Hallettsville Housing Authority Hires New Executive Director |
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The Hallettsville Housing Authority’s board of commissioners selected Mark Hartig as the Authority’s new executive director.
The executive director manages 40 units at the Hallettsville Village Apartments, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Hartig served on the Authority’s board of commissioners for 10 years and was the board’s chairman for eight of those years. Most recently, he was the program manager at the Hallettsville Village Apartments for six years, according to a news release from the authority’s board.
Hartig’s has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is trained in fair housing and disability rights. He has expertise in income eligibility standards and HUD regulations and protocols, among other areas.
“The Board decided with (Hartig’s) background and experience he is the right choice for our local area rather than hiring management from outside the local area that does not care about the clients we serve,” the Housing Authority’s commissioners said in the statement.
“We look forward to a well-organized Housing Authority managed by Mr. Hartig, along with the prudent use of the tax dollars from HUD,” the statement continued.
The Housing Authority’s previous executive director, Cristi LaJeunesse, was dismissed in late March, said Gordon Clark, the board’s current chairman.
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"I'm not looking forward to this"
Many New Orleans Renters Brace for Eviction as COVID-19 Protections End
"I've had one resident agent who already put us on notice that's he's bringing 250 evictions," said First City Court Clerk Austin Badon.
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In about a week, there will no longer be eviction protection for tenants. That's especially hard on the many people who are out of work due to the pandemic, so anyone at risk of eviction is encouraged to speak to their landlord, immediately.
"I'm not looking forward to this at all," said First City Court Clerk Austin Badon.
A surge of evictions is expected to be filed in New Orleans and across the country in about a week.
"This is another pandemic that might fall upon the city of New Orleans as well as other major cities across the United States," Badon said.
Badon began preparing his office for the influx starting August 25. That's when the 30-day notice ends since the CARES ACT expired. He' said he's expecting a surge in evictions next week.
"I've had one resident agent who already put us on notice that's he's bringing 250 evictions, so I'm going to extend hours. I'm training staff to handle the increased workload I'm anticipating," Badon said.
The clock is ticking, so Badon says now is the time for tenants who are at risk of eviction to speak with their landlords.
"Try to set up a payment plan. Try to work with (your) landlords on doing something, paying them something, because I understand both sides," Badon said. "The landlords are in a tough situation as well. They're afraid of losing their property, but I hate to see the possibility of families being put on the street and going through an eviction — especially when we're going through this pandemic right now."
The City of New Orleans is still accepting applications for its Rental Assistance Program, but funding is limited and will go to households with the greatest needs.
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Leesville Housing Authority
A celebration for Juneteenth and 4th of July occurred on July 2 at Westside. There was story time to learn about these two historical events, children were able to pet Pepper the bunny, watermelon eating, life size tic tac toe boards, face painting, sidewalk art and a slip and slide. It was awesome day for all!!
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Alexandria Housing Authority
The Housing Authority of Alexandria turned their Royal Cambridge Lease Up Event into a fun but socially distant event. Compelling incentives for lease up included the opportunity for financial rewards for bringing a friend plus BBQ and refreshing Sno Cones. BGC Advantage provided swag bags to attendees and was onsite to lend a hand and share in the fun. The successful event brought in 44 applications.
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Fayetteville Housing Authority Plans Major Expansion of Downtown Property |
Residents of Hillcrest Towers should be getting new neighbors.
The Fayetteville Housing Authority plans to add three buildings with a total of 97 apartments to the 120-unit, 12-story downtown public housing complex. The estimated $13.7 million project is expected to break ground next year in April and wrap construction by June 2022.
Preliminary drawings show one building with a parking deck lining Meadow Street to the north and two smaller buildings along West Avenue to the west. The buildings would sit on the perimeter of the north and south parking lots of the property, with Hillcrest in the middle. All the buildings would be detached and commercial space would be on the street level.
The 97 units would be a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The plan is to have 78 of the units leased to people considered low income by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development standards. The remaining 19 units would be leased at market rate.
The federal government considers anyone who makes below 80% of median family income to be low-income. Median family income for the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area is $73,600.
Tenants might pay more or less than 30% of their income toward rent. Target income range for tenants is $25,200 to $62,000. Rent would range from $630 to $1,550 per month.
Units at Hillcrest are reserved for seniors or residents with disabilities. There would be no such requirement for the new units. Hillcrest would remain public housing while the new units would be built as a private development. Residents of Hillcrest pay public housing rental rates, which is the greater of 30% of adjusted monthly income, 10% of monthly unadjusted gross income or $50 per month.
The Housing Authority would build under a nonprofit it formed in 2017. Building under the nonprofit corporation enables the authority to pursue a variety of financing options, Executive Director Angela Belford said.
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Salina, Kansas Seeks Highly Qualified Professional |
The Salina Housing Authority seeks a highly qualified and experienced low-income housing professional for the position of Executive Director. The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer, Human Resource Manager, Contract Administrator, and Comptroller of the Authority. They oversee the day to day operations of the Authority with a staff or twelve. The authority consists of 162 public housing units, 435 various vouchers, management of 62 LIHTC units and 10 Market rate units.
Effective written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated staff supervision and development; effective interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with individuals and agencies from diverse backgrounds, are required. Long-range planning skills and progressive management experience in public or affordable housing; demonstrated knowledge of ethical and regulatory requirements applicable to publicly funded housing; knowledge and understanding of equitable human resource practices; strong understanding of finance, community development, public administration or a closely related field; and computer proficiency preferred. Successful grant writing is desirable.
Salary is $60,000 - $75,000 commensurate with experience and education. Benefit package includes: health, dental, vision, and life insurance and Kansas Pension Retirement along with a generous paid time off system.
Email cover letter, detailed resume, and a listing of three or more professional references to tina@salinahousing.org or mail to:
Salina HA ED Search
ATTN: Tina Bartlett
Salina Housing Authority
PO Box 1202
Salina, KS 67402-1202
Screening will begin immediately. Resumes will be accepted until position filled.
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Its August Advocacy!!
Are you sending your letters everyday??
Time is running out, Start sending them today!!
Don't have the time to send in your
emails to Washington?
The Service Office can send them on your behalf!
If you would like the Service Office to submit the August Advocacy letters on your behalf please email us your authorization.
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August Advocacy: Week 3
Rental Assistance & Increasing Housing Supply
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The Senate officially departed Washington last week, joining the House on its August recess. America is experiencing a housing crisis that did not have to be this severe. A severe lack of affordable housing in nearly every community in the country combined with decades of low wages have pushed many families to the brink financially. The Aspen Institute estimates that 30 million – 40 million families may be at risk of eviction in the coming months. As the country’s most experienced rental assistance system, Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) should be looked to work with families and landlords to administer this assistance. Congress alone can prevent mass homelessness in America. Tell Congress and the White House to approve rental assistance today and urge them to increase the affordable housing supply for the future.
The current affordable housing crisis take root in our community for years, which is now playing out catastrophically for many families. The persistent shortfall in new housing supply is compounding housing affordability pressure across the country. The Urban Land Institute estimates the current production of new affordable multifamily units, 100,000 annually, is not enough to meet existing needs. Since 1999, almost 300,000 permanently affordable units were removed from the inventory of public housing units.
At the core of recovery from the pandemic and the economic fall out should be a commitment to dramatically scale up production of affordable housing, creating quality jobs while giving Americans housing options.
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Individual Awards:
NAHRO offers a variety of awards and recognition to persons who have made outstanding contributions to the housing and community development field.
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Deadline Extended:
September 30, 2020
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NAHRO’s most prestigious award honors an exceptionally qualified person who has made outstanding contributions to the quality of life through service in the field of housing or community development.
The International Research and Global Exchange Award, formerly known as the John D. Lange International Award, acknowledges a person who has made contributions to the international community.
The Commissioner of the Year Award, formerly known as the Elizabeth B. Wells Memorial Award, celebrates the accomplishments and service of an outstanding commissioner.
Emerging Leader Award highlights an individual who has been involved in NAHRO at the national level for six years or less and has distinguished him/herself as an Emerging Leader.
Business Partners Council (BPC) Partnership Award
The award recognizes both a vendor partner and a housing agency or community development agency whose partnership best exemplifies a joint effort that creates positive change.
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The Regional Newsletter is published every month. Do you want to submit an article next month? Email it to us swnahro@brazosnet.com
Submission due date: 9/12/2020
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Click here for the latest Job Postings in the Southwest Region! It’s free to post your RFP’s and Job Openings on SWNAHRO.ORG. Email them to us swnahro@brazosnet.com
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Informative Article Links: |
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National News:
NAHRO News:
Regional News:
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Upcoming NAHRO Trainings
Members Save & the Region Earns
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Great news, Southwest NAHRO has partnered with NAHRO Professional Development on their Distance Learning trainings that will directly benefit members and our Region!
Members will receive a discount of $10 on every NAHRO Distance Learning training and Southwest NAHRO will also receive a revenue share for each participant from our region through December 31 2020!
How does it work? When registering, please use code SWRC2020 (All CAPS) and your discount will automatically be applied, it’s that simple!
Please note this code must be used when registering as it cannot be retroactively applied.
Registration Links:
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