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PROGRAMS
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Through this program, families learn to set and reach goals. Each family has a Case Manager working with them to identify goals that will help them become self-sufficient and economically independent. An escrow account is set up for the resident. A portion of the resident’s rent will be set aside in an escrow to be used by the resident to reach the agreed-upon goal.
If a resident wants to participate in the FSS Program, he or she would have to enter into a contract with PRHA for a period of five years. The rent amount on the effective date of the Contract of Participation is considered the baseline rent. As the resident’s rent goes up because of increases in earned income, the difference between the new rent and the baseline rent is deposited into the escrow account. For example, if the baseline rent is $50 and the rent increases to $300 due to employment, approximately $250 is deposited into the escrow account each month, resulting in $3,000 saved over a 12-month period. Five years of saving could be used to pay off debts or to put a down payment on a car or to buy a home.
The FSS provides services to the residents such as childcare, transportation, computer classes, money smart classes, Fresh Start classes, homeownership classes, entrepreneurship classes, health education classes, GED classes, credit counseling, personal counseling, parenting skills classes, a quarterly newsletter monthly calendars, college classes (TCC), career assessments and mentoring. The Case Manager and the FSS Coordinator may also recommend other monthly workshops.
Scholarship Program
PRHA has six scholarships for Public Housing and Section 8 residents who plan to attend college. To apply for the scholarships, the resident must have a 2.5 GPA, must be a senior in high school and have lived in Public Housing or Section 8 for at least one year, and be active in school and community related activities.
After-School Tutorial Program
The After-School Tutorial Program is for all Public Housing students. The tutoring classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Park Community Center and Monday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Swanson Homes Community Center. The students that attend this program improve their reading, writing, math and computer skills.
Housekeeping Program
Housekeeping classes are held every second Tuesday and Thursday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Residents are referred to the classes by their Housing Manager or they can attend the classes on their own. The classes are held to improve and educate residents about keeping their homes clean and safe.
Foodbank Program
PRHA is a partner with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Every month food is given to any person that is in need. The person needs to make sure that he or she has a valid picture I.D., current mailing address, income, social security number and food stamp number (if they are receiving food stamps).
Community Service & Self-Sufficiency Program
This is a HUD-mandated program that enables residents to give back to their communities while enhancing their employability skills. Adults between the ages of 18 and 62 years are required to volunteer 96 hours a year. To be exempted from the program, the person must be disabled, caretakers of disabled, caretakers of children under XX months, childcare providers for a community service participant, an active participant in the FSS Program, job training or educational programs.
Girl Scouts Program
Girls between the ages of 11 and 17 years meet once a month to learn leadership skills, self-esteem skills and self-respect.
Health Education Program
Once a month workshops are held to educate residents about living well. The workshops vary from watching your weight to choosing the right doctor. Each month different speakers attend the meetings and discuss the different health issues.
Youth Life Skills Program
Youths between the ages of 10 and 18 years are educated about life skills in the areas of job readiness, scholarships, self-esteem, college preparation, resume writing and volunteering.
Beautification Program
Families learn ways to beautify their homes and communities. Activities include a beautiful yard contest, holiday door decorating contest and community clean-ups. This is a perfect complement for the family working towards homeownership.
Accelerated Reading Program
The Accelerated Reading Program is to improve the reading skills for children that are 8 to 18 years old. Children have computers and reading software to help them along.
Fresh Start Program
PRHA collaborates with Tidewater Community College (TCC), which offers a program called Fresh Start. The Fresh Start Program is one of the major counseling components of the TCC Academic Center. The program was developed in 2003, and it was specifically designed to enhance the participant’s self-esteem, socialization, communication, verbal, critical and creative thinking skills. The program was also designed to provide participants with realistic options and alternatives as they pursue and refine employment, career, educational goals, and strategies toward self-sufficiency.
National Fire Prevention Program
Youth residents of all housing parks participate in the National Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest during the month of October.
Community Police Program
The goal of this program is to reduce crimes committed in Public Housing.
SERVICES
Tenant Council Organization
PRHA has three Tenant Council organizations. The organizations meet once a month to discuss resident issues, activities and problems. The organizations work hard to help the residents and to improve their communities.
Resident Advisory Board
PRHA has a six-member Advisory Board that meets once a month with PRHA Management to discuss various concerns, issues, activities and problems that may be affecting the residents and communities.
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