potential to earn additional bonuses for perfect attendance and obtaining their GED. Classes are scheduled to begin this Spring. CSS Quote of the Quarter "One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest." ~Maya Angelou~ Isaac Dozier—Community Supportive Services Coordinator (239) 344-3241. Resident Services - Family Self-Sufficiency Public Housing / Housing Choice Voucher Programs The Resident Services Department welcomes all families to visit the Michigan Neighborhood Network Center Computer lab. We have created partnerships with many agencies in the community that bring services and resources directly to you. Transportation is a hindrance, however if you live in Southward Village or Palmetto Court and you would like to take advantage of the resources and services at the Michigan NNC you can receive a bus pass. Our main goal is to assist families in becoming economically self-sufficient. Resident Services offers on a volunteer basis, the opportunities for families to enroll into the Family Self-Sufficiency programs. There will be Life Skills Education Sessions held April 28-29, 2008 at the Main Office Boardroom, 5:30— 7:30 P.M. These sessions give you an overview of the FSS programs and other life skills such as Achieving Goals and Setting Goals, Career Goals, and Money Management Budgeting information. After attending these sessions you can evaluate the information and make an intelligent decision if striving to become selfsufficient is something you and your family would be interested in accomplishing. The American dream is to one day become a homeowner. Recently, HACFM received approval from HUD to become a certified Housing Counseling Agency. This is very exciting news. We will continue to provide homeownership workshops however create a more in-depth counseling program. If you are interested in enrolling into the public housing FSS program, please contact Vivian Watkins at (239) 3443245 or Carolyn Duberry at (239) 344-3233 for the Housing Choice Voucher FSS Program. First Quarter 2008 Public Housing BONAIR TOWERS Cynthia Rhodes would like to extend a Special thank you to Pat Delaney and Virginia Savage for making the Christmas Dinners donated from the Salvation Army go so smoothly. We would like to thank all residents for using the rent payment drop box. This has helped process your rents much quicker and alleviate any late charges to residents. Also, Cynthia Rhodes, Bonair Manager would like to wish all residents a wonderful, healthy and Happy New Year. Reminders: Front Door Area: Please keep your front door area free of clutter and any trash. Wheel chairs must have access at all times to the walk ways. Plants and other small items are permitted at the front door area. Unit Inspections: It is that time of year again when we will be conducting Annual Inspections of your units. You must have called in all of your maintenance issues and have your apartment clean. Now is the time to prepare for our visit. We will be coming into your units whether or not you are home. We will be inspecting for maintenance damage and housekeeping. You as a resident are REQUIRED to pass this inspection per HUD regulations. FLOSSIE RILEY Please welcome Su Powers as your new Asset Property Manager. Su will report to Les Moore (Lead Asset Property Manager). Page 7 Su will have regular office hours at Flossie five (5) days per week after she completes her training. Su comes to you with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Resident Services, Section 8 Homeownership and Tax Credit Management experience. Reminders: Maintenance – call your manager’s office phone number to report any and all maintenance issues so that a work order can be generated. Do not tell any maintenance workers you may see on the grounds about the work you need done in your apartment as they may not remember to get a work order for you. Maintenance Technicians only work off work orders and cannot randomly complete work for residents. Remember, please do NOT call the old maintenance number, the number is no longer in use. Walk Ways— Please keep your front door area free of clutter and any trash. Wheel chairs must have access at all times to the walk ways. Plants and other small items are permitted at the front door area but be mindful; of those who may have difficulty walking. Do no create a tripping hazard for you or anyone who may walk in front of your door. Rent: We would like to Thank all the residents for using the rent payment drop box. This has helped to process your rents much quicker and alleviate any late charges to residents. Unit Inspections: It is that time of year again when we will be conducting Annual Inspections of your units. You must have called in all of your maintenance issues and have your apartment clean. Now is the time to prepare for our visit. We will be coming into your units whether or not you are home. We will be inspecting for maintenance damage and housekeeping. You as a resident are REQUIRED to pass this inspection per HUD regulations. SOUTHWARD VILLAGE “Call your manager’s office phone number to report any and all maintenance issues so that a work order can be generated.” Please welcome Uni Marin as Southward Village’s new Assistant Manager. Uni will be available five (5) days a week once he has finished his training. Monthly-Get-Together— Management will be holding Monthly-Get-Together Meetings for all of Southward Village residents. You are encouraged to attend. For the time being, the meetings will be held outside in front of the office. Once the renovations are complete at the Carrie Robinson Center the Manager and Maintenance offices will be moved. We will also have a room for meetings once the move takes place. We would like to thank all of the residents who came to the first get-together held in January, we look forward to seeing you at all the meetings. These meetings give you the opportunity to hear about any new things happening on the development first hand from the manager. It is also a time to share your thoughts and opinions. Public Housing con’t on page 8 “It is that time of year again when we will be conducting Annual Inspections of your units.” Keeping In Touch Public Housing Information Continued: SOUTHWARD VILLAGE: Reminders: “If you see anyone who should not be on the playground equipment or is using the playground to display their graffiti, please report this to the to the office immediately. Remember all residents 18 years of age and older are encouraged to attend the Prepare for Success at Sabal Palm Apartments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. hosted by Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD). For more information call your manager’s office. Parking— All residents are required to have a parking sticker on their registered cars. No parking on the grass. Park in designated parking areas only. FMPD will be patrolling the parking lots daily to ensure compliance. Grounds— We would like to say thank you to all the residents who have helped clean Southward Village. What a difference resident participation can make. The development is looking very good, we are working toward making it GREAT!! “Anyone who has not completed their HUD Mandated 8 hours of Community Service per month will have their leases terminated at the end of your lease term.” Page 8 Community Service: Anyone who has not completed their HUD Mandated 8 hours of Community Service per month will have their leases terminated at the end of your lease term. Everyone has been notified and informed of the requirement and HUD is now holding you all to your obligation. Do not risk loosing your unit, see your manager for information as to what you can do to prevent lease termination. Unit Inspections: It is that time of year again when we will be conducting Annual Inspections of your units. You must have called in all of your maintenance issues and have your apartment clean. Now is the time to prepare for our visit. We will be coming into your units whether or not you are home. We will be inspecting maintenance damage and housekeeping. You as a resident are REQUIRED to pass this inspection per HUD regulations. Lara on Maternity Leave— Lara Chrisphonte will be on maternity leave from January 21, 2008 thru April 21, 2008. Uni Marin and Les Moore will be covering for Lara during her absence. Officer Jack Thompson will be meeting daily with Uni and Les to make sure the Parking Policy is being followed. If you need a parking sticker, please be sure to make an appointment to obtain one. Do not wait until it is too late. PALMETTO COURT Please welcome Pam Benjamin as Palmetto Court’s new Assistant Manager. Pam will be in the office for your convenience on Thursdays and Fridays, so stop by and say hello. Reminders: Front Door/Back Door and Patio Areas: Your patio, front and back door areas are to be free of trash and any other unauthorized items. You are permitted to keep some items on the patio (refer to your signed lease agreement) but all of these items must be neat, organized and clean at all times. Unauthorized patio furniture on patios or in the back yard will cause you to get a Lease Violation. It is not only the responsibility of management but yours as residents to help keep the development looking nice at all times. If you receive a Lease Violation, you will have a short period of time to clean up your area or risk Eviction. Playgrounds: The playgrounds are designed for children between the age of 5-12, not teenagers or grown adults. Management is very disappointed to see the graffiti written on something that was meant for innocent children. All children should be accompanied by their parent while playing on any of the playground equipment. As concerned residents, if you see anyone who should not be on the playground equipment or is using the playground to display their graffiti, please report this to the office immediately. We cannot continue to replace broken or damaged playground equipment so as parents and responsible residents help us by making a stand in YOUR neighborhood. Trash Cans: You are to bring your trash cans out the night before trash pick up and remove them the day of pick up. We are finding many filled trash cans left in the back yard areas and not taken out on trash day causing foul odors, bugs and a host of other problems. Anyone found to be violating this will be sited with a Lease Violation which if not corrected can and will lead to an Eviction. We want to thank all of you Con’t on page 9 First Quarter 2008 Public Housing and Sabal Palm Information who go above and beyond by sweeping and cleaning up after trash pick up. We appreciate it when YOU take PRIDE in where you live. Zero Tolerance: Please be advised that there is a Zero Tolerance in place in all Public Housing with regards to Drugs and Criminal Activity. If you know of any illegal activity going on in YOUR neighborhood, you must report this information to the police and your rental office. It is time to take back YOUR neighborhood!!! Do you want your children playing outside where drugs are being sold and gunshots are being fired? If not, then get involved. Management and police cannot solve these issues alone, they must have your help. We applaud all of you who have gotten involved and said enough is enough. It is because of you that we have seen a change in the neighborhood, but we still have a long way to go. Keep up the good work Palmetto Residents!! Unit Inspections: It is that time of year again when we will be conducting Annual Inspections of your units. You must have called in all of your maintenance issues and have your apartment clean. Now is the time to prepare for our visit. We will be coming into your units whether or not you are home. We will be inspecting maintenance damage and housekeeping. You as a resident are REQUIRED to pass this inspection per HUD regulations. Royal Palm Tower Reminders: Page 9 Front Door Area: Please keep your front door area free of clutter and trash. Wheel chairs must have access at all times to the walk ways. Plants and other small items are permitted at the front door area. Maintenance— Call your manager’s office phone number to report any and all maintenance issues so that a work order can be generated. Do not tell any maintenance workers that you may see on the grounds about the work that you need done in your apartment as they may not remember to get a work order for you. Maintenance Technicians only work off work orders and can not randomly complete work for residents. Remember, DO NOT call the old maintenance number as this number is no longer in use. Unit Inspections: It is that time of year again when we will be conducting Annual Inspections of your units. You must have called in all of your maintenance issues and have your apartment clean. Now is the time to prepare for our visit. We will be coming into your units whether or not you are home. We will be inspecting maintenance damage and housekeeping. You as a resident are REQUIRED to pass this inspection per HUD regulations. Rent— We would like to thank all the residents for using the rent payment drop box. This has helped process your rent much quicker and alleviate any late charges to residents. Sabal Palm Please welcome Les Moore as your new Asset Property Manager. Les comes to Sabal Palm with over ten (10) years in the housing industry of which eight (8) are in Public Housing. Les has the experience necessary to successfully run Sabal Palm and ensure that HACFM is in compliance with all program regulations and the residents are in compliance with all their rules, regulations and lease requirements. “Management is very disappointed in the graffiti written on something meant for innocent children.” Pam Benjamin will be assisting Les as the Assistant Manager. Reminders: Front Door Area/Walk Ways: There are to be No items at the front door area, no trash, no furniture or toys. This is a side walk and we must ensure that all individuals have access to it including wheelchairs. We have asked on several occasions for all items to be removed from the side walk area. Please be advised that we will start removing the items and taking them to the trash dumpster if anyone continues to be non compliant. Zero Tolerance: Please be advised that there is a Zero Tolerance in place in all Public Housing and Section 8 Housing with regards to drugs and criminal activity. If you know any illegal activity going on in Cont’d on page 10 “Do want your children playing outside where drugs are being sold and gunshots are being fired?” Keeping In Touch Sabal Palm and Maintenance Information “DO NOT call the old maintenance phone number to report your maintenance issues. You are to call your Property Manager’s office number to report the problems, it is available 24 hours a day.” your neighborhood then you should be reporting this information to the police and your rental office. It is time to take back YOUR neighborhood!!! Do you want your children playing outside where drugs are being sold and gunshots are being fired? If not, then get involved. Management and police cannot solve these issues alone, they must have your help. We applaud all of you who have gotten involved and said enough is enough. It is because of you that we have seen a change in the neighborhood, but we still have a long way to go. 2. HEAT - If the temperature does not fall below 50 degrees, HEAT is NOT an emergency. We will do our very best to get to your heat issue as fast as possible especially for those with medical issues. A/C - If the temperature is not above 90 degrees A/C is not an emergency. Again, we will do our very best to get to every A/C call as fast as we can first giving priority to medical issues. 3. Cable Wire - With inspection time around the corner, you are not permitted to have cable wires running across the floors. According to HUD, this is a tripping hazard and we must mark it accordingly. 4. Inspections - Please be prepared for your unit to be inspected. Call in all repairs needed, make sure you do not have a roach or rodent problem. Clean your unit daily so that you are assured to be in housekeeping compliance. DO NOT have any blocked windows or doors. This is considered a health and safety issue and is cause for termination of your lease. Unit Inspections: It is that time of year again when we will be conducting Annual Inspections of your units. You must have called in all of your maintenance issues and have your apartment clean. Now is the time to prepare for our visit. We will be coming into your units whether or not you are home. We will be inspecting for maintenance damage and housekeeping. You as a resident are REQUIRED to pass this inspection per HUD regulations. Maintenance Department Reminders: 1. Inspection time, required to pass per HUD regulations. Page 10 DO NOT call the old maintenance phone number to report your maintenance issues. You are to call your Property Manager’s office number to report problems. They are available 24 hours a day. Maintenance will respond only to emergency calls otherwise, non emergency requests will be handled in the order they are called in. 5. A/C Grills - You are NOT to block your A/C grills. You must leave at least 12 inches between the grill and furniture to avoid A/C problems. If you block your grill then you will be charged for the A/C repairs. 6. Washer hook ups - If you have a washer hook up in your unit, you are responsible for the wash hose and the washer. Maintenance will not respond to any calls regarding your washer. You are responsible for making sure that the hoses are connected properly and are in good condition. Any water damage caused from your washers will be charged to your unit. 7. Sabal Palm Residents - All mini blinds will be removed from the units. The cost to replace them has become a burden to Sabal Palm’s budget so we are removing them and replacing them with a curtain rod. You will be responsible for providing your own window furnishings. Reminder: There is to be NO tin foil or paper covering any window. Anyone found to be in violation will receive a lease violation with instructions to have it removed. 8. Final - Thank you to all the residents who have taken pride in where they live. We have seen a major difference in the maintenance calls and the after hours calls. We appreciate when you help us. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! Sherri Campanale—Director of Housing Operations 4224 Michigan Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33916 (239) 344-3247. [email protected] First Quarter 2008 SECTION 8 Housing Choice Voucher Lori Rosado Section 8 Coordinator 1700 Medical Lane Fort Myers, FL 33907 239-337-4111 The Section 8 department has been concentrating throughout this past fiscal year to utilize all our current vouchers in order to assist as many participants with their rent. We currently have a voucher size program of 1755. Applicants that applied for the wait list in November 2006 noticed that their names kept moving quickly to the top. While many attended their new interview appointments, provided much needed information, and attended a lengthy briefing session before signing their vouchers, others failed to attend and provide information. As a Voucher holder, many families located housing in units all over Lee County, renting from private landlords. SECTION 8 WAIT LIST CLOSED AT THIS TIME The Section 8 department of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers had open enrollment during January 9-11 2008. In order to accommodate individuals, we accepted applications from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm in six (6) different locations throughout Lee County. We covered the areas of Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers, and North Fort Myers. During these 3 days we received a total of 2,134 applications for the wait list. As a result of a very successful application process, our wait list is currently closed for a while. If you are in need of housing assistance, please check our website at www.hacfm.com for more information. You may also contact our Section 8 office at 239-337-4111 or the HACFM main number at 239-344-3220 for additional details. APPLYING FOR A VOUCHER A person interested in receiving a Section 8 voucher must begin by applying for the wait list only during the Open Enrollment period. Section 8 applications are not always available; therefore, an applicant must wait until the list is open. Listed below are some key points to remember during the Open Enrollment process: • Section 8 applicants must meet the income limits for their family size. • Section 8 applicants must be 18 years or older. • Local Preferences are given to elderly applicants, disabled households, working families, and victims of a Federally-declared disaster area. • Section 8 applicants must provide proof of legal status, birth certificates and social security cards. • If applicable, the following court documents are needed: marriage license, divorce decree, and child support court order. Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Lemuel Teal - Chairman Bill Barnwell - Vice Chairman Joseph D’Alessandro Peter Routsis-Arroyo Dionne Carter E. Bruce Strayhorn Page 11 “Section 8 Wait List Closed At This Time.” Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers Our Mission 4224 Michigan Avenue Fort Myers, FL 33916 Phone: (239) 344-3220 We’re on the web www.hacfm.com Marcus D. Goodson Executive Director Marcia Davis Hope VI Coordinator The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM) - a professional housing management governmental corporation—owns, manages, develops and administers federal, state, local housing and social programs for low, very low, and moderate income families while successfully implementing national housing policies incorporating family self-sufficiency as a main component for transitioning families from welfare to work. The Authority’s focus is two-fold. It will work with the community to administer successful Section 8 vouchers and project-based assisted housing programs. It will also work to change the face of public hosing by transforming the most severely distressed public housing in Fort Myers from sources of urban blight to engines of urban renewal creating paradigm shifts in public housing culture, values and behavior through establishing positive incentives for resident self-sufficiency, providing comprehensive services that empower residents, while lessening concentration of poverty, promoting mixed-income communities and assuring equal access to safe quality housing for low, very low and moderate income families throughout the community. Sherri Campanale Director of Housing/Maintenance Vicki Collins Director of Finance/Human Resources Lori Rosado Section 8 HCV Coordinator Vivian L. Watkins Director of Resident Services/FSS Coordinator The City of Fort Myers Mayor Jim Humphrey City Council Warren Wright Johnny Streets Levon Simms Michael Flanders Randal Henderson Thomas Leonardo City Manager William P. Mitchell