Skip to Main Content

February 2022

Resident Edition More Than Just Housing Dickson Housing Authority

Vol. 1, Issue 2

Remember...

  • Rent must be paid in check or money order and placed in the dropbox. Do not put cash in the dropbox.
  • This and future newsletters will be posted on our website. Go check it out www.dicksonhousing.org
  • We would like to encourage you and your children to get involved. Visit the community center and see what's happening.

A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Residents,

I hope everyone's new year has started off great and everyone is healthy. Happy Valentine's Day to everyone... Happy Birthday to all of you with February birthdays.

Please remember to check out our new website. We have some new features such as the newsletter.

Go to www.dicksonhousing.org/newsletters 

Parents, we would like to encourage participation in the community center. Stay tuned to the website, newsletter, and Facebook pages for more activities. When children are out of school free play is from 1-3; otherwise, kids' free play is from 3-4 pm. We also have a library and other activities in the meeting room with Mrs. Tracy. Bring your ball, jump ropes, whatever it may be, let's get involved.

We are here for you. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office. 615.446.4708 or 615.446.9371.

Sincerely,

Sherry Lynch, Executive Director


Inside This Issue:

DHA NEWS

MAINTENANCE

RESIDENT SERVICES

DID YOU KNOW...

LOCAL NEWS

DHA ESSENTIAL INFO


Maintenance Department (Dutch, Todd & James)

If you have an emergency and it's during office hours please call the office before calling maintenance.

Maintenance Emergency: 615.417.0813

Maintenance Emergency: 615.351.5173

Maintenance Emergency: 615.428.7924


DHA NEWS...

  • Administrative Business: All business will be handled through the service window. If you are sick, please call our office instead of making a visit.
  • Rent: Rent must be paid by check or money order and placed in the dropbox. Do not put cash in the dropbox.
  • Our Own Website: We now have our own website, www.dicksonhousing.org. Go take a look, share your thoughts, and get acquainted. The website now features DHA highlights, our newsletter, online forms, and more. In the future, we are hoping to host online payments and online applications.
  • Facebook Pages: "Dickson Housing Authority" is a public page to provide general information about DHA-new programs, job openings, etc. "DHA Resident Services" is a private page dedicated to our public housing residents only. We use this page to post reminders, important announcements, closings, community resources, games, storytime, contests, and general communications. If you need help joining, just give Tracy a call. 615.446.9766.
    Don't miss out on important updates and information.
  • Trash and Junk: If you have trash, furniture, old bicycles, tires, old tarps, car parts, etc. laying around, clean it up. Place personal items in your storage building or throw them away. Our men randomly leave the trash trailers throughout the sites. If you see the trailer, take advantage and clean these things up.
  • Pets: All residents MUST pay a pet deposit, show proof of shots, and have approval BEFORE a pet is allowed in the home. Do not bring a pet into your home without prior approval. This is a violation of your lease. You are not allowed to "pet-sit" any pets that are not on the lease.

"Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." - Oprah Winfrey


Maintenance

  • If something is not working properly - especially a leak, a soft floor, plumbing - be sure to report that immediately before a minor repair becomes a major repair.
  • Do not leave storm doors propped open. The wind will damage the closer and you could be charged.
  • Make sure you are getting and changing your filter monthly. You can get these in the office, free of charge.

Resident Services

  • Transportation will remain closed until further notice and pick-ups are limited.
  • We are still working on commodity sign-ups. As soon as I learn something I will let everyone know. If you are new to commodities and want assistance signing up, please let me know. If you have a vehicle/transportation, I will not be able to pick yours up.
  • We would like to see the community center being used more. If you have any suggestions, we would love to hear from you. When COVID numbers improve, we will be doing a lot more. We have equipment-Wii, television, karaoke machine, etc.- not being used. If you would like to volunteer in any way, please let me know. I always need help with planning and hosting ideas, setting up, etc.
  • As your Resident Services Coordinator, I am able to help with referrals and information for services such as community health programs, benefit programs, food distribution, educational opportunities, child care ... and much, much MORE! Feel free to contact me!!

Tracy Grigsby
AmeriCorps Member
Resident Services Coordinator


See Something Say Something. Report Suspicious Activity to the Police


DID YOU KNOW... that every 1 in 3 deaths, among women, are caused by heart disease and stroke each year? That is more than all cancer-related deaths combined. And did you know that African American men have the highest risk for heart disease?

February is American Heart Month, a federally designated event, made possible by President Lyndon B. Johnson by a proclamation in February of 1964. At that time, more than half the deaths in the U.S. were caused by cardiovascular disease. Today, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.

While American Heart Month is a federally designated month in the United States, it's important to realize that cardiovascular disease knows no borders. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading global cause of death with more than 17.3 million deaths each year.

That number is expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030.

Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. We should encourage our friends and families, and even ourselves, to make healthy changes to lower the risk of developing heart disease. We should encourage everyone to:

  • Watch your weight.
  • Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
  • Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
  • Get active and eat healthy.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin every day if you are a man over the age of 45 or a woman over 55.
  • Manage stress.
  • Take medications as prescribed.

According to the American Heart Association, 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action! The perfect gift this Valentine's Day is the gift of heart health. This year have a heart-to-heart with your patients, friends, and family and commit to a healthy lifestyle. Small changes can make all the difference.


YOUR GUIDE TO AVOID COMMON COLD SICKNESS...
Over the course of one year, 1 billion Americans will suffer from the common cold, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also reports that winter is the peak cold season. Fortunately, you can keep these illnesses at bay and stay healthy with a little effort.
Here's how:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay away from others when you feel under the weather.
  • Wash your hands often using soap and warm water to protect against germs.
  • Get plenty of sleep, stay physically active and drink plenty of water to keep your immune system strong.
  • Manage your stress and eat a nutritious diet rich in healthy grains, fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
  • Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands aren't clean.

"Today Will Never Come Again.....Make The Best of It!"


Local News... VITA-Free Tax Prep Service will be open from January 27-April 18th.

They offer in-person, virtual, or do-it-yourself. Visit unitedwayfilefree.com  or call 211 to get started.

Or call 931-994-2270 to schedule an in-person appointment at the First Baptist Church in Dickson.


DICKSON HOUSING AUTHORITY
Sherry Lynch-Executive Director

Phone: 615.446.9371 & 615.446.4708

Fax: 615-441-1391

Email

The Dickson Housing Authority's mission is to provide safe, decent, and sanitary housing conditions for low-income families and to manage re- sources efficiently. The Dickson Housing Authority is to promote personal, economic, and social upward mobility to provide families the opportunity to make the transition from subsidized to non-subsidized housing.


DHA Community Center Gym

8-11 AM Walking

1-3 PM Adult Free Play

3-4 PM Youth Free Play

If School is on a scheduled break, the Free Playtime is reversed for Adults and Youth.


FYI... Some Things Never Change!!

MAINTENANCE

Non-emergency maintenance issues should be reported to our office during business hours - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Maintenance Emergencies before/after business hours should be directed to maintenance directly. (See phone numbers listed on the front of each newsletter.)

Emergencies Include:

  • Suspecting Gas leaks
  • Water leaks may create a safety hazard or property damage.
  • No heat/air conditioning in concerning weather conditions.
  • Flooding
  • Any situation that may pose danger or property damage.

You will be charged a minimum of $40 for NON-emergency, after-hour calls.


RENT

Rent is due on the 1st of each month.

A $25 late fee will be applied if rent is not paid by 4:30 pm on the 10th.

If rent is not paid by the 15th, an eviction is issued.

Residents are required to report all income changes within 10 days of the change.

Please discuss all income adjustments, changes in the household, employment changes, etc. with Tosha Curtis, Public Housing Manager.


CHARGES

  • Trash Collection $10
  • Key Replacement $10
  • Locks Changed $25
  • Lock Out Charge
    • After Hours $40
  • Disabling Smoke Detectors $50 each
  • Monthly Pet Fee $10
  • Pet Deposit $300
  • Maintenance Labor
    • Rate During Hours $23.84 Hr
    • Rate After Hours $40.00 Hr