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November 2022
Dickson Housing Authority - Resident Edition - Vol. 1 | Edition 11
November 2022
Inside this Issue:
- Letter from the Director
- DHA News
- Maintenance
- Resident Services
- Calendar
- Upcoming Activities - Announcements
- Did You Know...
A Word From Our Executive Director
Residents,
We hope that everyone is enjoying the weather and staying healthy.
We had a busy month in October and would like to thank those that attended last month's activities-the Youth Craft Day, Lunch & Learn, Youth Bingo, Chili Supper, and of course, our Resident Association Meeting. You will find some pictures from a few of those events posted later in this newsletter. Make sure that you mark your calendar for any upcoming events and activities. Participation is very important.
In this newsletter, you will also find the "Planning Ahead" section. Remember to get signed up and post the date on your calendar. On page 7, you will find a small survey suggesting topics you may be interested in. Tracy is working very hard to get speakers in the community center who would best benefit our residents. We encourage your participation in these events. Come and receive some valuable information, and just get involved in your community.
Again, we would like to remind all residents to have parking stickers or placards visible in their vehicle(s). If you do not have one, please contact our office. All vehicles must be in running condition - starts, no flats, and has current tags-otherwise, they cannot be parked on DHA property and will be towed at the tenant's expense.
Sincerely,
Sherry Lynch, Executive Director
Let's Get Involved!
Maintenance Emergency
If you have an emergency and it's during office hours, please call the office before calling maintenance.
DHA News
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Rent: We encourage all residents to use the online rent portal for rent payments. To access the portal, visit our website DicksonHousing.org 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.
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No Smoking!! There should be absolutely no smoking inside your unit.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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There is to be NO parking in the yard whatsoever. Vehicles should not be on the lawn for any reason.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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
November 6
Daylight Savings
Fall Back
November 17
Bingo - 1 PM
November 19
Soup For Souls
November 23-25
Thanksgiving Holiday
November 29
Resident Association Meeting - 1 PM
November 23-25
NO SCHOOL
November 24-25
CLOSED
Planning Ahead...
On December 1st, Dickson County's Women's Club will be hosting a Christmas Party in the Community Center for our youth. There will be crafts as homemade gifts for the parents.
Sign-ups will be required in order to have enough materials. Please call Tracy at 615-446-9766 to sign up. (No answer? Leave a message with your phone number, apartment #, and how many children will be attending.)
(A flyer will be sent out at a later date)
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 3 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 10 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.
Youth Halloween Paint Party
Monsters & Ghosts
Halloween Chili Supper 2022
It's That Time of the Year Again: Flu Season Is Here
Seasonal influenza can cause serious complications for people of any age, but children and the elderly are more vulnerable. The flu is most often associated with the sudden onset of fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, congestion, cough, and sore throat. Most people recover within a few days to less than two weeks. Occasionally, complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or other infections can occur.
The flu vaccine is your best chance of preventing the illness. Currently, the CDC recommends that anyone over 6 months of age receive an annual flu vaccine. While there are many different types of flu viruses, the vaccine protects you against the viruses that experts believe will be most common that year.
In addition to getting your annual vaccine, here are some other tips to stay healthy this season:
- 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.
Did You Know...
...having an attitude of gratitude is good for you? Gratitude is a conscious, positive emotion one can express when feeling thankful for something, whether tangible or intangible. Being thankful is beneficial to your physical and emotional health. It lowers stress levels, helps to boost the immune system, reduces the symptoms of depression, improves sleep and self-esteem, and can help enhance your social and professional skills.
Having gratitude includes considering the source of the food in our homes, having a home for you and your family, our health; enjoying the beauty of nature; having a job to provide; the loyalty of our friends and family, and even our pets. Take a look below for even more ways to show gratitude.
- Observe the moment: Take a second to focus on your experience and how you are feeling. Take stock of your senses and think about what is helping you cope. Are there people who have done something for you, or are there particular things helping you manage your stress, feel good about your life, or accomplish what you need to do? You may also find the practice of mindfulness, which focuses on becoming more aware of the present moment, a helpful tool.
- Write it down: You might find it helpful to start a gratitude journal where you jot down a few things you are thankful for each day. Being able to look back on these observations can help when you are struggling to feel grateful.
- Savor the moment: Give yourself time to really enjoy the moment. Focus on the experience and allow yourself to absorb those good feelings.
- Create gratitude rituals: Pausing for a moment to appreciate something and giving thanks for it can help you feel a greater sense of gratitude. A meditation, prayer, or mantra are examples of rituals that can inspire a greater sense of gratitude.
- Give thanks: Gratitude is all about recognizing and appreciating those people, things, moments, skills, or gifts that bring joy, peace, or comfort into our lives. Show your appreciation. You might thank a person to show you are thankful for them, or you might spend a moment simply mentally appreciating what you have.
What We Learned...
In October, we were given the pleasure of having Jordan, Tammy, and Bendee with us from the Bank of Dickson. They gave us lots of helpful advice about building our credit, repairing our credit, beginning a budget, and putting a savings plan into action. They also answered questions about mortgage loans, student loans, and general personal loans. Below, you will find some of the information that was shared with us. You can also go to our Facebook page for the "live" recording of our Lunch and Learn on October 14th. (DHA Resident Services - if you haven't joined the page, please do so today.)
How Do I Check My Credit Report and What Do I Do With It?
Your credit history tells businesses how you pay your bills in order to decide if they want to give you a credit card, job, apartment, a loan, or insurance. To check your score by phone, you can call 1.877.322.8228. Answer the questions and be prepared to give your address, social security number, and birthdate. You should receive your report within 2-3 weeks after you call. You can also go online by going to each credit bureau's website: Experian.com, TransUnion.com, and Equifax.com. Once you have your report, read it carefully and make sure your personal information is correct. Check the accounts-do you recognize them? If there is anything that you feel is wrong, ask to have it fixed. Write a letter to the credit company that holds the incorrect information explaining to them what is wrong and that you need it removed or corrected. Sent copies of any proof that you have by Certified Mail and obtain a return receipt from the post office. That company must address the concern and contact you in writing.
How Do I Get Credit?
One way to build your credit is to begin with a credit card and use it wisely. Look for a credit card with low- or no annual fees. Some companies waive these fees if the card is used regularly and a maximum spend has been reached. Look for a card that has a longer grace period, a low APR, and low fees, such as late fees or fees for going over your credit limit. You can also try to get a secured credit card. When a credit card is "secured," it means money must be deposited and held by the issuer while the account is open - much like a security deposit held by a landlord. Look for cards with no application fee, a low APR, no processing fees, and a higher interest rate on the money you have deposited. A secured credit card can be a great option for people who are establishing, building, or rebuilding their credit. A retail credit card can also help build your credit, as well. They may be a good fit IF....you shop at that retailer often and actually benefit from the rewards and discounts that come with the card, you keep the balance low, you want to take advantage of an interest-free repayment plan, and you pay off the entire balance monthly. (Federal Trade Commission/Consumer.gov/September 2012)
Budgeting...
Many of us think of budgeting as a dreadful task used to shame us of our unhealthy spending habits. However, budgeting is more than that. It can be used to help you figure out what your long-term goals are and how to work toward them financially. It can also allow you to map out your goals, save money and prepare for an emergency, keep track of your progress and make your dreams a reality.
Let's take a look at some basic rules of budgeting...
- Make a list of all of your expenses: bills, food, clothing, school supplies, gas, entertainment, subscriptions, and unplanned expenses. Keep in mind you may have expenses that are annual, semi-annual, monthly, weekly, etc. Include all of those.
- Write down all income: wages, child support, alimony, side job, social security, etc.
- Subtract all of your expenses from your total amount of income. This number should be more than zero. Obviously, if it is less than zero, you are spending more money than you have coming in, and adjustments should be made to see what you can spend less on and what you may not need at all.
At the beginning of each month, use this method to make a plan of how you will spend your money for that month.
*TIP: Include room for an emergency fund in your budget. An emergency fund should be 3-6 months' worth of living expenses set aside in the case of an unexpected life happening, such as illness, home maintenance, death of a spouse or family member who contributes to your finances, or disruption of employment.
What Would You Like To Do...
In an effort to get our residents involved, we need feedback. We have constructed a list of ideas below of topics and events we think you may be interested in. Please take a look at each item and place a number, 1, 2, or 3, representing how interested you would be in these areas.
Please call Tracy or come to our office as soon as possible to fill out this survey. You can also email your answers to Resident Services.
- 1 - VERY INTERESTED - you would get involved and attend.
- 2 - MAYBE - sounds interesting, but I would need more details.
- 3 - NOT AT ALL - doesn't sound like an area I would be interested in.
Mental Health
- What Resources Are Available and How Can I Qualify
- Strategies to Cope, Exercises
- Grief
Self-Care
- Pampering Yourself
- Financial Stability--Managing Debt, Budgeting, Preparing for the Future
- Time Management Skills
- Health Screenings
- Hobbies --Photography, Coin Collecting, Music
Crafting
- DIY Projects
- Crocheting, Quilting, Needlepoint
- Painting,
- Decorating T-Shirts, Aprons, Shoes, etc.
Health
- Exercise and Eating Healthy
- Chronic Illnesses such as Diabetes, Various Cancers, COPD
- Weight Management
- Blindness, Hearing Loss, etc
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
- Disposable Plates - any kind, paper or Styrofoam
- Colored Printing Paper
- Clear plastic ornaments for crafts - Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby has them
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 Playtime is reversed for Adults and Youth.
Masks ARE Recommended!
(Be Aware That Changes May Occur)
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