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March 2023
Dickson Housing Authority - Resident Edition - Vol. 2 | Edition 3
March 2023
A Word From Our Executive Director
Hello Residents,
I would like to say "Happy Birthday" to all of our March Birthdays.
As we all know, March 14th will be our scheduled HUD inspection day. Inspections are meant to help and protect you by making sure that you are being provided a decent, safe, and sanitary home. They are not there to assess you as a tenant. Letters were mailed out last month as a notice of when they will be here and what you should expect. Not all units will be chosen; a computer randomly selects which buildings and units will be inspected that day. If your unit is selected, you may choose to leave or stay in your home during the inspection. If you aren't home, the inspection will take place without you. However, if you have a pet please make sure they are secured. We can not be responsible if your pet gets out.
HUD inspections and Annual Inspections are not the same. We are heading into the third month of annual inspections. Annual inspections are performed on every public housing unit You are also sent a letter with notice of these inspections, as well. Please remember that cleanliness is key to all inspections. Throughout this newsletter you will find tips on how to clean and prepare for these. If you have any tips or suggestions to add, please share them with us on our DHA Resident Services Facebook page.
As Always... Let's Get Involved!!
Sincerely Sherry Lynch, Executive Director
Inside This Issue
- Letter from the Director
- DHA News
- Maintenance
- Calendar
- Resident Services
- Employment Opportunity
- Did You Know...
- Tips
Maintenance Emergency
If you didn't catch these last month, please take note of the new maintenance numbers. If you have an emergency and it's during office hours please call the office before calling maintenance.
DHA News
- Rent: We encourage all residents to use the online rent portal for rent payments. To access the portal, visit our website and click on "Pay Online" You will have to create an account, if you haven't already. Got questions or need help, please contact our office.
- No Smoking!! There should be absolutely no smoking inside your unit.
- Covid Rent Relief: The Covid Rent Relief payments are intended for rent payments only. All residents should continue paying utilities and any other fees due, as usual.
- Roaches and Bed Bugs If you suspect that you have roaches and/or bedbugs it is extremely important that you let us know immediately. The longer this goes untreated, the harder it will be to get under control. Get in the habit of inspecting your beds, furniture, and curtains frequently. Do not bring used furniture, clothing, and other items into your unit.
- Pets!! We are having a major issue with pet waste in the yards. If you have a pet, you signed a pet agreement that states that you are responsible for cleaning this up. If this continues to be a problem, pet fees will increase.
- There is to be NO parking in the yard, whatsoever.
- Leashes!! When your pet is outside, they are to be on a leash at all times. They ARE NOT to be tethered and left outside. You must stay with them. When tethered, make sure that neither the leash, nor your pet, will be able to cross over walkways, stairs, sidewalks, etc. When finished with the leash/chain, do not leave it on the ground. These can cause serious damage to mowers/weed eaters. If we pick it up, it will be discarded.
Maintenance
- Trash!! If your trash does not fit in your trash can, Do not set it on the ground. Cumberland Disposal will not pick it up. Do not store trash on your porches. If it doesn't fit, take it to one of the city trash receptacles.
- Outside of Units!! There should be NOTHING stored outside of your unit other than lawn furniture and grills. Mattresses, old tires, bikes, toys, tarps, wagons, trash, etc. should not be stored on the porch or in the yard. Use your storage rooms or get rid of these items. Any trash on the ground around your unit is YOUR trash - Please pick it up.
- Plants!! If you have planted any garden plants, shrubs, flowers, etc. that are annuals, remove them once they have died out. If you have perennials, keep them weeded and cleared up or they will be removed. All trees, shrubs, and bushes must be planted more than 2 feet from any unit or they will be removed due to potential damages done by root infiltration.
- Yard Decorations!! Yard decorations - solar lights, statues, large stones, etc. - are no longer allowed in the yard.
- Grease and Scraps!! Do NOT throw food and/or grease outside, over a fence or out the back door. For grease, use an extra grease bottle that the grease came in, an empty laundry detergent bottle, or some-thing with a sealable top to put your old grease in. When it gets full, make sure the top is tight and put it in your trash. As for food scraps, small amounts of scraps or bones can be put in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator until the trash pick-up day. This will help prevent gnats, bugs, dogs, cate and other pests around your unit.
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
March 2023 Calendar
March 2
Dr. Seuss's Birthday
March 8
Resident Association Meeting - 10 AM
Covid Rent Relief questions will be addressed during the meeting in the Community Center.
March 13
Bingo - 1PM
March 17 - 24
Spring Break
March 17
St. Patrick's Day
March 23
UT Extension - 10 AM
March 24
UT Extension - 2 PM
March 25
Soup For Souls
March 29
Commodities
March 30
Elderly/Disabled Craft Party - 1-2:30 PM
Other March Events
Dr. Seuss Month: In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday, we will have a guest reader for the children on Fridays after-school. We will have prizes and snacks each day.
UT Extension: Spring Break is March 17th -24th. Ms. Allyson from UT Extension, will be here that Thursday and Friday for a fun lesson. Thursday will be a morning activity beginning at 10 AM and Friday will be an afternoon activity at 2 PM.
BINGO: We will have Bingo on the 13th at 1 PM. Everyone is welcome to come. We will have prizes, snacks, and of course lots of FUN!!!
Elderly/Disabled Craft Party: GFWC Women's Club will be hosting a craft party for our elderly/disabled residents on March 30th from 1-2:30 PM at the Community Center. Please let Tracy know if you plan to attend so that we can have a headcount and prepare.
Soup for Souls: Free Lunch for March will be on the 25th at 11:30 until 12:30 or as food lasts. Everyone is invited-this is not for just public housing residents.
Commodities: Commodities will be available at the fairgrounds for pick up on March 29th. Pick up begins at 9 AM. If you have not signed up yet, you can sign up at the gate or contact Tracy.
"Today you are you!! That is truer than true!! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!!" - Dr. Seuss
Resident Services
- Store Days will continue to be every Thursday 8-11 AM. Rides must be requested no later than 24 hours in advance.
- ALL riders MUST wear masks while inside the van. Please put the mask on BEFORE you enter the van AND wear them correctly. If you are sick, be honest and let me know.
- Any doctor's appointments must be made before 11 AM and must be in Dickson.
- Commodities come this month. If I do not deliver to you, remember that you can sign up on-site on distribution day. This month's commodity distribution day is March 29th. Please check last month's DHA Newsletter for this year's distribution schedule.
- Please note that changes can be made pretty quickly. Stay connected to our Facebook page - DHA Resident Services - for any last minute time changes, cancellations, or announcements.
- As your Resident Services Coordinator, I am able to help with referrals and information for services such as community health programs, benefit pro-grams, food distribution, educational opportunities, child care...and much, much more! Feel free to contact me!!
Tracy Grigsby,
AmeriCorps Member & Resident Services Coordinator
Reminder Lease Violations
- PET POLICY: Residents are reminded that there are pet policies and procedures that must be completed before you can have an animal at your apartment - whether they are a pet or you are requesting a support animal. ALL animals must be approved by the Housing Authority before they can be at your apartment. Visiting pets are NOT allowed on the property.
- UNAUTHORIZED GUESTS: We continue to find some residents allowing unauthorized guests to live with them. Residents are allowed guests three nights per year, and upon approval, you may request up to a maximum of 14 days per year. If they are not on your lease, then they are unauthorized to live here. If you want someone to live with you, you must add them to your lease.
- INCOME CHANGES: It is very important to report all changes in family composition and income, in writing, to the office within ten days of the change. For example, report a job as soon as you obtain it - do not wait until you receive your first check. Waiting will result in less than a 30-day notice of any increases and may result in owing back rent in addition to your regular rental payment.
We must have a current registration for each vehicle parked on the premises. If you get a new car or have not registered your vehicle, please file your registration with the office immediately. When you bring in your registration, you will get a parking permit.
All parking passes must be clearly visible in your vehicle while on the property or risk the possibility of your vehicle being towed at your expense.
Also, remember if you no longer have a vehicle that has been registered with us, let us know so that we can remove it from our records.
Employment Opportunities
Part-Time, Seasonal Groundskeeper
Dickson Housing Authority is accepting applications for a part-time, seasonal groundskeeper. The groundskeeper performs landscaping tasks using power equipment and hand tools to maintain the facility's grounds. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must be able to pass a drug test and criminal history screening and post-offer employment physical if an offer of employment is made. The position is part-time, 24 to 28 hours per week, during the months of March through September 2023. Pays $16 an hour with a flexible work schedule.
Submit applications online @ dicksonhousing.org The position will remain open until filled.
Dickson Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Clerical/Accounts Payable Clerk - Dickson Housing Authority
Dickson Housing Authority (DHA) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Clerical/Accounts Payable Clerk. The primary purpose of the position is to provide support in Public Housing daily operations, intake applications for housing assistance, and process accounts payable.
Experience/Education Requirements:
High school diploma or GED. Prefer an associate's degree with three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in bookkeeping, accounting, finance, low-income housing, or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Compensation:
DHA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualification.
Apply for the position online at www.dicksonhousing.org. The position may remain open until filled.
Dickson Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Egg Hunt
Our Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Friday, April 7th. We are in need of candy, eggs, ideas, prizes, and volunteers. If you would like to help with any of these please contact Tracy at 615-446-9766.
Donations Needed: For some of our activities and events at the Community Center, we depend on donations. If you would like to donate, please contact Tracy or drop off items at the Community Center. Our current WISH LIST is:
- Plastic Tablecloths for crafts and events (Cheap throw away ones from Dollar Tree)
- Disposable Plates - any kind, paper or styrofoam
- Colored Printing Paper
Did You Know...
March Wacky Days
March 1 - Plan a Solo Vacation Day
March 2 - Old Stuff Day
March 3 - I Want You To Be Happy Day
March 9 - Panic Day
March 10 - Find a Pay Phone Booth Day
March 13 - Fanny Pack Day
March 14 - Save A Spider Day
March 15 - Everything You Think Is Wrong Day
March 16 - Everything You Do Is Right Day
March 18 - Awkward Moments Day
March 22 - World Goof Off Day
March 23 - Near Miss Day
March 26 - Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
March 28 - Something On a Stick Day
March 30 - I Am In Control Day
National Women's History Month
The Industrial Revolution brought a major change in the roles of women. For the first time in history, women began to work jobs outside of the home. In fact, one of the first factories in the United States to hire women was a textile mill in Lowell, Massachusetts. By the 1840s, about 75% of their workforce consisted of women who became known as the "Mill Girls." Most of these women were daughters of farmers. They wanted to make money for themselves and get away from the farms. They chose to live in boarding houses where they shared rooms with other women, had to attend church every week, and were not allowed to have visit.
At that time, women were doing the same job as the men, but were barely being paid half of what the men were paid. And even though the supervisors and management were men, the women performed most of the work. They worked early mornings until late nights-mostly 70 hours week-in extremely loud and crowded rooms. People believed that men should make more money in order to provide for their family, while the money women made was considered "extra" money.
During the latter part of the Industrial Revolution, the Civil War took place. With so many men gone to war or killed in battle, more jobs opened for women and many more entered the workforce. Besides the textile factories, women became teachers, office clerks, nurses and seamstresses. The independence women felt brought on even more changes, including the women's rights movement. As women began to work together, they gained a sense of community. They joined the labor movement in hopes to improve working conditions and fought for the abolition of slavery. They began to fight for women's rights with leaders such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton. By 1920, women had finally gained the right to vote with the 19th Amendment.
Daylight Saving Time
Spring Forward - March 12, 2023
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." - Dr. Seuss
Inspection and Cleaning Tips
- Keep your garbage cans covered. Use garbage bags inside the can to avoid messy spills and bad odors. Wash and disinfect your garbage can weekly.
- Don't pour grease and food scraps down the sink or outside in your yard. Clogs and damages will be charged to you.
- After cooking, clean your pots, pans, stove, and oven each time. This reduces lingering smells, burnt and cooked on stains, and easier cleaning.
- Clean your toilet at least twice a week. Clean the bathroom floor, shower, and bathtub every week to ensure cleanliness and to keep them free of excessive mildew and mold.
- Don't flush toys, grease, sanitary napkin products, paper towels, wipes, or wash cloths down the toilet. You will be charged a fee for these damages.
- Thoroughly clean your stove and vent hood weekly. When cleaning stoves, a non- abrasive cleanser should be used. Stove racks, vent hood filters and ovens should be cleaned, as needed.
- Grease buildup in the stove burner, drip pan areas, oven, and/or vent hood can be a fire risk.
- Keep countertops and countertop appliances, such as microwave ovens, uncluttered and clean.
- Keep food items, such as cookies, crackers, cereal, bread, etc. in air tight containers or zip lock bags. Not only does it help them last but it also deters roaches and rodents.
- Cabinets should be clean and neat. Cabinet surfaces and countertops should be free of grease/grease buildup and spilled food or drinks.
- Keep your floors swept, mopped and free of debris. Keep them clean, dry and free of soiled clothing and laundry. Not only is this important for safety purposes, it also deters roaches and rodents, as well.
- Mop with appropriate floor cleaners; avoiding harsh chemicals, including bleach. Chemicals can damage the wax and tiles that are on the floors. Paste wax should never be used.
- Windows and window sills should be kept clean and dry. Window seals are a breeding ground for mold.
- Wipe down your walls with baking soda, warm water, and a few drops of dish washing liquid. Keep them free of dirt, grease, holes, cobwebs, and fingerprints.
- If hanging decorative items or pictures, make sure to use the proper wall hooks. Molly bolts should not be used.
- Do not store chemicals or flammable materials inside your unit.
- Your front and back yards should be clean and free of debris at all times. Do not store or use interior furniture on your porches.
- Trash, cigarette butts, old tires, car parts, old bikes and toys, etc. should never be discarded in your yards. Anything not approved can result in you being charged clean-up fees.
- Exterior walls should be free of graffiti-includes, but not limited to, sidewalk chalk and paint.
- The laundry room can be a fire hazard. Regularly monitor your appliances' performance. Empty the lint traps often, and dispose of the lint immediately. Inspect all vents, hoses, and pipe regularly to make sure they are working properly.
- Use laundry baskets and do not allow clothes to pile up over time.
- Clothes that have been soiled with chemicals/flammable materials should be taken care of immediately. Bag them, wash them, dispose of them outside immediately. Do not store them in your home to clean later.
Got a pot or pan with something stuck or burnt in it...?
Dryer Sheet
Soak a burnt pan with soap and water, and add a dryer sheet into the mix. Allow it to sit for a couple of hours. The dryer sheet (you can substitute a tablespoon of fabric softener) will loosen the burnt-on food and leave you with a shiny like-new pan.
Cleaning your gas stove...
- Remove the grates on your stovetop. Spray them heavily with a degreaser and put them in a garbage bag. Tie the bag tightly and set them outside in the direct sunlight. The bag will heat up and sweat enough to melt food, grease, and grim right off of the grate.
- You could also do the same with your burners. Or you could remove the burners and put them in hot soapy water. We recommend that you are careful with what chemicals you use on these since they are in direct contact with the stove's gas outlets. Use a firm brush to scrub them. Once clean, place them on a towel to let them dry completely. These have holes in several areas, so you want to make sure every part is dry in order for it to work properly.
- Next, degrease and clean the stovetop and oven. Give your stovetop a heavy spritzing of degreaser. Let it set to really penetrate the greasy buildup. Use a soft scouring pad to break up any food that is burned or stuck to the surface. As you work, wipe the area with a clean paper towel to lift out all of the grease and grime. If it's really bad, you may have to repeat the process of applying degreaser and scrubbing.
DHA Community Center Gym
- 8-11 AM Walking
- 1-3 Adult Free Play
- 3-4 Youth Free Play
If school is on a scheduled break, the Free Play time is reversed for Adults and Youth.
Masks ARE recommended!
(Be aware that changes may occur at any time)
Dickson Housing Authority
Sherry Lynch - Executive Director
Phone: 615.446.9371 & 615.446.4708
Fax: 615.441.1391
Email Dickson Housing
The Dickson Housing Authority's mission is to provide safe, decent, and sanitary housing conditions for low-income families and to manage resources 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.
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 that 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
- Maintenance Labor Rate (After Hours) $40 Hr