NEWS DETAILS

July 2017, Volume 2, Issue 2

July 1, 2017

Message From the Executive Director/CEO

The summertime is a time of fun and relaxation for most people with all the outdoor activities, vacations, and road trips to see family and friends. But for some, the heat and sun can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken.

Summer affects us all in one way or another. However, seniors and disabled individuals can be the most affected. There have been instances where seniors, disabled individuals, and those on fixed incomes were so concerned with their utility bills that they did not turn on their air conditioner and subsequently suffered from heat related illnesses. Obviously we don’t want this to happen to anyone, and since residents do not pay for electricity, we encourage you to use your air conditioner should the heat become unbearable.

Seniors and disabled individuals who do not have an air conditioner should notify the office to see what can be done to help alleviate the potential of heat related illnesses. Remember a senior is anyone who is 62 years and older and a person with a disability is defined as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment or is regarded as having such impairment.

I would like to take the opportunity to remind residents of my open door policy. This means that tenants may come to see me at any time without an appointment to discuss any concerns or issues they may have regarding their relationship with the Authority. However, I would like to emphases our standard practice of appropriate protocol. Tenants should discuss issues and concerns with the office in the Spring Brook building first since they have the information regarding your agreement and are well equipped to handle these issues. However, if you are not satisfied with the response from the staff then you may come to see me. I want everyone to know that I will not see you if you have not discussed the issue with the office first.

I also want to remind you that the Moline Housing Authority is an equal opportunity housing provider and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexuality, creed, age, color and or religion. If you have reason to believe that you are being treated differently or have been treated differently by the Housing Authority do not hesitate to bring the matter to my attention immediately. We will not tolerate discrimination in any form and will do our best to correct the problem.

Wishing everyone a great summer, keep cool, and be a good neighbor.

Hints from Housing

With summer in full swing, we would like to remind parents to talk with their children about their behavior in the park and throughout the property. Please make sure they are respectful of all residents and any personal property. Make sure they leave the park at closing time and are conscience of their noise level.

In addition, we would like to let residents know that if you use the direct debit system to pay your rent MHA cannot pull work order charges or repayment agreement balances from the direct debit system. You will need to make these payments in the office with a check or money order.

We would like to remind residents to report all in-come including any change in income within 10 business days of the start or change of the income. This can be done by coming to the office and signing the necessary paperwork. If this is not done you will owe back rent charges called retro rent. Please keep in mind that MHA has access to a system called Electronic Income Verification (EIV). This system allows MHA to verify all income reported through the Social Security Administration. It is important you note that if you do not report your income you could be subject to federal prosecution and lease termination. We are here to provide housing and opportunities and not to necessarily evict people, so, do the right thing and help us help you to remind housed by the Moline Housing Authority.

Statements from Section 8

The Moline Housing Authority administers the Section 8 Program which is funded by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The MHA enters into a contractual relationship with the assisted family and the owner or management of the housing unit.

For the program to work and be successful, all parties involved, (HUD, the MHA, the owner, and the family) have important roles to play. The role and responsibility of all parties are defined and documents for all parties are executed to participate in the program.

The HAP Contract between the MHA and landlord specifies the owner and the MHA obligations. The lease specifies obligations between the participant and the landlord. The voucher specifies the family’s obligation between MHA and the participant.

If you have a concern with your unit or landlord you first discuss this with the landlord. Most times things can and should be handled between the two of you. However, if a problem persist and you do not get satisfaction on the issue you may contact the Section 8 Department to see if we can assist in the matter.

The goal is there to be a good working relationship between you and the land-lord and, if need be, we will facilitate as needed.

Working together, all parties fulfilling their obligations as part of the program, assures Section 8 will be successful in providing safe, decent and affordable unit.

As always, please give us a call with any questions or concern as we are here to serve you.

Memo From Maintenance

It is the goal of the maintenance department to provide excellent repairs and maintenance service . However, we need your help and cooperation to meet our goal. We are therefore appealing to all residents not to throw garbage all over the place particularly on the ground around the dumpster. Please make sure that garbage properly disposed by placing it in the dumpster. Please help us help you in keeping the grounds looking immaculate. Residents are remaindered that there are maintenance charges for certain items and enclosed with this newsletter is a copy of the maintenance charges. We do not charge for normal wear and tear, but you will be charged for any damage caused by your household. Residents are encouraged to report any maintenance needs especially water related issues as soon as possible. The sooner we are made aware, the less the damage the situation would cause.

Bits from the Board

Ms. Diane Fox is the new resident commissioner. Diane is originally from Decatur, Nebraska, and has been living here since 1978. Diane is a Section 8 program participant and has been on the program for many years. She is passionate and committed to serving others. Her particular interest is low-income housing, where she has served on the Resident Advisory Board (RAB) for 8 years, and was the President until her appointment as a commissioner this June. Diane is a strong advocate for low-income housing and has been instrumental in promoting resident consultation and participation here at the Moline Housing Authority. Apart from her housing work, Diane is also a volunteer at the Unity Point Hospice and has been for the past 15 years.

We congratulate Ms. Fox on her appointment as the new res-ident commissioner and wish her the best. With your support and cooperation, we are confident Diane will be a good commissioner. Ms. Fox can be reached at 309-764-4314.

Rap from RAB

MEET YOUR NEW RAB!

The Resident Advisory Board (RAB) has new leadership, Tammy Jones, who was elected as President, and here are the names of the current Resident Advisory Board (RAB) members Tammy Jones, Lee Westlund, Laurie Ehlers, and Dodji Mawougbe. The primary responsibility of the RAB as mandated by law is to review and endorse the Housing Authority’s 5 year Agency Plan and to ensure that the plan would not negatively impact the residents and quality of service. The Resident Advisory Board also serves as Resident Council for the Moline Housing Authority whereby it works with management to plan and have input into the day-to-day administration of the housing authority. Also, it organizes activities such as health fair and attends the monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners to represent residents and Housing Choice Voucher Program participants on policy and operational issues. The RAB has recently organized neighborhood watch and residents are being encouraged to participate to ensure safe and crime free environment for all residents. Be a voice and be part of the action.

Important Dates