The Community Connect 2021 Issue 01
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Cover
The Community Connect
2021 Issue 01
Highlighting Our Heroes
Covid Support Grant / Job Development / Spring Cleaning
Youth Opportunities / Scholarships / Cohort Graduates
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Directory
Directory.
HACG Main Building
700 N. Jefferson Ave.
(919) 735-4226Occupancy
1608 E. Holly St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1135Jobs Plus
138 Dupoint Circle
(919) 735-4226 x 1406FSS
1608 E. Holly St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1126ROSS
1906 Edgerton St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1301Resident Services
1906 Edgerton St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1301Fairview Apartments
1729 Edgerton St.
Goldsboro, NC 27530
(919) 735-4226 x 1133Lincoln Homes
1009 Slaughter St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1138
(919) 735-4226 x 1137Elmwood Terrace
409 Hinson St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1140
(919) 735-4226 x 1141West Haven Development
701 West Oak St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1142
(919) 735-4226 x 1143GHA Maintenance Emergencies
(919) 735-4080Law Enforcement
Non-Emergency
(919) 705-6572-----
Board of Commissioners
Richard Durham
ChairJean Whitfield
Vice-ChairGoldie Smith
CommissionerWilliam Turner
CommissionerDon Barnes
CommissionerGeoff Hulse
CommissionerWashea Lancaster
Commissioner-----
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - From the CEO
From the CEO
We are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. 2020 brought many challenges but it also showed us the power of community. We came together and considered ways to help one another get through this pandemic. As you read this edition of Community Connect you will see the many partnerships that have formed and the services that we continued to provide. The world may have been on a pause for the past 12 months but our residents made it a priority to continue full speed ahead to accomplish their goals.
As we prepare to re-open our doors and regain some sense of normalcy, please keep in mind that your safety is and always has been our utmost priority. Thank you for your patience in allowing my staff to work through these challenging times and provide you with the necessary resources and support that you needed during this Pandemic.We are making some adjustments to the way that we do business and I am confident that those changes will make things easier for our residents and more efficient for our staff. The road ahead will not be easy but if we stay positive and work together, we can achieve anything!
I invite you to stay up to date on news and community resources by connecting with us on social media. Subscribe to receive these updates by email or text message on our website at hacg.org.
Anthony Goodson, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Covid Support Grant
We were notified by the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) that we are one of ten recipients of a COVID-19 Resident Grant in the amount of $10,000.
Our very own Michele Wiggins put together a stellar grant application that outlined our plans to better serve our senior residents during this pandemic which include a HACG Senior Supply Pantries and a Health Education Program.
The integral parts of the plan are to:
1) provide critical home care items, paper goods, and non-perishable food to seniors through pantries located at their respective property management offices.2) provide health education opportunities to elderly residents.
Services would be targeted to senior residents (age 62 and up) that live within any of HACG's public housing developments.
For this project, we have partnered with the United Way of Wayne County, North Carolina, First Baptist Church, and Wayne County NC Cooperative Extension.
We are extremely honored to have been selected and super excited that we get to serve our senior residents!
Pictured Above: Our partners at First Baptist Church Goldsboro dropping off supplies for our Senior Supply Pantries! These supplies are critical home care items, paper goods, and non-perishable foods that our senior residents will be able to receive through their respective property management offices!
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Covid Vaccine
SENIOR RESIDENTS RECEIVED COVID-19 VACCINE
We advocated for our senior residents to get vaccinated and our voices were heard!
We appreciate the Wayne County Health Department for accepting additional vaccine doses from the state to address gaps in the vaccination of minority populations.
HACG Staff in less than 24 hours, put boots on the ground to knock on resident doors and made phone calls to advise our senior residents that if they wanted the shot, they now had a slot!
We also thank the Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation Authority for stepping in to offer their services to ensure that transportation to get vaccinated was not a barrier!
Community is everything when we all work together!
Learn more about vaccine opportunities in Wayne County by visiting:
www.waynegov.com/1048/COVID-19-Vaccine
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - ROSS Program
The Resident Opportunity & Self-Sufficiency Program (ROSS), will continue to provide needed services to residents in Lincoln Homes and Fairview Apartments. This program's main focus is to offer support, resources, and services that will help individuals overcome any barriers to becoming self-sufficient. Anyone living in Lincoln Homes or Fairview Apartments are welcomed to be a part of ROSS.
In addition, ROSS will also begin focusing on the senior residents (62 years and over) to help them Age in Place, which means offering support in living independently at home with little or no assistance. The senior services program will offer onsite and virtual health information sessions that will include:
Diabetes
High Cholesterol
Blood Pressure Screenings
COPD
Asthma
Arthritis
Smoking Cessation
Fall Prevention
Exercise
Healthy EatingAll residents 62+ are welcomed to participate and attend. If you have any questions or concerns please call Ayisha Razzak-Ellis @ 919-735-4226 ext. 1406 or aellis@hacg.org.
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Blood Pressure Checks
High Blood Pressure is a silent killer because it does not always have symptoms. Not sure about your Blood pressure, get yours checked for free:
Elmwood Apts: April 27th from 10 am to 12 pm
West Haven: April 27th from 2 pm to 4 pm
Lincoln homes: APRIL 28th from 10 am to 12 pm
Fairview homes: APRIL 28th from 2 pm to 4 pm
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Section 3
HACG is Entering into a New Phase of Job Development
By: Thaddeus Washington, HACG Job Developer/Section-3 Coordinator, twashington@hacg.org; (919) 735-4226 ext:1402
As the Resident Services (HACG) Job Developer and newly assigned Section-3 Program Coordinator, I have been tasked to build upon our section-3 Program. Some of the things we will be working hard to implement are:
We will work hard to educate local businesses about the critical role they play in hiring low-income individuals within our community. We will encourage local contractors to register in the HUD database as a section-3 business.
We will work hard to ensure that section-3 qualified individuals who own their own business (i.e. Janitorial, demolition teams, electricians, plumbers, etc.), are afforded the opportunity to gain Housing Authority contracts.
We will be looking to place people from our low-income communities (throughout the Goldsboro area) into full-time permanent jobs. Our residents throughout the Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro are always our first priority.
The following excerpt is from the HUD regulation governing the Section-3 Program:
"The purpose of section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) (section 3) is to ensure that employment and other economic opportunities generated by certain HUD financial assistance shall, to the greatest extent feasible, and consistent with existing Federal, State and local laws and regulations, be directed to low- and very low-income persons, particularly those who are recipients of government assistance for housing, and to business concerns which provide economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons."
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Construction Experience
We're seeking HACG Residents with construction work experience for an upcoming project.
If this is you or someone you know, contact Mr. Thad Washington at 919-735-4226 ext 1402.
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Spring Cleaning Tips
Spring Cleaning Tips
by the Spruce, Sarah Aguirre
https://www.thespruce.com/spring-cleaning-a-complete-checklist-1900106Clean Room by Room
Approaching your house room by room is the most effective way to deep clean it. Create cleaning checklists for each room to help you get organized and to remind you of the areas that need extra attention. Feel free to skip the areas that have been cleaned recently, and focus on the parts of your home that were largely neglected over the winter.Organize and Clear the Clutter
One of the biggest parts of spring cleaning is often getting rid of clutter. A systematic four-step approach can be helpful for this. Identify problem areas, analyze reasons for the clutter, determine solutions, and implement these remedies. Sorting your belongings into four categories-trash, give away, store, or put away-can also be effective as you go through the spring-cleaning process.Get the Household Involved
Make spring cleaning a household endeavor. Even young children can be excellent helpers. Assign age-appropriate chores, so everyone feels included. Try throwing on some music as you all clean or establishing a household reward as an incentive to get the work done.Tackle the Seasonal Chores
Many chores need to be done seasonally, especially in preparation for warmer weather. So incorporate them into your spring-cleaning routine to get them out of the way early. Also, store winter clothing, bedding, decor, and other items. And pull out your spring items to give your home a refreshed look.Keep Cleaning Products to a Minimum
If you need to shop for new cleaning products for spring cleaning, keep your items to a minimum. Opt for a good all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloths. Those items will cover the majority of surfaces in your home. Then, purchase other specialty cleaning supplies only as needed.Establish New Cleaning Habits
A thorough spring cleaning that covers the whole house is a great opportunity to establish ongoing cleaning habits, which can make the next spring cleaning even easier. For instance, don't try to do all of your spring cleaning in one day or even one weekend. Instead, tackle items on your spring cleaning to-do list for just 15 minutes each day. That will help to get you in the habit of tidying up for 10 to 15 minutes per day even after you're done with your spring cleaning tasks.
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Job Opportunities
- More than 500 job openings with the State of North Carolina. Which one is right for you? Make your next career move at nc.gov/jobs
- 50+ positions available through Wayne County Public Schools visit waynecountyschools.org to view job openings!
- View positions currently available within Wayne County Government at waynegov.com/Jobs.aspx
- Multiple positions currently available within the City of Goldsboro see vacancies at goldsboronc.gov/
- Also hiring:
Mt. Olive Pickle
Butterball
Georgia Pacific
Sanderson farms
JMA placement
WalmartFor more opportunities at indeed.com
Contact Resident Services for assistance at (919) 735-4226 x 1301
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Resources
Mental Health Resources
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has two new mental health resources to support North Carolinians throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463) connects North Carolinians to additional mental health and resilience supports that help them cope and build resilience during times of crisis. Hope4NC is now available 24 hours per day, seven days a week to speak to a live person.
Continuing Education
The Workforce Continuing Education - Wayne Community College division offers a wide array of learning opportunities to promote workforce, economic, and personal development. You can earn an adult high school or high school equivalency diploma, get into the workforce quickly with short-term training, take personal enrichment classes just for fun, and so much more.
Know an adult who wants to complete high school? They can pick up a packet at one of these locations:
Fairview Community Center
Fairview Management Office
Jobs Plus BuildingContact the ROSS Program at 919.735.4226 ext 1406 for assistance.
Financial Literacy
BANK ON WAYNE is a financial literacy program that provides instruction in budgeting, banking and managing credit. Bank on Wayne encourages participants to operate within the financial mainstream and avoid costly alternative financial services. Knowledgeable bank representatives facilitate financial classes each month. Visit literacyconnectionsofwaynecounty.org/bank-on-wayne for more information.
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Healthcare
Not feeling well?
Need a flu shot?
Need a physical?
Need dental care?
For only $10 you can receive medical and dental care.
Goshen Mobile Unit will be in Fairview on April 21st.
Medical: 10 AM - 12 PM
Dental: 12 PM - 2 PM
First Come, First Serve!
Questions? - 919.735.4226 ext 1406
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Highlighting Our Heroes
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Grab & Go Meals
"Grab & Go" right from the bus!
Residents with youth ages 1-18 no longer have to figure out how to get to the closest curbside location for lunch.
We've partnered with Wayne County Public Schools to make meals accessible in your community!
Residents can pick up meals at the Community Center in Little Washington and Woodcrest.
Residents in Fairview, Elmwood, West Haven, and Lincoln will find a school bus with grab-and-go meals parked near the management offices.
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - More Resources
Pretty Tough Women's Support Group
Join our Pretty Tough Women's Support Group for support, encouragement, laughter, and adult conversation!
For additional information and to participate in the next virtual meeting follow on FB @goldsborohousingauthority
Food Assistance
FREE Food Boxes are available courtesy of the Three in One Family Center on Mondays starting at 10 am at the Wayne County Correctional Facility, 700 Stevens Mill Rd.
ADLA, Inc. also provides FREE food boxes during the month at their location on 612 Breazeale Avenue in Mt. Olive. Follow us on FB for their schedule.
HACG Partner Spotlight: ADLA, Inc. with Danny King
ADLA has been a dedicated and committed partner to the Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro. ADLA provides the following resources to our residents: mental health services, outpatient therapy, job employment placement, community health workers, food boxes, etc. We are thankful for ADLA's dedicated partnership that includes assisting our residents on their self-sufficiency journey by meeting their needs.
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Youth Opportunities
- HACG has partnered with Kinetic Minds Inspire, LLC & Kinetic Minds, Inc. for a FREE remote learning opportunity. Residents in grades K-8 can take advantage of this opportunity. Contact Resident Services at 919.735.4226 ext 1301 to register your student!
WAGES Head Start & Early Head Start Now Accepting Applications for the 2020-2021 School Year!
They provide quality early childhood education and other services for eligible families of children age birth to five at NO COST.
Their programs serve children of all abilities, including those with special needs.REMOTE LEARNING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE!
Click the link below to learn more or apply:
https://wagesnc.org/programs/head-start-enrollment/To learn more about these opportunities contact:
Resident Services at (919) 735-4226 x 1301
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - FSS Program
FSS Program
By: James Jones Jr., FSS Coordinator
There is power in numbers, literally. We take great honor & pride in the many achievements that HACG has accomplished in 2020, the year that is known to many as The Pandemic. We were awarded a Family Self Sufficiency Grant for families receiving the Housing Choice Voucher and residents in Elmwood, Little Washington, and Woodcrest. With a minimal program size number, we were able to supersede getting families enrolled in the program, receiving escrow, and many on the path towards homeownership.
One of the key features of this exceptional self-sufficiency program is escrow. Families who increase their earned income, in return will have the funds held into an escrow account that bears interest. Proudly, we have one-fourth of our participants who, in the middle of the pandemic receive new job opportunities, promotions, and salary increases that have enabled them to receive money in their escrow account. Many hope and desire to use those funds as a downpayment for their home one day. Weekly, we receive phone-calls and excitement because of the springboard that the Housing Authority has been able to offer.
Our goal is to help and connect our residents with partners within our community to help with home-buying needs, lenders who are able to offer different loan packages, and specialists who are able to review credit in order for our residents to have and hold keys to their future home.
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Resident Cohort
The ROSS Cohort Program's Class of Winter 2020 was able to graduate 'virtually' on Thursday, February 25, 2021. In attendance were some of HACG's faithful community partners/service providers as well as HACG's CEO Mr. Anthony Goodson Jr., and other HACG Board members.
Tears were shed, testimonies and triumphs were shared as well as amazing updates on where the participants are now currently in life.
Encouragement and empowerment were at the forefront of the commencement speech given by Mrs. Renita Allen Dawson, Associate Vice President of Wayne Community College.The graduates are now all current full-time employees and or students. We are extremely proud of this class and wish them nothing but success.
Join us in congratulating these ladies for being committed to the program and completing 16 weeks (60 hours) of self-sufficiency coursework! We also appreciate our community partners Wayne Community College and Bank on Wayne, for believing in our residents!
RCP is now accepting applications for enrollment. Interested? Contact Resident Services at 919.735-4226 ext 1301.
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Our Graduates
Erika Lewis is a strong, driven mother of 2 wonderful young men. After completion of the RRC, Erika reported that she would be continuing in the Master's Degree program she was currently in as well as seeking to obtain gainful employment. We certainly wish her the best and we truly believe that Erika will go on to do great things.
Yas-Nakia Parker is an amazing mother of 1 little gentleman. After the RRC concluded, Yas-Nakia went on to become a coach within her community, obtained a vehicle, was relocated to one of HACG's newly developed properties, and landed 2 jobs. We are beyond proud of her and hope to see her continue to succeed.
Debbie Bizzell is a vibrant, caring individual. She is a wife and the mother to 2 wonderful children. After completion of the RRC, Debbie went on to be a substitute teacher with the WCPS. We are so very proud of Debbie and know that she will continue to strive towards her goals and complete them.
Sierra Carmichael is the mother to 2 beautiful ladies whom she takes great care of. After the program concluded, Sierra went on to gain another position in her community as a job coach. She also has expressed that she has set goals to further her education, get stronger in the area of driving, and eventually obtain her license. We have high hopes for Sierra and believe that she will go far. In her own words, she can do anything she sets her mind to do.
Markitta Cooper is a mother of 4 wonderful children, whom she has made known are her "why". After the completion of the RRC, Markitta went on to be gainfully employed through one of HACG's employment partners. We are extremely grateful to have met Markitta and we can clearly see that she is driven and will do great in life.
Barbara Rodriguez has adult children, but also a young son still at home. After the RRC concluded, Barbara went on to enroll in school and purchased a vehicle of her own. We wish her nothing but the best and we are certain that she will continue to excel in whatever avenues she chooses.
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - HACG Scholars
HACG Scholars
Is there a student in your home that is a graduating HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR who is preparing to enter college?
Is there a COLLEGE STUDENT in your home who needs financial assistance to remain in school?
Are you wondering how are you going to pay for their college education?
If you answered "yes", please encourage your students to apply for these scholarships especially for scholars who are living in Public or Assisted housing (Section 8).
VISIT HACGSCHOLAR.ORG FOR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
HACG Scholarship Program
CCHRCO Scholarship Program
NAHRO Merit College Scholarship
HAI GROUP Scholarship Program
AND SO MANY MORE!Deadlines Approaching!
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Scholarship
HACG Scholarship Opportunity Now Open!
Eligibility Requirements:
-Must be a resident of the HACG
-Must be an HS graduate or equivalent
-Must have a record of volunteerism
-Must be enrolled in college
-Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5
Up to $3000.00 will be awarded
For More Information or to Download Application Visit:
hacgscholar.org
The Community Connect - 2021 Issue 01 - Back Cover