The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Cover
The Community Connect
2021 Issue 02
Ashley Is Now A Homeowner
SERC Development Award / Back to School / Senior Pantries
Youth Opportunities / Scholarships / Self-Sufficiency
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - 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 1300Fairview 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
Commissioner-----
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - From the CEO
From the CEO
As the summer comes to an end and we begin preparing our kids for in-person learning, it's hard not to reflect on how far we have come. This time last year, we were arming ourselves with masks, Lysol, Clorox Wipes, and hand sanitizer, trying to avoid contact with anyone who didn't live in our immediate households. Our back-to-school supply lists looked a little different as the only requirement for everyone was a computer/laptop and WIFI. For many people, there was a small state of panic and uncertainty but in the end, we have proven to be resilient and remained optimistic that this pandemic will one day be behind us.
Although our State continues to ease the social distancing restrictions and things have been opened to capacity, please remember that we are not completely out of the woods just yet. The new Delta variant has proven to be more contagious and infection numbers and hospitalization numbers are both on the rise for our State. Please consider getting vaccinated, using your masks, and practicing proper hand sanitizing when you are in public spaces.
Your patience during this process has not gone unnoticed. Although things look a little different with our agency, my staff is still working hard to make sure that all of the needs of our residents are being met and we are trying to be as accommodating to those needs as we can. Our partnerships are stronger than ever and we are working hard to bring an abundance of resources to our communities.
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.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - SERC Development Award
HACG RECEIVES THE SERC DEVELOPMENT AWARD!
The project consisted of 2 property acquisitions and sites. Site 1 was Walnut Street School Apartments - a tax credit project previously owned by a local community action agency that had fallen into disrepair. Site 2 was a property that was bought at auction. Both properties were in desperate need of design and development. HACG became one of only 2 PHAs in North Carolina to utilize HUD's OFFP Program.
The innovative financing structure allowed HACG to create 77 newly renovated apartments for public housing that have no long-term debt, no traditional financing, and are planned to have minimal maintenance needs for the next 15-30 years.
Much thought was given to the functionality and quality of the units. The units are equipped with stainless steel appliances, LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, improved energy-efficient laundry facilities, more open floorplans, preserved hardwood flooring, LVP flooring, and colorful details.
Walnut Street School Apartments includes an old school building where care has been taken to preserve some of the ambiances of the school itself in the older building. Large picture windows, transoms, hardwood flooring, a brick exterior, and a redesigned community space are just some of the features that were retained.
This is the preservation of affordable housing without the burden of debt at a per-unit cost of $75,000-$100,000 - a substantial accomplishment!
Receiving the award on behalf of HACG is our Deputy to the CEO, Sharita Oates.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Mr. Willie Newsome Jr.
Mr. Willie Newsome Jr. definitely has a green thumb!
These pictures are from the community garden he started at Walnut Street Apartments!
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - ROSS Program
The ROSS Program continues to support residents of Fairview and Lincoln Homes in the quest to further their education and gain employment to become self-sufficient.
The pandemic has limited the ability to have face-to-face meetings with our residents, but we have continued to reach out through phone calls and emails to engage with our residents. Although we have not had as many residents take classes or gain employment as we would like, the ROSS Program is proud of the residents who have accomplished the following:
- Successful completion of computer class
- Successful completion of Substitute Teacher Class
- Full-time employment with Wendy's
- Full-time employment with Mission Foods
- Full-time employment with Walmart
- Successfully signed up to finish GED
Whether you need supportive services to live independently, want to further your education, or increase your employability skills, the ROSS program is here to help make your transition from public assistance to economic independence as smooth as possible.
If you're interested in learning more or beginning your self-sufficiency journey contact Jedidiah Hayes at 919-735-4226 ext. 1301 or jhayes@hacg.org.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Resident Cohort
Resident Cohort Program Registration Open!
Sponsored by: HACG, ROSS, Community Partners
Don't miss this opportunity classes begin in August 2021.
To register or for more info: 919.735.4226 ext 1301
Mission: To take a more intimate approach with a small group of individuals and see them through their self-sufficiency development, barrier elimination, and accruement of positive resources. We believe in quality over quantity. Classes are at no cost to participants.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Aging In Place
Aging in Place is also a part of the ROSS program. It focuses on helping residents aged 62 and over stay active, live healthier lives, and live safely at home instead of a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Based on the needs of the senior residents, the Senior Services Program has been created. This offers monthly blood pressure checks in each community and free blood pressure cuffs for residents who need them.
Senior Services also has pantries at each management office with supplies for senior residents ages 62 and older who need toilet paper, adult diapers, soap, dish detergent, laundry soap. These pantries are to be used as needed, not as a monthly resource. Senior residents who have a need can reach out to the property managers on Wednesday mornings between 8 am and 12 pm.
Seniors should also be on the lookout for monthly educational sessions in each community beginning in September to be followed by a game of Bingo.
Upcoming Calendar of Events:
- Walk Wednesday - Fairview Track
Every Wednesday at 8 am
- Blood Pressure Checks - Woodcrest
August 10th at 2 pm
- Blood Pressure Checks - Elmwood
August 17th at 2 pm
To learn more about our Aging in Place program, please contact Ayisha Razzak-Ellis at 919-735-4226 ext. 1406 or aellis@hacg.org.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Goshen Medical
Not Feeling well?
Need a physical? Need dental care?
Don't have insurance?
For only $10 you can receive medical and dental care.
Goshen Mobile Unit will be in Fairview!
Next date: August 18th
Dental: 10 am-12 pm
Medical: 12 pm-2 pm
First Come, First Serve!
Questions? - 919.735.4226 ext 1406
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - FSS Program
The Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro celebrates its first year of our newly established self-sufficiency program, Family Self Sufficiency, otherwise known as FSS. One of the major benefits of this program is escrow. Escrow is where families who have increased their income, paid their increase in rent, now are able to take that difference and have it stored into an interest-bearing savings account.
Our current program has 25+ residents, with a total-growing escrow account of $5,000.00. With this 5 year program, families are able to graduate once they've completed their goals. Since the formation, we've celebrated one family who created a goal and graduated as a homeowner through our program.
As we continue to grow, we invite you to participate in our Fall 2021 Homeownership Cohort. If you're a resident of Elmwood, Little Washington, Woodcrest, or a Section 8 participant, the FSS program is for you.
Contact our FSS Coordinator, James Jones today at jjones@hacg.org or 919.750.6957.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Ashley Hinton
Ms. Ashley Hinton is working her dream job and now living in her dream home thanks to the Family Self-Sufficiency Program! We invite you to join her!
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Jobs Plus
Great news...Jobs Plus is coming to Lincoln Homes. The Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro has received a second Jobs Plus grant that will be administered in Lincoln Homes.
The Jobs Plus program will be available to residents on January 4th, 2022. All residents ages 18 to 64 are welcomed to enroll in Jobs Plus and take advantage of the many perks that come along with the program. Some of these perks include assistance with daycare, transportation, education, job searching, resume writing, financial education, and individualized case management.
Jobs Plus also has a teenage component that focuses on helping teenagers ages 14 to 17 with financial education, educational resources, college tours, accessibility, and community connections. There is also a rent incentive that can be used for residents who qualify.
Be on the lookout for more information on the Jobs Plus program and the official kickoff in January 2022!
To learn more about our Jobs Plus program, please contact Ayisha Razzak-Ellis at 919-735-4226 ext. 1406 or aellis@hacg.org.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Job Opportunities
- More than 800 job openings with the State of North Carolina. Which one is right for you? Make your next career move at nc.gov/jobs
- 150+ 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 1300
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Resources
Housing
The Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions Program (HOPE) provides rent and utility assistance to low-income renters that are experiencing financial hardship due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. If you have questions or need help applying, call (888) 927-5467.
Note: HACG Occupancy Dept. is accepting applications for public housing. We have a Waiting list for 1 bedroom to 5 bedrooms. Applications are available at 1608 E. Holly St.
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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 Building
Contact the ROSS Program at 919.735.4226 ext 1301 for assistance.
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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 02 - 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
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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.
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HACG Partner Spotlight: Resourceful Clinical Labs
Ever since the pandemic began, we've had the opportunity to partner with Stephanie Tyson and Resourceful Clinical Laboratories to host free Covid-19 testing and administer vaccines to our residents and the local community. We're grateful for partnerships like this that help us provide resources and assistance to those we serve.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Child Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Source: Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021
Important changes to the Child Tax Credit will help many families get advance payments of the credit starting this summer. The IRS will pay half the total credit amount in advance monthly payments beginning July 15. You will claim the other half when you file your 2021 income tax return. These changes apply to tax year 2021 only.
To qualify for advance Child Tax Credit payments, you - and your spouse, if you filed a joint return - must have:
- Filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return and claimed the Child Tax Credit on the return; or
- Given us your information in 2020 to receive the Economic Impact Payment using the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool; and
- A main home in the United States for more than half the year (the 50 states and the District of Columbia) or file a joint return with a spouse who has a main home in the United States for more than half the year; and
- A qualifying child who is under age 18 at the end of 2021 and who has a valid Social Security number; and
- Made less than certain income limits.
The IRS will use the information you provided earlier to determine if you qualify and automatically enroll you for advance payments. You do not need to take any additional action to get advance payments.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Back to School Tips
Back to School Tips
Source: Mental Health America, Inc.
https://mhanational.org/back-school
Establish An Early Routine
- Planning for a good school year starts in the summer. Begin establishing a "back to school" routine at least two weeks prior to school starting to minimize stress and help with the transition.
- Adjust their bedtime schedule. Many kids (including teens) need as many as 9 or more hours of sleep. Adjusting their schedule ahead of time will help your child be ready when school starts.
- Promote good eating habits. Plan for ways to ensure your child gets a healthy breakfast to help prepare them for the school day. If you pack your children's lunches, go grocery shopping with them and allow them to pick out healthy foods they'll enjoy. Kids tend to eat what they've picked out themselves.
Get Acquainted With The School
- Engage with school staff. Identify school functions or parent volunteer opportunities to stay involved in your child's education.
Provide Emotional Support
- Talk to your child about expectations for the upcoming school year. Ask about specific concerns they might have about the new school year.
- Praise and encourage your child to become involved with school activities and to try new things. Encourage your child to try to make new friends and to be a friend.
Identify Additional Mental Health Needs
- Be proactive in learning about how your child is developing physically, socially and emotionally. If you are aware of what's typical behavior and thoughts for your child, you will be able to tell more readily when things change. Recognizing sudden changes in behaviors are useful in early intervention of emotional needs.
Know that your child's mental health is just as important as their physical health; your involvement will help him or her develop a healthier life.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Upcoming Events
July 27th: 2-4 PM
Back to School Bash
Fairview Apartments
1729 Edgerton St., Goldsboro, NC
By: HACG & Worrell Contracting Co., Inc.
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July 31st: 11-2 PM
Back to School Backpack Giveaway
Dillard Alumni Building
801 Popular St., Goldsboro, NC
By: Protect Your Skull, LLC
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Aug 1st: 12 PM
Back to School Clothes & Supplies
WA Foster Center
1012 S. John St., Goldsboro, NC
By: Bible Way Church #2
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Aug 4th: 2-4 PM
Back to School Bash
West Haven Apartments
701 W Oak St., Goldsboro, NC
By: HACG & Worrell Contracting Co., Inc.
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Aug 11th: 2-4 PM
Back to School Bash
Elmwood Terrace
409 E Hinson St., Goldsboro, NC
By: HACG & Worrell Contracting Co., Inc.
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Aug 14th: 2-4 PM
8th Annual Kids Fun Day
Free Event for Community
Downtown Center St. (Near Fire Dept.)
By: Optimist Club of Goldsboro
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Aug 18th: 2-4 PM
Back to School Bash
Lincoln Homes
1009 Slaughter St., Goldsboro, NC
By: HACG & Worrell Contracting Co., Inc.
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Aug 20th: 5-7 PM
4th Annual Back to School Bash
Worrell Contracting Co., Inc.
201 N. Center St., Goldsboro, NC
By: Worrell Contracting Co., Inc.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Sprinkler Days
HACG SPRINKLER DAYS
Starting at 2 pm on:
July 21st - Fairview
July 28th - Woodcrest
August 4th - West Haven
August 11th - Lincoln
August 18th - Fairview
Those who reside in Elmwood are encouraged to participate in Lincoln, Little Washington, or West Haven.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Basketball
3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
WE'RE Seeking teen boys ages 14-18 for HACG Basketball Team!
Age groups 14-15 and 16-18 will be competing in a basketball tournament. Limited spots are available.
EXPRESS interest BY CALLing 919.735.4226 x 1300 before August 12, 2021!
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Community
HACG in the Community
Congratulations to our very own Section 8/HCV Coordinator, Sabrina Rule, and all the other graduates of this year's Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Wayne program! Job Well Done!
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HACG partnered with the First Church and United Way of Wayne County to provide two sites for a summer tutorial program. The Lincoln Community Center and West Haven Community Center served as sites to provide academic, social and emotional enrichment to students in grades K-12. There are over 200 students enrolled in this program and over 60 volunteers from the community. Lunch is also a part of this program and is being provided by Wayne County Public Schools.
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Our Youth Matter
Our Youth Matter
What started as a project-based learning activity (PBL) for students at Carver Heights Elementary School, "blossomed" into a much larger community collaboration led by Communities Supporting Schools (CSS) and funded by United Way of Wayne County. HACG Staff were delighted to volunteer in a project that will lead to our youth learning about agriculture!
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The HACG Resident Services team delivered a $1000 sponsorship donation to support 15 students that would be attending the Wayne Community College's Junior Bison Summer Camp! These students had the opportunity to be enrolled in the following camps: Jr. Bison Video Game Academy, Jr. Bison Sewing Camp, Jr. Bison Business Camp, or Jr. Bison Allied Health Camp. Our students matter! They are our FUTURE!
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Scholarships
HACG Awards $16,000 in Scholarships!
Congratulations to the recipients of our HACG Scholarships and Community Scholarship!
-Za'Niya Dickens - Goldsboro High School (HACG Scholarship) will be attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
-Damon Brown - Wayne School of Engineering (HACG Scholarship) will also be attending NC A&T.
-Amari Williams - Goldsboro High School (Community Scholarship) will be attending Winston-Salem State University.
All recipients will be awarded $4,000 towards tuition, books, and fees.
We are proud to award these young leaders, and we wish them successful academic and professional careers ahead.
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The selection of the HACG Community Scholarship was made by the 2021 HACG Community Scholarship Selection Committee. We would like to thank the following for being on the committee:
Lee Hulse- Program Manager, Literacy Connections of Wayne County/Bank on Wayne
Felecia Williams- City Government of Goldsboro, NC's Interim Community Development & Relations Director
Sherry Archibald- Executive Director, United Way of Wayne County
The Community Connect 2021 Issue 02 - Back Cover
The Community Connect
2021 Issue 02
www.hacg.org