Housing Highlights: Volume 22, Issue 24

Inside this Issue

A Message from the CEO

Resident Spotlight

NRP: Build Your Dream House

Housekeeping Tips

Upcoming Events & Key Information

Maintenance Fees

FSS & ROSS

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.

Help Keep Our Kids Safe!
Please be mindful of posted speed limits while traveling in residential areas.

A Message From the CEO

Dear Washington Housing Authority Residents,

As we welcome the change of the season, the Washington Housing Authority wants to share important updates, seasonal safety reminders, and opportunities for us to work together to improve our community.

Preparing for the Changing Weather
With the shifting weather, it is time to prepare our homes for the months ahead. We kindly ask all residents to take a few moments to ensure their households are ready:

Report maintenance needs early: Contact us immediately if you notice issues with your heating units, windows, or insulation.

Keep entryways clear: Ensure walkways and patios are free of clutter to prevent slipping hazards as weather conditions change.

Conserve energy: Unplug unused electronics and keep windows fully closed when heating systems are running to maintain an energy-efficient home.

Community Safety & Our Youth
The safety and well-being of our community's teenagers and minor children remain our highest priority. Creating a secure environment requires a partnership between management and families.

Supervision: Please ensure that young children are adequately supervised when playing outside.

Awareness: Be mindful of changing daylight hours and encourage teenagers to be indoors or in well-lit areas after dark.

Drive with care: We remind all residents and visitors to obey posted speed limits within the community, as children are frequently outdoors.

Setting Community Goals
A thriving community starts with shared goals. This season, let's commit to making our neighborhood an even better place to live by focusing on:

Neighborhood pride: Keeping common areas, lawns, and playgrounds free of litter.

Neighborly support: Checking in on elderly or vulnerable neighbors as the weather gets colder.

Active participation: Joining community meetings to voice your ideas for future neighborhood upgrades and programs.

We Are Here For You!

Respectfully,
Franklin Scott
CEO, Washington Housing Authority

Resident Spotlight

The Washington Housing Authority is proud to congratulate Shanaya Scott on her incredible achievement of becoming a published author! Writing a book requires dedication, creativity, courage, and perseverance, and this accomplishment is truly worth celebrating.

Your willingness to share your story and talents with others inspires our community. We celebrate this milestone with you and wish you continued success in all your future endeavors!

Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment!!!

Build Your Dream House

Build Your Dream House

NRP
Neighborhood Revitalization Program
Making Home Ownership Your Reality!

In the Heart of Washington On the Pamlico

Start Price: $190K*

*Down payment assistance available for eligible applicants!

Your Journey to Homeownership Starts With Us!

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.

Alexis Davis, Realtor
252.702.9697
alexisdavis@seacoastrealty.com

With 34 years experience in Housing Management, I can walk you through the homeownership application and preliminary approval processes. 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.

Julie Finn, Housing Manager
252.944.6382
julie@wha-nc.org

Click here for the Neighborhood Revitalization Homeownership Program application form.

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 pick-up 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.

Upcoming Events & 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

There is hope. Talk with us.

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

If you see something suspicious, report it anonymously to:

Beaufort County CrimStoppers Tipline
252.974.6400

Washington Police Dept
252.946.1444 (Non-Emergency Line)

Keeping our community and your home safe!

Understanding the 2026 Changes in Medicare

Topics to be Discussed:

Part D - Prescription Drug Plan Changes

Medicare Advantage VS. Medigap

What Medicare Covers

How to Avoid Penalties

Programs That Lower Out of Pocket Costs

Eligibility for Extra Benefits

Free Lunch and Learn

October 13, 2026
12:30 PM
3rd St. Apartments Complex

Hosted by Kimberly Godley
Licensed Medicare Specialist
Call 252.414.0513 for more information.

Trunk or Treat

Join the Staff and friends of Washington Housing Authority for an evening of spooky fun.

Music, Games, Food.

28th October at 5 PM

Oakcrest Community
702 11th St., Washington

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:
+1 305 224 1968 US
Passcode: 056859

In Person:
809 Pennsylvania Ave. in the Main Conference Room

Join Resident Council Now! You Are Needed!

For more information on joining, call 252.946.0061

Bulk Pick Up Every Wednesday

We want to keep our community clean and looking great!

If there are any bulk items put out before Wednesday, there will be a $25 charge.

Thank you for helping us keep our community clean and safe!

Maintenance Fees

The Maintenance Department is responsible for the upkeep of 383 WHA-owned public housing units.

Anytime a repair is needed in your unit, you must submit a work order to the Maintenance Department by calling 252.946.0061 and follow the prompts. There are two (2) types of work orders:

Emergency: Repairs are completed within 24 hours because there is an immediate threat to life, health, and safety to property or to the resident.

Routine: Repairs are completed within 30 days.

The following are considered emergencies:

Plumbing:

Main sewer line back up

Busted water heater

Water line breaks inside the unit

Toilets stop up or won't flush (10 PM and only has 1 toilet)

Electrical:

Switches or receptacles sparking or smoking

Smoke/CO Detector beeping

No heat: October 15th - April 15th

Safety & Security:

Windows or doors cannot be secured.

Gas smell inside or outside of the unit.

Anything that is not listed above is considered a routine work order and will be repaired within 30 days.

Plumbing Price Listing

Unstop Washing Machine Drain - $30.00

Unstop Commode - $50.00

Unstop Kitchen Sink - $50.00

Unstop Bath Sink - $30.00

Replace Commode Seat - $30.00

Replace Commode - $160.00 + 2hr Labor

Replace Kitchen Faucet - $85.00

Replace Bath Faucet - $70.00

Replace Sink Stoppers - $10.00

Replace Sink Basket Strainers - $10.00

Electrical Price Listing

Replace Missing Light Bulbs - $5.00

Replace Broken Light Switch - $20.00

Replace Broken Receptacle - $20.00

Replace Switch Cover - $6.00

Replace Receptacle Cover - $6.00

Replace Light Fixture - Cost +1/2 hr. Labor

Replace Light Globe Only - Cost +1/4 hr. Labor

Missing/Disabled Smoke and C/O Detectors - $50.00

Tampered/Missing battery in Smoke and C/O Detector - $50.00

Replace Damaged/Tampered Thermostat - $50.00

Appliances Price Listing

Replace Ice Trays (2) - $5.00

Replace Missing Appliance Light Bulbs - $7.00

Replace Range Hood Filter - $9.00

Replace Range Hood - Cost + 1 hr Labor

Replace Drip Pans (small) - $10.00

Replace Drip Pans (Large) - $12.00

Fire Stoppers (Unreported Discharge) - $45.00 per fire stopper

Fire Stoppers (Missing from Tenant Removal) - $50.00 per stopper

Replace Refrigerator (Tenant Damage) - Current Price

Replace Stove (Tenant Damage) - Current Price

Grounds Price Listing

Clean Yard - $35.00

Remove trash from roof - $35.00

Improper Trash Disposal (Wrong objects in recycle bin) - $35.00

Cleaning (Vacancy Charges) Price Listing

Clean Stove - $75.00

Clean Refrigerator - $50.00

Clean Kitchen Cabinets - $35.00

Clean Commode - $25.00

Clean Tub - $25.00

Clean Kitchen Sink - $25.00

Clean Bathroom Sinks - $25.00

Clean Floors - $35.00 (Per Room)

Wall Repair Price Listing

Repair Holes Using Drywall (12" x 12") - $35.00

Repair Holes Using Drywall (24" x 24") - $60.00

Repair Holes Using Drywall (Larger than 24" x 24") - $100.00

Screens/Windows/Storm Price Listing

Doors

Replace Security Screens (Doors/Windows) - $75.00

Replace Broken Insulated Windows - $125.00

Replace Mini Blinds (Any Size) - $25.00

Replace Door Closer - $20.00

Replace Door Handle/Lock - $35.00

Replace Security Screen Door - Current Cost + 2 hrs Labor

Carpentry Price Listing

Rebuild Cabinet Drawers and Doors - $35.00 (Per Drawer/Door)

Replace/Repair Interior Door Jamb - Material Cost + 2 hrs Labor

Replace Interior Door Locks - $100.00

Replace Interior Door Locks - $20.00

Replace Exterior Door - Cost + 2 hrs Labor

Miscellaneous Charges Price Listing

False Emergency Call - $50.00

Empty Resident's Trash or Recycle Carts - $35.00

Lockouts (8:30 - 5:00 Monday - Friday) - $25.00

Lockouts (After Hours, Weekends & Holidays) - $50.00

Lock Change (Tenant Request) - $100.00

Duplicate House Key - $10.00

Change Mailbox Lock - $25.00

Duplicate Mailbox Key - $10.00

Replace Toilet Tissue Holder Set - $15.00

Replace Toilet Tissue Roller - $6.00

Replace Towel Bar Set - $20.00

Replace Shower Curtain Rod - $20.00

Replace Window Curtain Rods - $10.00

Replace Medicine Cabinet - Material Cost + 1 hr Labor

Replace Soap Dish - $10.00

Replace Toothbrush Holder - $10.00

Replace Clothesline Wire - $40.00 (Set of 4)

Remove Trash from Vacant Units - $50.00 per load

Unstop Sewer Line from Outside Clean Out at House - $75.00

Maintenance Team

Juan Rodriguez, Director of Maintenance

Steven Clagon, Maintenance Tech

Tee Cee Hooker, Inventory Specialist

Tracey Jones, Maintenance Tech

Phillip Felton, Maintenance Tech

Melvin Ward, Groundskeeper

Cedric Betts, Maintenance Tech

Kelijah Hill, Maintenance Tech

Nathaniel Wade, Maintenance Tech (Clifton Meadows)

FSS Program

HUD FSS - Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Strong Families. Brighter Futures. Stronger Communities.
For Public Housing & HCV Residents

What is FSS?
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary program designed to help public housing and HCV residents break the cycle of poverty and achieve economic independence through education, employment, goal setting and support.

Build Financial Stability
Increase your income and reduce dependency on welfare assistance.

Achieve Housing Choices
Work toward moving to housing of your choice and building equity.

Invest in Your Future
Improve your quality of life and create opportunities for generations to come.

Stronger Communities
When families succeed, communities thrive.

FSS Participants Receive:

Goal Setting
Create a plan for success and build a better future.

Education
Access resources to improve skills and achieve your dreams.

Employment
Get help with job search, training, and career advancement.

Support
Work with an FSS Coordinator who will guide and encourage you.

Savings
As your earned income increases, so does your savings.

It's not just about having a job - it's about building a better life.
You. Your Family. Your Future.

You can succeed. We can help.
Take the first step toward self-sufficiency and a brighter tomorrow.

Interested?
Talk to your FSS Coordinator at your Public Housing Agency

Shakiha Reid, FSS Coordinator
252.644.2396

Learn More
Visit www.washingtonhousingauthority.org

FSS
Building Better Lives.
Together.

Hope, Opportunity, Empowerment, Self-Sufficiency, The Power to Change Your Story.

FSS Graduate

Congratulations, Millie Ebron!

The Washington Housing Authority proudly celebrates Millie on successfully completing the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. Her dedication and commitment to reaching her goals are truly inspiring. We wish her continued success as she takes the next step toward a bright future!

ROSS

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 towards 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
252.402.4032
kstanley@wha-nc.org

Accept Any Opportunity That Comes Your Way!

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

June is Elder Abuse Month

A time dedicated to raising awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation that can affect older adults in our communities.

On June 18th, some of our community partners joined together to discuss resources and share educational materials with our senior residents to educate them about elder abuse prevention and to help raise awareness among residents, families, and colleagues.

What's Happening at WHA

Youth Summer Feeding
Washington Housing Authority Staff partnered with the Beaufort County Schools Summer Feeding Program. We distributed meals for 9 weeks (63 days), serving 3,150 meals to our Old Fort and Westbrooke Communities.

Shout-out to Amie Bryant, Property Manager, and Mr. Franklin Scott, Executive Director, for walking the streets and spreading the word.

We are grateful for the partnership and the opportunity to serve!

Meals on Wheels
Resident Services has joined with Zion Community Shelter to distribute Senior lunch Meals on Wheels every Tuesday and Thursday. These hot meals are delivered to senior and disabled residents in the Housing Authority Community. So far, we have delivered 32 meals weekly.

Hygiene Products
First Christian Church donated a large quantity of hygiene items, including: toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary pads and wipes, dental floss, and laundry detergent. These items were donated for distribution to school-aged residents and families in our community. We are so excited to partner with this amazing congregation! Special recognition goes to Craig Warner, Debbie Answorth, and Lead Minister Gillian Pollock.

Bed Donation
Bright Futures of Washington donated beds to 3 families, which included 7 school-aged children who were a part of the ROSS Program. ROSS makes referrals based on needs assessments to partnering agencies to meet the needs of the families we serve. Along with the beds, Bright Futures also provided complete bedding and pillows for the families.

Back-to-School
We would like to thank Congleton Funeral Home of Greenville and Paradise Funeral Home of Washington for donating school supplies to our residents.





Resident Council, along with staff, partnered with Juvenile Justice, Judge Parker, the Washington Police Department, and the Sheriff's Office for the Back-to-School Bash. 400 bookbags and supplies were purchased and distributed, along with food and prizes.





Photo Credit: Z Photography & Media

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 Meeting 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

Step 1: Visit www.washingtonhousingauthority.org
Step 2: Click Pay Online
Step 3: Sign up for your account
Step 4: Log in to your account, Tenant "Make Payment"

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