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Newsbrief - February, March and April 2022

Newsbrief Volume 15, Issue 1, February, March, April 2022, new website fmhanc

Volume 15, Issue 1 - February, March, April, 2022 - New Website: FMHANC.org


Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program
Job Skills Training/Pre-Apprenticeship Pilot Program

Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority & Fayetteville Technical Community College

The Secret to Getting Ahead Is Getting Started!!

Alexa Nash Alseny Soumah Charlies Mott Desiree Elliot Jaimil McIntyre Jennilka Maisonet  Kim Williams Shondra Hodges Symone Johnson Tamiko Hill Tori Barnes

  • Tori Barnes
  • Desiree Elliot
  • Tamiko Hill
  • Shronda Hodges
  • Symone Johnson
  • Kim Williams
  • Alseny Soumah
  • Jennilka Masoint (Alternate)
  • Alexa Nash
  • Charlies Mott
  • Jaimil McIntyre

Join us in applauding these ten (10) residents who were selected to enroll in the Job Skills Training/Pre-Apprenticeship class that is designed specifically for Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority residents. Also captured in a photo with the group is Ms. Jennilka Maisonet who will serve as an alternate if one of the ten residents cannot fulfill his/her commitment to begin the program.

The development of this training program is a collaborative effort and partnership with Fayetteville Technical Community College. Class is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 7, 2022, on the campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College.

The Job Skills Training/Pre-Apprenticeship Program will consist of nine (9) modules as follows: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 for Construction, Appliance Repair, Basic Electrical, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing, Carpentry, Painting, Computer Applications, and Employability Skills, for a total of 252 classroom hours. The Job Skills Training/Pre-Apprenticeship course is an eleven-and-a-half-week class with a component for residents to gain hands-on knowledge. Residents who demonstrate the skills needed to move forward will then enter into a two-year apprenticeship and earn competitive wages.

If you are interested in completing an application to enroll in the Job Skills Training/Pre-Apprenticeship Program, please contact Teresa Anthony at 910.483.2945 Ext. 405, Ursula Shaw at .910.483.2945 Ext. 1101, or Karen Bowens at 910.483.2945 Ext. 1104.


Winter 2021 Newsletter

Hi There!

Murchison Choice Neighborhood Plan presents: The Latest Updates

What's Going on in the Murchison Neighborhood

The Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority, the City of Fayetteville, and COLLABO Planning have been working diligently year-round in drafting a plan that enables all residents of the Murchison community to live a life full of economic, recreational, and educational opportunities.
How?
By selecting a group of Community Ambassadors, hosting small community conversations, 3 larger community meetings, and the successful completion of the Needs Assessment Survey by ALL Murchison Townhouse residents this past fall, the planning team is now working to develop projects to address the immediate and long term needs of the neighborhood.

We thank all of you for your participation!

Have you heard of the Digital Equity Initiative? The Initiative aims to connect all residents of Murchison Townhouses to free broadband internet. We will keep you informed with the progress of this initiative!
What's Next?
You can join a working group starting January to get involved in important discussions and share your ideas around the projects that are coming to the neighborhood. The groups will meet 3 times in the spring to discuss and plan future projects. Scan the code at the bottom of this page to join!


In February, you will notice the 1st early action interventions in the neighborhood: 19 Little Free Libraries and a coloring book inspired by Murchison's very own Wall of Honor!

Key Dates

  • January 10-12: Working Groups Meeting #1 - Project Identification
  • February 7-9: Working Groups Meeting #2 - Project Prioritization
  • February 16: Early Action Project: Little Free Library Painting Day (tentative)
  • March 7-9: Working Groups Meeting #3 - Resources & Partners
  • April 10: Community Meeting #4 - Projects and Actions

Community Ambassador Spotlight

Hello! My name is Kim W. and I am part of a phenomenal team of passionate Community Ambassadors.

These courageous people bring talents, abilities, gifts, and skills from all walks of life.

We observe, engage, and communicate interactively with people on every level in our community, from residents to business owners, organizations, political entities, and everyone in between.

By building working relationships in our community through honesty and trust, we use creative and practical methodical actions to ensure we promote unity, diversity, and inclusiveness in all our affairs.

Ambassadors receive continuous leadership development and educational training so we are fully equipped to better advocate, serve, and promote successful sustainable programs and projects such as the Murchison Choice Neighborhood Plan. We also recruit so if this sounds like something that you would like to be involved with, we welcome you to become a part of a Working Group.

You can contact Kim Williams directly by email.

Questions, concerns?

Contact us!

Madam Dominique Lazo-Johnson, MPA Community Engagement Specialist
Economic and Community Development Department

433 Hay Street | Fayetteville, NC 28301

Phone: 910.500.2926

Email Dominique

www.MurchisonChoice.com 


Important Information From Our:  Director of Housing Management - Darcel Burns

Office Location: 803-J Stamper Rd.

Contact Information:

Phone: (910) 483-6980
Email Darcel Burns

RENT PAYMENT SCHEDULE
(Tenant Copy)
January 2022- January 2023

Month - January 2022
5th working day (before the late fee) - 7th
Late fee applied - 8th
Last day to pay before court - 25th

Month - February
5th working day (before the late fee) - 7th
Late fee applied - 8th
Last day to pay before court - 23rd

Month - March
5th working day (before the late fee) - 7th
Late fee applied - 8th
Last day to pay before court - 23rd

Month - April
5th working day (before the late fee) - 7th
Late fee applied - 8th
Last day to pay before court - 26th

Month - May
5th working day (before the late fee) - 6th
Late fee applied - 7th
Last day to pay before court - 24th

Month - June
5th working day (before the late fee) - 7th
Late fee applied - 8th
Last day to pay before court - 23rd

Month - July
5th working day (before the late fee) - 8th
Late fee applied - 9th
Last day to pay before court - 26th

Month - August
5th working day (before the late fee) - 5th
Late fee applied - 6th
Last day to pay before court - 23rd

Month - September
5th working day (before the late fee) - 8th
Late fee applied - 9th
Last day to pay before court - 27th

Month - October
5th working day (before the late fee) - 7th
Late fee applied - 8th
Last day to pay before court - 25th

Month - November
5th working day (before the late fee) - 7th
Late fee applied - 8th
Last day to pay before court - 23rd

Month - December
5th working day (before the late fee) - 7th
Late fee applied - 8th
Last day to pay before court - 26th

Month - January 2023
5th working day (before the late fee) - 9th
Late fee applied - 10th
Last day to pay before court - 25th


SELF-CERTIFICATION OF ANNUAL INCOME FORM
On pages 5-6 of this publication, you will find a Self Certification of Annual Income form that you can use to report any income changes to Housing Management.
Just print the form out of the Newsbrief, fill it out completely, sign and return it to Housing Management.

Please contact our office if you need assistance accessing the form. 


North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

The North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. Depending on the household's primary heating source, the payment will be $300, $400, or $500. The Cumberland County Department of Social Services will begin accepting applications for LIEAP from all qualified households beginning December 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022, or until funds are exhausted. In December, only households with elderly or disabled persons receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) can apply for LIEAP.

Thousands of eligible households will receive an automated LIEAP payment for the 2020-2021 LIEAP season if they meet the below criteria:

  • If a member of the household is age 60 or older, or receiving disability services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services
  • Eligible households with children aged 0-10 years currently receive Food and Nutrition Services and received LIEAP during the 2020-2021 season.

These households will be notified of eligibility and do not need to apply for this benefit.

All other households must make an application.

Applications can be submitted in the following ways.

P.O. Box 2429, Fayetteville, NC 28302
or faxed to (910)677-2885, e-mailed here, or dropped off at CCDSS drop boxes at 1225 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Applications can be made in person from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Department of Social Services office.
Applications must be completed and signed.

Gross income cannot exceed 130% of the federal poverty level as shown in the following table.

Number Living in Home - Maximum Gross Household Income
1 - $1,395
2- $1,887
3 - $2,379
4 - $2,871
5 - $3,363
6 - $3,855
7 - $4,346
8 - $4,838
9 - $5,330
10 - $5,822

To determine eligibility, the following verifications must be provided:

  • Identification of head of household
  • Social Security number for all household members
  • Copy of heating bill
  • Gross income received in prior month
  • Childcare expenses and legal support obligations paid in the prior month

Households that include a Native American who is 18 years of age or older residing in Cumberland County, who wishes to apply for LIEAP benefits, must do so with the Lumbee Tribe at lumbeetribe.com/services.


Two Ways to Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here's what you need to know about your order:

  • Limit of one order per residential address
  • One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
  • Orders will ship free starting in late January

How to get your Free COVID-19 tests

You only need to provide the Postal Service with a few bits of information to get your free test kits-your name, address, and e-mail address - that's it. Takes just a couple of minutes.

You won't be asked to provide any credit or debit card details as both the tests and shipping are free.
Visit special.USPS.com/testkits. You can also get there via covidtests.gov.

OR

Every home in the U.S. can order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests will be completely free - there are no shipping costs and you don't need to enter a credit card number.

Visit COVIDtests.gov to order your free at-home test kits.

The tests available for order:

  • Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR
  • Can be taken anywhere
  • Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
  • Work whether or not you have COVID-⁠19 symptoms
  • Work whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-⁠19 vaccines

Are also referred to as self-tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests.


Easter Sunday - April, 22


CUMBERLAND COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Updated Isolation Guidance; Free N95 Masks for Public
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Cumberland County Department of
Public Health and Library system will distribute 6,750 N95 masks
to residents beginning today during regular business hours.
Five N95 masks will be distributed per person in each household,
while supplies last.

The distribution of masks will take place at the Department of Public Health located at 1225 Ramsey Street in Fayetteville and all eight Cumberland County Library locations.

Library locations can be found by visiting their website cumberlandcountync.gov/library or calling 910.483.7727. Masks have been supplied by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

"Layering levels of protection continues to be important as the especially contagious Omicron variant continues to spread," said Dr. Jennifer Green, Cumberland County Health Director. "Wearing a high-quality mask indoors, such as an N95, getting vaccinated, and boosted when eligible will help to slow community spread."

When it fits well and is worn consistently, an N95 offers the highest level of protection against the spread of COVID-19 as compared to other masks. 


From the CDC - Types of Masks and Respirators

Wearing a mask that fits well, is most protective, and that you will wear consistently is a critical public health tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Some masks and respirators offer higher levels of protection than others, and some may be harder to tolerate or wear consistently than others. It is most important to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator correctly that is comfortable for you and that provides good protection.

Properly fitted respirators provide the highest level of protection and maybe most important for certain higher-risk situations, or by some people at increased risk for severe disease.

Masks and respirators (i.e., specialized filtering masks such as "N95s") can provide different levels of protection depending on the type of mask and how they are used. Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable surgical masks, and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection.

Whatever product you choose, it should provide a good fit (i.e., fitting closely on the face without any gaps along the edges or around the nose) and be comfortable enough when worn properly (covering your nose and mouth) so that you can keep it on when you need to.


Important Information From Our: Director of Resident Services - Karen Bowens

Office Location: 229 Lincoln Drive
Contact Information:
Phone: 910.483.2945

Email Karen

Volunteer Opportunities
Opportunities for volunteer experiences and self-sufficiency education are available for all FMHA residents who are in need of Community Service credits. For more information, contact the Resident Services office at 910.483.2945 Ext. 1104

Resident Advisory Team
If you are a community-minded FMHA resident and willing to share your knowledge and expertise, the Resident Advisory Team needs your input. Please contact Resident Services for more information. FMHA Resident Advisory Team activities are eligible for Community Service credits.

Help Paying for Internet Connection
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service.

See If You Qualify and Apply
Call: 877-384-2575 or
Visit: ACPBenefit.org
Learn more at: fcc.gov/ACP

For further assistance in accessing this information or applying for this benefit, you may contact Resident Services.


Community Technology Instructor Needed

FMHA is in search of a digital literacy instructor. This position requires a basic knowledge of computer operating systems, internet access, and email account access. All candidates must be available for training and to teach classes Monday through Friday during business hours. This position is only open to FMHA residents. For more information, contact the Resident Services Department.


Senior Digital Literacy Program

Seniors ages 55 and up will have the opportunity to register for a digital literacy program which includes training listed below:
This curriculum consists of a series of four two-hour classes on the following topics:

  • Computer Basics - How a computer works and how to use its basic programs. The class will cover how to use an operating system, useful programs, files, and folders, and how to connect devices.
  • Office Programs - How to use productivity software for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  • Internet Basics - How to browse websites, find good info using Google searches, complete forms and send files, and use email.
  • Social Media and Smart Sharing - Learn about social media sites, and how to protect privacy, avoid scams, share photos, etc.

Class participants who successfully complete the training may qualify to keep the laptop computers used in the training. To register for this program, call or email the Resident Services Department or 910.483.2945 Ext. 1104. Participants will be added to the waiting list for the class based on the date and time they contact the Resident Services Department.


What Home Means to Me Poster Contest

Parents, if your child likes to draw, paint, color, and create pictures, please register him or her for the 2022 Poster Contest. Participation is open to all children in grades K-12. A short narrative (100 words or less) must be included with their picture. All art supplies will be provided! If your child is interested, please contact Ursula B. Shaw or Karen Bowens at (910) 483-2945


Scholarship Opportunities Available

High School juniors and seniors and parents who are in search of college scholarships may get more information by making an appointment with the resident services department.

Cumberland Community Foundation has scholarships available throughout the year. For details go to the foundation website www.cumberlandcf.org. If you have any questions, please email Susan Barnes.

ECHARO Scholarships
The scholarships are funded through the Eastern Carolina Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (ECAHRO) program for the purpose of supporting and fostering the educational pursuits of deserving residents of assisted housing being administered or managed by a Public Housing Authority.

Scholarship Guidelines & Information
Conditions of Application:
Applicant must enroll in an accredited school of higher learning, meaning a Community College, University, Vocational or Technical School, in the United States. This is a one-time scholarship that will be sent directly to the school of higher learning that the applicant is enrolled in.

The scholarship may be used for tuition, books, and room and board costs.

Requirements

  • One letter from a School Official, principal, teacher, or guidance counselor
  • One letter from the sponsoring Housing Authority outlining their reasons for selecting the applicant to compete for this scholarship
  • Two letters from two different individuals in the community not related to you such as your minister, employer, youth director, coach, lawyer or business person, or another professional person, dictating your character outside of a school setting
  • A Certified copy of the applicant's current transcript from his or her high school or alternative school of higher learning
  • An essay containing a minimum of 200 and a maximum, of 400 words

(This essay must be typewritten) describing the applicant's experience living in assisted housing and how it has contributed to his/her ambitions, goals, and what the applicant hopes to contribute to society through obtaining a higher education.

Scholarship Deadlines

  • February 1 - March 15, 2022
    • Applicants are advised to indicate their interest in the scholarship to the FMHA Resident Services Department.
  • March 30, 2022 (5:00 pm)
    • Applications are due to FMHA
    • For applications and additional information, contact the Resident Services Department.

Parent University
All parents of elementary school students are welcome to attend Parent University workshops; however, the workshops are specifically designed to target parents of children who attend the following elementary schools:

  • Ferguson Easley
  • Walker Spivey
  • Lloyd E. Auman
  • Benjamin Martin
  • Rockfish

January 27
Managing Parent Burnout
How to manage burnout, time management, and more.

February 10
Testing k, 1, 2 - State Mandated Tests
The importance of the test - What they cover, what they determine, how to prepare at home.

February 17
Testing grades 3, 4 and 5
State Mandated Tests (EOC or EOG)
Importance of the test - what they cover, what they determine, how to prepare at home.
Refresh station and Success Maker

February 24
Black History Program

March 24
Art Showcase
Showcases the arts from all five schools to include fine and performing arts.
There will be three students from each of the (5) schools chosen to showcase their art Each arts performance will be allotted 2 minutes to perform.
Each fine art (drawing, painting, etc). will get to showcase three pieces of artwork.


Assistance with Water Bills
LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program that will help eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services, providing a one-time payment for eligible low-income households paid directly to the utility company. LIHWAP runs through September 2023 or until the funds are exhausted.

How Do I Know if I Qualify for LIHWAP?
If your water or wastewater services have been cut off or if you have received notice that your services are in danger of being cut off because your bill is past due, or you simply need help paying your water bill, you may be eligible!

Who is eligible to receive LIHWAP?
To be eligible for the LIHWAP program, a household must have at least one U.S. citizen or eligible legal permanent resident and:

  • Have income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level,
  • Have water or wastewater services that are disconnected, in jeopardy of being disconnected or
    have a current outstanding bill, and
  • Is responsible for paying the water bill.

Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit.

Contact your local county Department of Social Services for more information.

How do I apply?
If you need assistance paying your water bill you can apply online at epass.nc.gov/. You can also apply over the phone by calling your local county Department of Social Services, printing out a paper application at epass.nc.gov/ and dropping it off or faxing it to your local county Department of Social Services, or by applying in person at your local county Department of Social Services office.
LIHWAP runs through September 30, 2023, or until funds are exhausted. Applicants can receive assistance more than once.
For more information on this program and eligibility, visit the LIHWAP website www.ncdhhs.gov.

NC Department of Health and Human Services • Division of Social Services • www.ncdhhs.gov 


Kingdom Community Development Corporation
First Time Home Buyers Workshop

Saturday, February 26th, 2022
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Zoom - Online

  • Free funding is available to attend online workshop

Please contact Kingdom CDC to inquire, register, and obtain the Zoom link.

To register and for more information contact Amy Kemp.

910.484.2722

First Time Home Buyers Workshop - All information as listed above


Fayetteville Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
www.faydeltaalumnaechapter.org

Ask B.O.B. Series (Bosses of Business)

Event Details:
Join the Economic Development Committee as our Presenter, Garlinda Price discusses the path to Homeownership and being an Entrepreneur.

Event Logistics:

  • When: Saturday, February 19, 2022 - 11:30 AM
  • Where: Virtually via Zoom

ASK BOB Series - all information as listed above


Important Information from our: ROSS Service Coordinator - Ursula Shaw

Office Location: 229 Lincoln Drive
Contact Information:
Phone: 910.483.2945
Email Ursula  


Notary Service
FMHA offers free Notary services to Public Housing residents. If you are in need of having documents notarized, please feel free to contact Ursula Brooks Shaw at the Old Wilmington Road Neighborhood Resource Center at 910.483-2945 Ext. 1101 for assistance.


Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency
The Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program works to promote the development of local strategies to coordinate the use of assistance under the Public Housing program with public and private resources, for supportive services and resident empowerment activities. These services should enable participating families to increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency, or in the case of elderly or disabled residents, help improve living conditions and enable residents to age in place.

Contact ROSS Coordinator, Ursula Brooks Shaw at 910.483-2945 Ext. 1101 if you are interested in becoming a ROSS Participant!


Family Self-Sufficiency Program
"Helping Families Succeed"
The participants in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program began the 2022 New Year meeting by discussing future plans for the year ahead! As with every new year, participants are asked to reflect on the past year and share what they would like to add or take away from the program. Everyone felt that the program offered so much and there was no need to add or take away. As a whole, all FSS participants would like to recruit more residents to take advantage of the benefits and opportunities that FSS has to offer! President of the FSS Program, Keanna McGee stated that she is happy that she enrolled in the program. She shared with our new participant that since joining the FSS Program, she has earned her bachelor's degree, secured employment, bought a new car, and is currently in the process of obtaining homeownership. We are looking forward to a great 2022 New Year!!


Financial Wellbeing Coach
Tabitha Dorsey of Operation Hope

Credit and Money Management

Upcoming Zoom classes beginning in March.

For more information contact Ursula B. Shaw, M.A. Director of FSS/ROSS Coordinator - 910.483-2945 Ext. 1101


Take Charge

Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)

  • Obtain/Maintain Employment
  • Earn a degree
  • Become a homeowner
  • Establish your independence

For more information contact Ursula B. Shaw, M.A. Director of FSS/ROSS Coordinator - 910.483.2945 Ext. 1101


Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority
Dawn Weeks, Executive Director

Post Office Drawer 2349
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28302

FHMA Office Telephone Numbers

Agency Email

All offices will be closed in observance of the following holiday: Presidents' Day - February 21, 2022