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Housing Highlights: Volume 21, Issue 23

Inside this Issue

  • A Message from the CEO
  • Summer Youth Activities
  • Resident Spotlight
  • Housekeeping Tips
  • NRP: Build Your Dream House
  • Resident Council
  • Upcoming Events
  • FSS and ROSS
  • Meet the Staff
  • What's Happening @ WHA
  • FYI

The Washington Housing Authority would like to share your achievements. Please submit them to your property managers, and we will share them in our next newsletter.

Slow Children at Play sign. 
Help Keep Our Kids Safe! 
Please be mindful of posted speed limits while traveling in residential areas. 
Wheelchair icon.Equal Housing logo.

A Message from the CEO

Franklin Scott Jr. Headshot.

Dear Washington Housing Authority Residents,

As summer kicks into high gear, I want to highlight some incredible opportunities for our community. We are thrilled to invite our youth and elderly residents to participate in our summer feeding programs. This vital initiative is proudly sponsored by Beaufort County Public Schools and the Zion Community Kitchen.

At the Washington Housing Authority, our staff is fully committed to ensuring that every family in our communities receives the food and essential services they need. Our goal is to challenge and support our families so that everyone can thrive.

Rain or shine, our dedicated teams distribute at least 360 meals every week. Seeing these partnerships grow and succeed right here in our neighborhood is deeply powerful. We are truly excited and inspired by the daily work being done to meet both the current and future needs of our families.

Beyond nutrition, we want to ensure our youth stay active, connected, and engaged. Our staff is actively assisting families in getting their children involved in local summer activities and social events throughout the community. Whether you need help finding enrichment programs, registering for sports, or connecting with local youth events, we are here to support you.

To keep this momentum going, we need your continued partnership. Together, we can work to improve each of our communities socially and economically. Please join us this summer, take advantage of these programs, and help us build a stronger, healthier Washington.

Sincerely,
Franklin Scott Jr.
CEO, Washington Housing Authority

Summer Youth Activities

Youth Summer Camp flyer. All information as listed below.

Youth Summer Camps

Skateboarding Camp

  • When: June 8 - June 12
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Ages: 6 - 12
  • Cost: $50

Pickleball Camp

  • When: June 15 - June 17
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Ages: 8 - 14
  • Cost: $30

Basketball Camp

  • When: June 22 - June 26
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Ages: 8 - 18
  • Cost: $60

Beat the Heat Camp

  • When: June 29 - July 1
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Ages: 8 - 12
  • Cost: $30

Pickleball Camp

  • When: July 13 - 15
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Ages: 8 - 14
  • Cost: $30

Summer Mini Olympics Camp

  • When: July 20 - July 24
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Ages: 8 - 12
  • Cost: $50

Games Galore Camps

  • When: July 27 - July 31
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Ages: 8 - 12
  • Cost: $50

Swimming Lessons -  (6 Months - Adult)
Contact the Moore Aquatic and Fitness Center at 252.948.9420.

Click here for Soccer Camp info.

Registration: 
Online: February 27 - Until Full
Scan the QR Code, click on the flyer or Click here to register online.
In Person: At City Hall By Appointment. 
102 E. 2nd Street
252.975.9643

Inner Banks STEM Center flyer. All information as listed below.

Inner Banks STEM Center - 2026 Summer Camps

Aviation: 

  • When: June 22 - July 3
  • Cost: $800 Per student. Scholarships available. 
  • Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Breakfast and Lunch Provided
  • Hands on projects and field trips

Boating: 

  • When: July 6 - 17
  • Cost: $800 Per student. Scholarships available. 
  • Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Breakfast and Lunch Provided
  • Hands on projects and field trips

Space and Earth Science:

  • When: July 20 - July 31
  • Cost: Free of Charge 
  • Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Breakfast and Lunch Provided
  • Hands on projects and field trips

Click here to apply.

Resident Spotlight

Celebrate with Dasha Refour flyer. Three photos of Dasha, and all information as listed below.

Celebrate with Dasha Refour as she graduates Magna Cum Laude from Beaufort County Community College (BCCC), and continues her education journey at ECU School of Social Work.

Congratulations, Dasha, on a job well done!

Housekeeping Tips

General Cleaning 
As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of your house. Cleaning your house regularly is essential, as it helps keep your family healthy.

Some areas of your home, such as the kitchen countertops and sink, should be cleaned every day. Other areas can be cleaned weekly (such as floors and bathrooms) or monthly (such as fan blades and wiping cabinets).

Your Housing Manager and Inspector will assess the cleanliness of your house during regular inspections.

Bugs and Pests 
There are several things you can do to keep pests, such as cockroaches, ants, insects, ticks, and fleas, under control. These include:

  • Keep your apartment clean
  • Put rubbish in the trash bin and make sure the bin is emptied and cleaned regularly
  • Make sure food that is in the cabinets is in sealed containers or bags
  • Don't store, eat, or cook food in bedrooms
  • Keep doors closed and make sure window screens do not have holes
  • If you have problems with bugs and pests, contact your Housing Manager.

Trash

  • You must keep your apartment and yard free of trash.
  • Each apartment is furnished with a trash bin that should be kept outside the house.
  • Keep smaller trash bins inside, and make sure you empty them regularly into the outside trash bin. All trash should be in trash bags.
  • Remember to pull the trash bin to the street on your trash pick-up day. After pickup return the bin back to your apartment.
  • To keep flies and maggots out of your trash bin, keep the lid closed all the time and wash the bin each time it is emptied.

Housekeeping Inspections

  • Residents who "fail" an inspection due to housekeeping will be issued a copy of the inspection report with items that need to be corrected. A re-inspection will be conducted within 10 calendar days by housing management staff.
  • Failed inspections could result in Lease Termination.

NRP: Build Your Dream House

Build your Dream House flyer. All information as listed below.
Build Your Dream House

In the Heart of Washington on the Pamlico.

Start Price $190k

Neighborhood Revitalization Program - Making Home-Ownership Your Reality!

*Down Payment assistance available for eligible applicants!

Your Journey to Homeownership - Starts With Us! 

Neighborhood Revitalization Program QR Code.
Click the image, click here, or scan the QR code for the NRP Preliminary application. 

Alexis Davis, Realtor
252.702.9697
alexisdavis@seacostrealty.com
Our award-winning real estate broker has been an active steward of historic Washington for 12 years. She's passionate about helping you navigate the home buying process and find the site and home design that's right for you.

Julie Finn, Housing Manager
252.944.6382
julie@wha-nc.org 
With 34 years experience in Housing Management, I can walk you through the homeownership application and preliminary approval process. I connect first time buyers with resources to prepare you for homeownership and help you clear stumbling blocks and feel at ease with this big step.

Resident Council

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms who fill the world with love, strength, and kindness every single day. A Fathers Love is the quiet strength behind every dream, the steady hand through every storm, and the unwavering support that lasts a lifetime.

On Thursday, June 18th, the Resident Council hosted a special Mother's and Father's Day Gathering at East Haven to celebrate and honor the mothers and fathers in the community. Residents enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship, laughter, delicious refreshments, and meaningful conversation. The event brought neighbors together to strengthen community bonds and recognize the love, guidance, and contributions of parents and caregivers.

The Washington Housing Authority extends its appreciation to the Resident Council for organizing an enjoyable celebration.

A woman standing and talking to a person sitting at a table in a wheelchair. A woman sitting at a table next to a woman sitting in a wheelchair. A woman sitting in a wheelchair smiles for a picture. A woman sitting in a chair looking behind her at a TV on the wall that is playing MOTOWN. Four women standing and talking at a table.
A woman sitting at a table with a plate of food, smiling for a picture. Three people sitting at a table talking. One is smiling at the camera with a peace sign. Four people sitting at tables, and one person standing and talking. A man sitting at a table with a can of Sprite in his hand, and a gift bag in front of him on the table. Four people sitting and talking at a table.

Resident Council Meeting flyer. All information as listed below.

Resident Council Meeting - Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 12:00 PM.

Zoom Meeting Info:
Virtual Meeting ID: 860 3385 5837
Code: RCAB
Phone Call: Meeting ID: 305.224.1968 US 
Passcode: 056859

In Person: 
800 Pennsylvania Avenue in the Main Conference Room.

Join Resident Council Now! You Are Needed!

For more information on joining, call 252.946.0061.

Upcoming Events and Key Information

Pest Control Schedule

  • November, January, March, May, July, September
    • 1st Thursday - Oak Crest and East Haven
    • 2nd Thursday - Old Fort and Clifton Meadows
    • 3rd Thursday - Eastern Village/Anex and Westbrooke
    • 4th Thursday - Callbacks, extra treatments

Air Filters

  • Air filters will be changed every other month. Please arrange to have an adult present with any minor child(ren). Below is the schedule:
    • Clifton Meadows - 1st week, every other month
    • Oakcrest - 1st week, every other month
    • Old Fort - 2nd week, every other month
    • East Haven & Eastern Village - 3rd week, every other month
    • Westbrooke - 4th week, every other month

A Message from Housing Managers

Interim 
If you have a change in your household, you must call your Housing Manager to report that change. You must complete an Interim Form and provide written proof of the change. If you begin working, you DO NOT have to wait until you receive your check stubs to report your new job. You must go to your housing manager to complete an Interim Form AND to sign a Wage Verification.

Examples of changes: Increase or decrease in income, Remove or add household members, Pet, Vehicle, School enrollment, school graduation, etc. See Housing Manager for Details.

If Tenant has a zero income, Tenant must report any subsequent change in income within 10 days of the occurrence. Failure to report to Management with information within ten (10) days of the Authority's request shall constitute a material breach of the lease agreement and may result in termination of the lease and/or a retroactive rent charge.

All changes in family composition must be reported to the Management Office within ten (10) days of the occurrence. Failure to report may result in termination of the Lease and /or a retroactive rent charge.

Community Service 
If you are 18 or older and have no income, you must complete 8 hours per month of Community Service. It must be documented in writing and/or on letterhead from the organization for which you provided Community Service.
You must provide SNAP letter to be exempt, etc. See Housing Manager for Details.

Satellite Dish
When residents want to install a satellite dish, cable, or internet service, they should first contact their Housing Manager. The form residents must sign contains important information about the procedures for the technician and the resident to follow.

Trash Bins 
Your empty trash and recycling bins must be pulled back from the curb, sidewalk, or road, and placed behind your apartment on the day they are emptied by the City of Washington Public Works. Failure to do so will result in a $25 fine and a lease violation. Issues with trash pick-up should be reported to the City of Washington Public Works at 252.975.9302.

Only patio furniture should be on the front and back porches. Beach chairs, office chairs, and other indoor furniture are not allowed on the front or back porch. Lease Violations will be issued accordingly.

It Is Very Important That You Read and Understand Your Lease. 
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to call your housing manager.

If you are unable to reach your housing manager due to your housing manager being out of the office and serving the community, you may leave your name, contact number, and a brief reason for calling.

We would be more than happy to return your call as soon as possible

Please remember that our properties are smoke-free. Thank you.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline flyer. All information as listed below.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

There is hope. Talk with us.

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Free Summer Feed Program flyer. All information as listed below.

Sisters of Grace FREE Summer Feed Program 

When: Saturdays in July - July 11, July 18, July 25
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Whitestone Pentecostal Church of Faith - 117 N. Respess St. Washington, NC

Open to all in the Community! Delivery Available

For more information contact Kimberly Jones at 252.402.9478.

See Something, say something flyer. All information as listed below.

Washington Housing Authority asks YOU to:

See Something, Say Something

If you see something suspicious, report it anonymously to:
Beaufort County CrimeStoppers Tipline - 252.974.6400
Washington Police Department - 252.946.1444 (Non-Emergency Line)

Keeping our community and your home safe!

Landlord Briefing Flyer. All information as listed below.

Landlord Briefing. 
Stay Informed. Stay Connected. Succeed Together.
Join the Washington Housing Authority for an informative session with important updates, resources, and program information for landlords.

Partner with Us. Make a Difference.
Current and Prospective Landlords Welcome!

When: July 14, 15, 16
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 

Attend In Person or Via Zoom. 

Join us at the Main Office Community Room  - Refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees!

Topics Include:

  • Program Updates and Policy Changes
  • Leasing and Move-In Requirements
  • NSPIRE Inspection Updates
  • Rent Increase Requests and Deadlines
  • Annual Recertifications and Required Forms
  • Landlord Responsibilities and Best Practices
  • Resources and Support for Landlords
  • Q and A Session

Why Attend?

  • Stay informed on the latest program updates
  • Build strong partnerships with the Housing Authority
  • Learn best practices for successful tenancies
  • Get your questions answered
  • Help provide quality, affordable housing in our community

Together We Build Strong Communities 

For more information call 252.946.0061 or check out our website at washingtonhousingauthority.org.

Thank you for investing in our community. 

Opening Doors to Opportunities. Building Stronger Communities.

HCV Residents Mandatory program briefing flyer. All information as listed below.

Attention HCV Residents - Mandatory Program Briefing 
Your attendance is required!

Please join us for an important Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Resident Briefing where we will discuss:

  • Program Updates
  • Family Obligations and Responsibilities
  • Policy and Procedural Changes
  • Annual Recertification Reminders
  • Inspections and Housing Standards
  • Important Program Announcements
  • Questions and Answers

When: July 30, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Attend in Person or Via Zoom 

Attend in Person 
We encourage you to join us in person to connect, engage, and stay informed.

Join Zoom Meeting
Click here to join the Zoom Meeting.
Meeting ID: 589 159 1535
Passcode: 9MnH6F

Why Attend?

  • Stay informed about program Changes
  • Learn about upcoming requirements and deadlines
  • Get answers to your questions directly from staff
  • Ensure continued compliance with program rules

Important Notice  - Attendance is mandatory for all HCV participants.
If you are unable to attend in person, you MUST attend virtually through Zoom. 

Washington Housing Authority
Working Together to Build Stronger Communities

Your Voice Matters. Your Participation Matters. Your Housing Matters.

FSS and ROSS

FSS flyer. All information as listed below.

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program

What is FSS? 
The FSS Program help families increase earnings and build assets through coordinated support and financial coaching. A unique escrow account that grows as their income rises, fostering economic independence by connecting them to services like job training, childcare, and financial literacy to achieve goals like homeownership or education. 

Facts about FSS 

  • Goal-Oriented
  • Voluntary and Client-Driven
  • Escrow and Savings Account
  • Comprehensive Support
  • Graduation and Rewards
  • Long-Term Success

How does FSS Work? 
Once a family is selected for the (FSS) Program they'll attend an orientation to complete forms, outlining the family and Public Housing Agency's (PHA) responsibilities notes. Next, the FSS coordinator will help identify obstacles, set goals and connect with local resources. Then, you'll create a personalized plan (The ITSP) detailing your goals and the steps to achieve them. As your earned income increases, the difference between your original rent calculation and the new one goes into an escrow account. You can use funds from your escrow account for approved expenses like education or childcare to help you reach goals. Last, upon successful completion of your goals within the contract term, you receive the entire escrow balance as a lump sum, which can be used for homeownership, education or other goals. 

What is a Escrow Account?
An FSS escrow account is a special interest-bearing savings account held by the Public Housing Agency (PHA). This was designed to help families build savings as their earned income increases, with funds released upon successful program completion to support financial independence. When a family's income rises, their rent usually increases too. That increase in rent is deposited into an escrow account instead, acting as a reward for achieving self-sufficiency.

Escrow Example

  • Scenario: A tenants starts FSS with minimum rent ($50) and no job. They get a job, and their rent increases to $350.

  • Escrow Calculation: The $300 difference ($350-$50) is deposited into their FSS escrow account monthly.
  • Outcome: After 5 Years (60 months) they could have $18,000 in savings, available for post-program goals or approved interim needs like school costs. 
    ($300 multiplied by 12 equals 3,600)($3,600 multiplied by 5 equals $18,000)

Eligibility 
If you live in Public Housing, have a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), or receive Project-Based Rental Assistance.

If you're interested contact: Shakiha Reid, FSS Coordinator at 252.644.2396 or sreid@wha-nc.org.

Key Benefits

  • Homeownership
  • Education
  • Financial Independence
  • Develop Life Skills
  • Increase Wages
  • Support Services (education, job training, childcare, credit counseling)

FSS Graduate - Congratulations, Lajoy Atkinson!

The Washington Housing Authority proudly congratulates Lajoy Atkinson on successfully graduating from the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to achieving your goals are truly inspiring. We celebrate this important milestone and wish you continued success as you embark on the next chapter of your journey. Congratulations on this well-deserved accomplishment!

A closeup of Lajoy Atkinson FSS plaque. Lajoy and family smile for a picture. Lajoy and Shakiha stand and smile for a picture. Lajoy and Staff smile for a picture.

ROSS Flyer. All information as listed below.

ROSS - Resident Opportunity Self-Sufficiency

Are you ready to become more self-sufficient but don't know where to start?

The R.O.S.S. program provides opportunities for adults living in public housing to identify and work toward their life goals!

Who's Eligible? All Public Housing Residents who are 18 and over.

How can R.O.S.S. Help You?

  • Education: GED and Vocational Training
  • Job Preparation: Help with Resume Career Planning
  • Wellness: Home Health, Mental Health, and Dietary
  • Activities that exercise the body and mind
  • Transportation
  • Financial Literacy

Connect with Kim Stanley at 252.402.4032 or kstanley@wha-nc.org.

Accept any opportunity that comes your way. 

Washington Housing Authority
So Much More Than Housing
809 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, NC 27889
252.946.0061
www.washingtonhousingauthority.org

Meet the Staff

Theresa Worsley headshot.
Theresa Worsley, Accounting Specialist 

I am Theresa Worsley a native of Washington NC, I am the Accounting Specialist with Washington Housing Authority, my office is located at the Washington, Pennsylvania Avenue office. I am excited to be apart of the Washington Housing Authority team. I am very passionate about helping and supporting our community. I am a firm believer that we are helpers to one another. I enjoy my family time especially with my 3 grandchildren who I am GiGi to. I love meeting new people and shopping for one of a kind items and crafting. I am always eager to learn and grow.

Cedric Betts headshot.
Cedric Betts, Maintenance Technician 

My name is Cedric Betts and I am proud to be a new Maintenance Technician with the Washington Housing Authority. My goal is to provide timely, dependable maintenance services while treating every resident with courtesy and respect. I'm excited to be part of the team and look forward to getting to know our residents.

Kelijah Hill headshot.
Kelijah Hull, Maintenance Technician

Hello! My name is KJ and I am excited to join the Washington Housing Authority as a Maintenance Technician. I look forward to serving our residents by helping keep our communities comfortable and well-maintained. I am committed to providing quality service and appreciate the opportunity to be part of your community. I look forward to meeting you!

What's Happening @ WHA

Staff Making a Difference in Our Community 
The Washington Housing Authority team has been actively engaged in serving our community this summer through a variety of meaningful programs and events. From supporting the Summer Feeding Program to help ensure local youth have access to nutritious meals, to assisting with Meals on Wheels deliveries for our senior residents, our staff remains committed to making a positive impact beyond the workplace.

In addition, staff hosted a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) informational meeting and participated in the Community in Action event, connecting with residents and community partners while sharing valuable resources and opportunities. We are proud to be involved in initiatives that strengthen our community and improve the lives of those we serve. Take a look at the photos highlighting these memorable moments!

People sitting at tables paying attention to something in the front of the room. A woman speaking at a podium about FSS. A woman holding a box of food next to a car. A woman with a little kid, and another person carrying a bag of food. A woman handing out food to another woman and child. A man standing at a table getting food.
Two women stand and smile for a picture. Multiple standing around a table. A man putting gloves on. A woman picking up a bag with a woman and man watching. Two people standing at a table getting food. A man and woman by the Contentnea Health booth.
People standing and talking. Two people talking at the Wayne Hardee difference booth. Multiple people standing and talking under a white tent. A woman standing under a blue gazebo with a table that says you goals. Our support. Two women sitting under a gazebo with a table that says so much more than housing. A closeup of two woman sitting behind a table that says So Much More than Housing.
People sitting at tables handing out essentials to people. A view of two white popup gazebos with tables under them. A woman standing and handing out essentials to people. Two white gazebos with tables under them. Beaufort County Sheriff's Office tent. A woman taking a selfie with another woman in the background.
People browsing the essentials table. A man sitting in a tent for a childrens hospital. Two woman by the Project engage Enc table. A cooler full of beverages. A woman standing and holding grocery bags. Five people walking into a house.
A man sitting at the Beaufort County Health Department table. Two men stand and smile for a picture. A box filled with pizza.      

 

FYI!

Upcoming Board Meetings

  • February 26th - Central Office
  • April 23rd - Central Office
  • June 25th - East Haven
  • August 27th - Central Office
  • October 22nd - Old Fort
  • December 17th - Central Office

The Board Meetings will be held every other month. Dates are subject to change due to weather or holidays.

2026 Holiday Closings

  • January 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • February 16, 2026 - President's Day
  • April 3, 2026 - Good Friday
  • May 25, 2026 - Memorial Day
  • June 19, 2026 - Juneteenth Day
  • July 3, 2026 - Independence Day
  • September 7, 2026 - Labor Day
  • October 12, 2026 - Columbus Day
  • November 11, 2026 - Veterans' Day
  • November 26-November 27, 2026 - Thanksgiving Day & Day After
  • December 24-December 25, 2026 - Christmas Break

WHA Online Payments

All online payments will charge a $2.00 convenience fee.
An email confirmation will serve as your receipt of payment.

Employment Opportunities 

If interested, please email sandra@wha-nc.org

If your vehicle is towed from "No Parking" zones, you may contact George Stokes of Stokes Towing and Recovery, to make arrangements to pick it up. He can be reached at 910-770-2194.

Deborah Rodgers
Monday-Friday (Oak Crest)

Julie Finn:
Clifton Meadows 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Amie Bryant:
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday (Old Fort)
Tuesday & Thursday (Westbrooke)

Kimberly Kidwell
Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 am - 11:00 am (East Haven)
Wednesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (East Haven)
(Eastern Village & Eastern Village Annex)
Monday & Friday 8:30 - 5:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday 1:00 - 5:00 pm

WHA Phone Number - 252.946.0061
Website - www.washingtonhousingauthority.org 
City of Washington Non-Emergency Number - 252.946.1444
WHA Maintenance Line - 252.946.9977
WHA Maintenance "AFTER HOURS" Line - 252.944.5283