NEWS DETAILS

December 2020, Volume 5, Issue 4

December 1, 2020

Message From the Executive Director/CEO

It is newsletter time again and as I contemplate what to write, one thing that keeps coming to mind is the coronavirus pandemic and its effect. In life, there are many challenges and with the coronavirus pandemic, which has affected all of us in one way or the other, we can all say that this year has been a challenging “season of life.” There is time for mourning or celebrating, a time to fight or rejoice, a time to question or trust, but there is one thing we always hold onto, a reason to hope. When we lose more often than win, we can become frustrated. We may see no meaning in life, but when we hope, we can overcome many things in life. And as we continue to navigate the unprecedented challenges of the coronavirus, we must hold onto hope with the conviction that this too shall pass.

MHA will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of all its residents, Section 8 voucher holders, and staff. We encourage everyone to continue to do their part in preventing the spread of the virus by being a good neighbor and adhering to CDC recommendations including, but not limited to social distancing and wearing masks where appropriate.

My door is always open and I appreciate your thoughts and opinions on issues that matter most to you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 309-277-0283 or email me at jfa@molinehousing.com or stop by at any time to see me. However, if your concerns are particular to your tenancy, please first discuss the issue with the respective department and/or manager. If after that you are still not satisfied, then by all means come see me.

Thank you for your support, cooperation, and understanding as we asked you to adapt to changes made to keep you and our communities safe. And finally, for your loyalty in working together – then, now and in the future-to help meet your housing related needs. We have an obligation to do our very best and will continue to respond with changes needed to support our residents and Housing Choice Voucher participants during this very challenging time.

Thank you for choosing the Moline Housing Authority as your housing provider. We are here to serve and to provide housing and opportunities. Keep safe and keep hope alive! Although this year has been a challenge, I’m sure we can all find something to celebrate. We wish you Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!

Tips from Housing—New Laundry Room

In early 2021 all sites will receive washers and dryers that are expected to be much more reliable than the worn-out machines now in place.

Only Spring Brook and Spring Valley will each receive one oversize washer and dryer because of the limited space at Hillside Heights. In addition to new machines, residents will gain the option to add cash to their laundry cards using their credit or debit cards. Residents will also be able to download a mobile app to their phones that will allow users to 1) add funds through the app, 2) check laundry ma-chine availability in real-time, and 3) receive alerts when a laundry cycle is complete. Tenants who sign up for the new phone app will receive a free $5 added to their laundry card! There is a small price to pay for these upgrades. Wash and dry vending rates will increase to $1.25 for the new machines. This is still much lower than what you would pay at local laundromats. We are excited about the proposed upgrades, and hope it will bring a modern, easy-to-use experience that will improve service quality and higher levels of resident satisfaction.

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) – Gift Cards

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit our area and affected many of us. As part of MHA’s continuous efforts to provide benefits under the federal CARES Act, HCV participants will soon be receiving a $25 Walmart gift card. Details on the distribution of the gift cards will be provided once we receive them.

Maintenance Corner— Preparing for the Cold and Pest Control Schedule Change

Now is the time to remove your air conditioner and/or properly insulate it to prevent cold drafts that could freeze your baseboard heat. If you are unable to suitably insulate around your air conditioner, or if you cannot properly and completely close your window, please contact the Management Office as soon as possible so that our Maintenance Department can help. There is no charge for a Maintenance consultation about your air conditioner insulation. During cold weather, all windows must stay closed. Failure to do so can result in an emergency entry by Management to close the window(s) and will lead to a lease violation for you.

You will notice a change to the pest control schedule in your 2021 MHA Calendar. Regular pest control visits will change to every-other-month starting in January. Please check your calendar for details, and we are counting on your support and cooperation.

Meet Your Board of Commissioners

On October 19th, 2020, The Mo-line Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners elected Commissioner David Parker, Jr as the Chairperson of the Board, and Commissioner Jay McCowan as the Vice-Chairperson.

The Moline Housing Authority is governed by five (5) Board members of which four (4) are appointed by the Mayor and Moline City council, and one is elected/selected by residents. The principal responsibilities of a Commissioner include, but not limited to providing leadership and advocacy for affordable housing and community development, setting policies governing housing authority operations, and charting the direction of current and future programs, ensuring through independent review and audits that the housing authority operates within the law, good practice and according to regulations and rules established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Commissioners also participate in the hiring of Executive Director/CEO to manage day-to-day operations; obtaining and managing monies to support the housing authority; Adopting operational and other forms of programmatic budgets; and establishing policies to prevent fraud, abuse, mismanagement and discrimination, and to ensure that the housing authority acts legally and with integrity.

The collective role of the Board of Commissioners includes, but not limited to; establishing a vision for the authority, working with the Executive Director/CEO to structure and plan goals; and determining and developing policies for effective and efficient business operation with appropriate oversight. The Board meets on the third Monday of the month. The meeting is normally held in the Board room at the Spring Brook Offices. However, due to COVID-19, the meeting is now virtual via zoom and you are all encouraged to participate.

Chairperson David Parker, Jr. Vice-Chairperson Jay McCowan Commissioner Chuck Capan Resident Commissioner Diane Fox Commissioner Leslie Stange-Crotty

Important Dates