The DHA Focus E-Newsletter Oct-Dec

National Night Out 2022

We are excited to be bringing back National Night Out!

Join us as National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. 

We will have vendors, food from Skips Hot Dogs, Snow cones, music, and exciting inflatables!

On the Green behind Oliver House (1450 Commerce Drive)

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Landlords

Be Sure to Attend the Landlord Briefing

Decatur Housing Authority (DHA) offers in-person landlord briefings monthly from January through October.  The purpose of the briefing is to explain how the Housing Choice Voucher Program works at DHA.

Did you know that all housing authorities operate differently? Even though housing authorities must comply with the federal regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), each housing authority is permitted to set their own policies by which they operate. That is why it is important for every landlord to attend a landlord briefing at least once a year. Regulations change. Policies are revised.

Attending a landlord briefing gives you the opportunity to meet HCV staff and ask questions about the HCV program such as how to complete the RFTA, how the inspection process works, when to request a rent increase, and what to do if the tenant does not pay their share of rent. You can also receive valuable insight from other landlords who have experienced similar situations.

Understanding how the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program works helps you avoid problems and reduces the likelihood of delayed or abated payments.

We look forward to seeing You at the next briefing!

Also please see the latest issue of HUD's Housing Choice Voucher Landlord Newsletter by clicking here

 

Important Reminders for our Residents

This is for all residents of Allen Wilson, Trinity Walk, Swanton Heights, Spring Pointe, Oakview Walk and Chateau Apartments

Reminders:

• Remember to pay rent on time! 
• Make sure all porches are free of trash and no items (including furniture and bikes) are permitted to remain on porches.
• All properties, laundry rooms are to be cleaned after each use by throwing away empty detergent containers into trash bins along with any other trash items.
• Grilling on DHA properties (except in designated areas) is a lease violation and fine by the local fire department.
• Residents are responsible for guest action in and outside unit while on property.
• Residents with approved service animals must keep them on a leash and always pick up after them.
• Residents DO NOT throw wet wipes of any kind in toilets they clog the system, and you can be charged for repairs.
• Loitering in the breezeway is prohibited (only used for entering and exiting your unit).
• Residents please always report suspicious activity to the police department and management office.
• Residents using a U-Haul for moving are prohibited to be parked on lawn at any time.  Moving trucks must be parked in a parking space and not impending traffic or other parking spaces.
• For annual recertifications, Remember your recertification date.  Residents are required to report all family income, composition, and job status. Residents are required to notify management 10 days after being unemployed or rent will remain the same. Please remember that you will be asked to provide documents that are mandatory here is a list of some items that you will be asked for:
• State Id and Birth Certificates for all family members in your unit.
• Check stubs for all working adults
• SSI or social security statement.
• 6 most recent bank statements. 
• Do not put furniture/beds in or around Trash dumpsters.  These are only meant for trash items. Large bulky items you have to schedule for someone to pick-up and take for you.  It is not DHA's responsibility to do this for you. Violators will be fined $75 and subject to Termination.  Please keep our community clean!

Trinity Walk - Community Reminders

Trinity Walk Community Reminders from your Property Manager

Pest Control Schedule through December: Remember if pest control is refused resident is fined $25.00

• Rent is due on the 1st of every month. If the TOTAL monthly payment is not paid by the 5th business day a late fee of 5.00 will be assessed the first day and 1.00 each additional day until paid in full, our Rent Information Line phone number is 470-486-7012, when listening to the recording please make sure you listen in its entirety to the past due amount which includes rent, water and all applicable fees.
• Unsightly cars (such as cars with flats, broken windows, and expired tags) or cars not in operating condition will not be permitted on or around the premises. Please do not repair your car on the property.
• Grilling is not allowed in breezeways, stairways, or within 8 feet of buildings, either with charcoal or gas grills. Grilling is only allowed at the designated area located near the playground. This policy's sole intent is safety for our residents, their property, and the community.
• Resident is prohibited from adding locks to, changing, or in any way altering locks installed on the doors of their apartment, without prior written permission from management.
• DHA is a non-smoking residence; smoking is ONLY permitted in the designated smoking areas on-site but there should be no smoking inside apartments. Breezeways, common areas or community spaces.
• Management has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to violations of terms regarding drug and/or criminal activity.
• Leaving bagged garbage outside of your apartment in breezeways and other common areas is forbidden and you will be fined $75.00, please do not sit out old furniture, televisions and or boxes at the dumpsters; anyone caught will be fined.
• Guest and visitors must follow DHA rules. Each resident is responsible for the actions of their guest and visitors(s) while on DHA property.

Allen Wilson/Swanton Heights - Community Reminders

Allen Wilson/Swanton Heights Community Reminders from your Property Manager

• Annually, all residents must recertify/renew their leases at least 120-days (4 months) before their current lease expires.  At each lease recertification/renewal appointment, the following documents must be submitted each year: six recent & consecutive paycheck stubs, telephone number of the human resources department, six recent & consecutive checking statements, current months savings statement, current dated pension statement, current dated 401K statement, current dated SSI, or Social Security statement.  There is no exception to the above required items. In addition, all adult members of the household (18 years of age and older) must attend all recertification appointments. 
• Guests or visitors are always welcome, but all guests or visitors must always follow Decatur Housing Authority (DHA) Rules.  Each resident is responsible for the actions of their guest or visitors while on DHA property.  Unless DHA has specifically given resident prior written permission, no person(s) not named in the official Lease Agreement, or any amendments will be permitted to use or occupy the apartment on any basis for more than fourteen (14) days within a consecutive twelve (12) month period.  Again, HUD does not allowed resident(s) to have guest reside in their apartment no more than fourteen (14) in a twelve (12) month consecutive period.  Lease terminations will continue to be ongoing for violating the guest or visitor policy.
• Immaculate housekeeping is always required.  Every household is required to always maintain great housekeeping, no exceptions.  If your household is not always cleaned, your lease is in serious jeopardy of being terminated.  Included with immaculate housekeeping is proper disposal of all trash dumped in the outdoor trash cans. All household members must put all trash bags in the big trash cans located in two (2) different areas of the community. Failure to properly dispose of all trash will require a $75 per bag of trash charge that is found to be improperly disposed of.
• Pest Control is Wednesday every week.  Each apartment will receive pest control according to their building at least twice (2) per year. If you want your apartment to receive pest control on a more frequent basis, please call Decatur Management at 404-373-4460 by 5PM the Monday before services is needed and your name will be added to the pest control list. As a friendly reminder, great housekeeping helps to keep pest to a minimum when the apartment is always clean.

Spring Pointe/Oakview Walk/Chateau Apartments - Community Reminders

Spring Pointe/Oakview Walk/Chateau Apartments  Community Reminders from your Property Manager

We value each and every resident. If you recently joined our community, thank you for choosing us if you've been with us a while, thank you for continued residency! It takes great people like you to make our community a great place to call home!

National Good Neighbor Day is September 28th but we encourage you to celebrate all year long! Remember these suggestions to make your neighborhood a high courtesy zone.

• Keep the noise level down. Enjoy radio and television entertainment without allowing the sound to escape your home.
• Keep your home clean. No one likes to look at trash bags or boxes stored on balconies, patio, breezeways, or hallways. Make that quick trip to the dumpsters. Leaving bagged garbage outside of your apartment in breezeways and other common areas is forbidden and you will be fined $75.00.
• Remain courteous by taking responsibility for your guests and observing other community policies. Guest and visitors must follow DHA rules. Each resident is responsible for the actions of their guest and visitors(s) while on DHA property.
• DHA is a non-smoking residence; smoking is ONLY permitted in the designated smoking areas on-site but there should be no smoking inside apartments. Breezeways, common areas or community spaces.
• Management has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to violations of terms regarding drug and/or criminal activity.
• Grilling is not allowed in breezeways, stairways, or within 8 feet of buildings, either with charcoal or gas grills. Grilling is only allowed at the designated area located near the playground. This policy's sole intent is safety for our residents, their property, and the community.
• Resident is prohibited from adding locks to, changing, or  in any way altering locks installed on the doors of their apartment, without prior written permission from management.
• Unsightly cars (such as cars with flats, broken windows and expired tags) or cars not in operating condition will not be permitted on or around the premises. Please do not repair your car on the property. Do not empty car ash  trays onto the parking lot.

Spring Pointe, Olympic and Chateau Apartments:

• Rent is due on the 1st of every month. If the TOTAL monthly payment is not paid by the 5th a late fee of 10% of monthly rent shall be levied until the balance is paid in full.

Oakview Apartments:

• Rent is due on the 1st of every month. If the TOTAL monthly payment is not paid by the 5th a late fee of $75.00 will be applied to your account on the 6th of each month.

Resident Services Information for Adults and Youth

Here are some upcoming events held at the Community Resource Center that can be attended by adults and or Youth:

• Resume Writing, Interview Workshop & Job Searching (Adults) - Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pm - Create an effective resume or improve the one you already have.  Transform your resume into a powerful tool that will get you interviews.  Learn different resume formats and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Mobile Clinic (Youth & Adults) - 1st Wednesday of the Month 8:00am-2:00pm - The mobile clinic van will be staffed with a case manager who will provide access to the DeKalb CSB's Clinical Telehealth Network of licensed clinicians and psychiatrists.  The DeKalb CSB's mobile clinic will provide a safe way for individuals to access much needed behavioral health services in the community in conjunction with services and resources from partner organizations.  To schedule an appointment, call 404-892-4646.

 

Decatur Housing Resident Services introduces and links residents with a wide range of programs and services to enhance the quality of life of our residents.

If you would like to make an appointment for services, please click here to meet with one of our Resident Services Coordinators. Someone on our Resident Services team will get back to you with an appointment time and date.

Walk-ins are welcome, but you will still have to go to the  Decatur Housing Authority Website to complete an appointment form.

Here are a few things Resident Services can help residents with:

• Financial / Emergency Assistance
• Educational and Employment Services
• Health and Wellness Assistance
• Childcare
• Assessments (to identify services residents need)
• Referrals and Linkage to resources
• Reporting (abuse, neglect, or exploitation, as mandated by law)
• Community Improvement
• Help Support Residents from lease violations (Housekeeping training)
• Counsel residents before evictions (help with monitoring plan)
• Mediation
• And Much More

Community Connection:

Resident Services has noticed that many middle and high school students have been hanging out and participating in behaviors that are in violation of DHA's lease agreement during school hours.  This behavior on the behalf of your child will lead to a lease violation.

City Schools of Decatur's social worker has been notified and will continue to be notified so that they may investigate and handle the situation accordingly.

We ask that parents enroll in the City Schools of Decatur's Infinite Campus to find attendance, schedules, grades, major assessment scores, contact preferences, and other information.

Click here to log in or sign up for the portal. With an appointment, Resident Services would be happy to help you set up your Infinite Campus account.

Parents you are responsible for your students when they are hanging out during and after school hours. It is important to have your child understand that their risky behaviors on DHA properties cause you to be in breach of your lease agreement.

To set up an appointment with a Resident Services Coordinator or RS staff click here.

 

Employment:

Make sure you get top $$$ in your ideal profession:

Make a positive first impression at an interview or Job Fair in preparation for our November 2nd Job Fair from 10-1 pm (More Information to Come)

• Update your resume
• Talk through how to prepare for an interview
• Set employment goals
• Learn about resources to support your job search

 

Resident Services would like to take the time to say...

Thanks to all residents who take time out of their day to create a better day for others! Here are a few ways residents support what we do daily!

Thanks for:

• Keeping your home clean
• Picking up trash
• Paying your bills on time
• And supporting and participating in the DHA community outreach opportunities.

 

Resident Services loves giving our residents a winning chance.

Resident Services Participation Raffle:          

How to get your tickets?

• Pay your rent on time
• Complete your Resident Services Packet
• Come to your monthly Resident Services Residents Meeting
• Come to your scheduled recertification appointment.

The Drawing will be held on January 17, 2023

 

11 Reasons You Should Get Along with Your Neighbors:

1. Peaceful Living - It can be far more peaceful to live among neighbors that like and respect each other, especially when they're living in close proximity. Respectful neighbors are less likely to invade your space, be loud and rowdy, and make overall daily life stressful.

2. Safety First - Good neighbors watch out for each other and their property. Living in a proactive neighborhood can increase your family's safety, as multiple sets of eyes and ears can help thwart criminal activity and promote a safer area.

3. Back Up Supplies - There's the old cliché about neighbors and a borrowed cup of sugar. It really is convenient to have someone close by who can help you out when you need to finish dinner

5. Family Camaraderie - Neighborhood get-togethers can be a lot of fun and super convenient since everyone lives close by. Neighborhood kids have other kids to play with and a safe environment to be active.

6. Family Support - Neighbors are often very supportive of each other's family needs, especially where the kids are concerned. Good neighbors can be helpful for emergency childcare and generally keeping a lookout for safety. 

7. Vacation Help - Good neighbors can be especially helpful when you are away from home. They can keep an eye on your property.

8. Social Circle - Some neighborhoods thrive on the porch or having casual conversations each day. Having someone close by to socialize with can create wonderful friendships that may not have otherwise happened. Now that the weather is cooling off neighbors will sit or stand out front and talk.

10. Business Networking - Your neighborhood connections can be a positive for your career. Your neighbors have friends and family of their own and can be instrumental in helping you promote your business or find the contacts you need for successful business connections. Many times in business it truly is whom you know.

11. Errand Help - Many neighbors enjoy helping each other out and are happy to pick up some groceries, stop at the post office, or help with other errands.

 

Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults

It is important to create an emergency plan. Work with your friends, family, and neighbor to develop a plan that will fit your needs.

• Choose a contact person who will check on you daily. Consider speaking with your neighbors about developing a check-in system together.
• Documents (Keep physical copies in a waterproof bag and take photos of each document for backup):
• Click on this link Your Care Plan to create a care plan.
• Contact information for family members, doctors, pharmacies and/or caregivers
• List of all medications, including the exact name of the medicine and the dosage, and contact information for pharmacy and doctor who prescribed medicine
• List of allergies to food or medicines
• Copies of medical insurance cards
• Copies of a photo ID
• Durable power of attorney and/or medical power of attorney documents, as appropriate.

Top 10 Scams Targeting Seniors in Georgia

1. Health Care/Medicare/Health Insurance Fraud - Every U.S. citizen or a permanent resident over age 65 qualifies for Medicare, so there is rarely any need for a scam artist to research what private health insurance company older people have in order to scam them out of some money. In these types of scams, perpetrators may pose as a Medicare representative to get older people to give them their personal information, or they will provide bogus services for elderly people at makeshift mobile clinics, then use the personal information they provide to bill Medicare and pocket the money.

2. Counterfeit Prescription Drugs - Most commonly, counterfeit drug scams operate on the Internet, where seniors increasingly go to find better prices on specialized medications.  This scam is growing in popularity-since 2000, the FDA has investigated an average of 20 such cases per year, up from five a year in the 1990s.  The danger is that besides paying money for something that will not help a person's medical condition, victims may purchase unsafe substances that can inflict even more harm. This scam can be as hard on the body as it is on the wallet.

3. Funeral & Cemetery Scams - The FBI warns about two types of funeral and cemetery fraud perpetrated on seniors. In one approach, scammers read obituaries and call or attend the funeral service of a complete stranger to take advantage of the grieving widow or widower. Claiming the deceased had an outstanding debt with them, scammers will try to extort money from relatives to settle the fake debts. Another tactic of disreputable funeral homes is to capitalize on family members' unfamiliarity with the considerable cost of funeral services to add unnecessary charges to the bill. In one common scam of this type, funeral directors will insist that a casket, usually one of the most expensive parts of funeral services, is necessary even when performing a direct cremation, which can be accomplished with a cardboard casket rather than an expensive display or burial casket.

Click on this link from Georgia's Consumer Protection Division to learn about the other seven.

After School Program

Here are some items that are happening at the After School Program:

• Youth Gavel Club - 1st & 3rd Tuesday 6:00pm - Listen carefully to other's ideas. Participate in and lead group discussions or meetings.  Offer advice to help others improve their speaking and leadership skills
• Boy & Cub Scouts - Wednesdays 5:30pm - Scouting is a year-round program for youth that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves.
• Girl Scouts - 1st & 3rd Thursdays 5:45pm - Everything Girl Scouts do builds their curiosity, kindness, can-do spirit, help their community, and deepen their friendships, they'll also have a blast along the way.  It's what Girl scouting is all about.
• G.L.U.E.D. (Youth Middle and High School Girls - 2nd & 4th Tuesday 5:45pm - Create an environment for girls to build resiliency and overcome obstacles by providing tools, supportive resources and services that will help them succeed. 
• Teens In Action - 1st & 3rd Mondays 5:45pm - The Teens in Action Program empowers teens/pre-teens to face the challenges of the 21st century by providing students with both life and leadership skills.
• Middle School Outdoor Program - 2nd & 4th Mondays 4:30pm - With two-thirds of the world's population living in urban settings, it is critically important that people find ways to get outdoors.  Especially young people.  Studies have shown that time spent outdoors is positively connected to key mental health and well-being outcomes, especially for children.  This event is hosted by the Wylde Center.

DHA Student Recognized CSD Staff with Extra Mile Award

Justin P. recognized Nurse Shonda Moore for the hard work she does in the DHA community. Justin asked Resident Services to help him submit an "Extra Mile" letter on Nurse Moore's behalf. Justin was very excited when he received the email from CSD letting him know his essay was selected by the City Schools of Decatur and the Decatur Education Foundation. As a result, Justin was able to attend CSD's opening day to read his essay in front of all the teachers and staff of CSD. Justin expressed his gratitude for nurse Moore's effort to make his community better. Click to see Justin's Extra Mile Essay

Maintenance Tip

Here are some helpful maintenance tips:

• As we are getting into the colder weather, be on the lookout for our freeze warning signs to let you know about heat and faucet drips.  
• Please Love your community by not littering.  Place all trash in the trash PROPERLY in the containers located throughout the property.  Please do not place trash or trash bags on the ground as doing so will attract rodents.  Thanks for helping to keep your community safe and clean.

DeKalb County Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition TLAC

What is the Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition (TLAC)?

On February 9, 2021, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced receipt of a $21 million grant from the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance program. CEO Thurmond convened a Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition comprised of public and nonprofit partners. The coalition will provide financial relief to DeKalb renters threatened by eviction and landlords facing revenue losses-both due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

See the website for help by clicking here or call 404-371-3201.

Scholarship Program

Is there a student in your home that is a graduating High School Senior and is preparing to enter college?

Is there a College Student in your home who needs financial assistance to remain in school?

DHA offers New scholarships to Resident High School Seniors an opportunity for a scholarship and all continuing college students a continuing scholarship.  Only requirement is to reside in Allen Wilson, Swanton Heights or Trinity Walk apartments.  

For more information email Mr. Corey Bivens or call him at 404-373-2949.

To apply for a Continuing Scholarship click here

Veterans Day - November 11, 2022

We thank and honor our Veterans including staff and our VASH Veterns!

Smile you are on Camera!

In an effort to help keep crime out of our communities, DHA has live high definition cameras located throughout all of our communities.  So please be mindful of this as you go about the properties.

DHA Offices Closed

Our offices will be closed the following dates:

Thursday and Friday November 24th & 25th - Thanksgiving

Friday and Monday December 23rd & 26th - Christmas 

Upcoming Events

Do not forget to go to our calendar that shows events happening within DHA and our sites.  you are able to add our events to your calendar so you will not miss out on any great events happening soon.  You can see the calendar by clicking here.

Get Out and VOTE!

Please don't forget that your vote counts! So, get out and vote for the General Elections on Tuesday November 8, 2022!  Most counties have early voting days you can also take advantage of!

Follow us on Facebook

Did you know that Decatur Housing Authority is on Facebook?  We hope that if you are too, you will "Like" us on Facebook.  We will post photos, news articles and other information on our page.

go to Decatur Housing Authority

Stay informed with us!