I’m not sure many of us have ever lived through a time like this. I know that I have not, but it certainly brings out the best, and the worst, in people. As housers, you are among the best. Your dedication and willingness to serve during this pandemic has astounded me, humbled me, and left me in awe. Let me share a little of what I have seen across social media that your colleagues and their communities are doing.
I see you in Nevada, Missouri, where a local church partnered with the housing authority to create a quasi-style barbecue and residents got grilled hot dogs or burgers.
I see you in Santa Barbara, California, utilizing local partners to ensure that 66 seniors and additional 68 households received food bags.
Similarly, I see you at the Chelsea Housing Authority in Massachusetts, where you worked with volunteer organizations to ensure that elderly and disabled residents continued to receive their groceries.
I see you in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where you implemented a super fun community-strengthening activity asking residents to step outside at 7 p.m. and wave at their neighbors. Social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t still be neighborly!
I see you at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, Texas, sharing “positive and informational stories” through your Twitter account.
I see you at the Columbia Housing Authority in South Carolina, working to stop the spread by providing 6,000 face masks to staff and residents and also sharing it as a business opportunity!
I see you in Harrison, Arkansas, where I was blown away at your small PHA partnering with one of your community partners. At the end of one day you provided 700 lunches and 1,200 bags of groceries in your community.
In Pocatello, Idaho, we provided oodles of books to our school district for distribution in their home schooling packets.
These are just some highlights of the hard work you are doing, the endless hours you are giving, and your care and love for those we serve. I know that the hard work, hours, care and love do not end when you are at home! I recently posed this question on a Facebook leadership page, “What are you reading during your time at home?” One of the responses was, “PIH Notices, CDC recommendations, state and federal orders.” Another response was, “I’m writing disaster plans, infectious diseases protocols and policies.” You are a dedicated bunch.
I was grateful to hear HUD say that they intend to add operating fund and administrative fee dollars to PHA accounts in the coming weeks. I know that these funds will help our agencies to continue to provide the services we need to assist the most vulnerable in our communities. I also recognize that it isn’t enough and that there are many more gaps to fill. That’s why I ask you to continue to advocate when called to action. Our work matters. Let that be heard in the halls of Congress and HUD.
Seeing your amazing dedication has lifted my soul and given me ideas for my own community. Thank you and keep sharing your good work!
NAHRO Reads
I am currently reading The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. It is a book about the rare events in history and how humankind responds to them. Sounds fitting for the present time we all find ourselves in.
I will admit, it is a challenging read (I may need to pull out something from the fiction section after I finish this). However, I am very interested in the topic as it relates to the current pandemic and the huge impact we can only, at this time, speculate that it will have.
Pick up a copy and let’s read it together!
Be well,
Sunny