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The DHA Focus E-Newsletter Jan-Mar


Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Landlords

Be Sure to Attend the Landlord Briefing

Decatur Housing Authority (DHA) offers in-person landlord briefings monthly from January through October.  The purpose of the briefing is to explain how the Housing Choice Voucher Program works at DHA.

Did you know that all housing authorities operate differently? Even though housing authorities must comply with the federal regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), each housing authority is permitted to set their own policies by which they operate. That is why it is important for every landlord to attend a landlord briefing at least once a year. Regulations change. Policies are revised.

Attending a landlord briefing gives you the opportunity to meet HCV staff and ask questions about the HCV program such as how to complete the RFTA, how the inspection process works, when to request a rent increase, and what to do if the tenant does not pay their share of rent. You can also receive valuable insight from other landlords who have experienced similar situations.

Understanding how the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program works helps you avoid problems and reduces the likelihood of delayed or abated payments.

We look forward to seeing You at the next briefing! Click here to register 


Important Reminders for our Residents

This is for all residents of Allen Wilson, Trinity Walk, Swanton Heights, Spring Pointe, Oakview Walk and Chateau Apartments

Reminders:

  • Remember to pay rent on time! 
  • Make sure all porches are free of trash and no items (including furniture and bikes) are permitted to remain on porches.
  • All properties, laundry rooms are to be cleaned after each use by throwing away empty detergent containers into trash bins along with any other trash items.
  • Grilling on DHA properties (except in designated areas) is a lease violation and fine by the local fire department.
  • Residents are responsible for guest action in and outside unit while on property.
  • Residents with approved service animals must keep them on a leash and always pick up after them.
  • Residents DO NOT throw wet wipes of any kind in toilets they clog the system, and you can be charged for repairs.
  • Loitering in the breezeway is prohibited (only used for entering and exiting your unit).
  • Residents please always report suspicious activity to the police department and management office.
  • Residents using a U-Haul for moving are prohibited to be parked on lawn at any time.  Moving trucks must be parked in a parking space and not impending traffic or other parking spaces.
  • For annual recertifications, Remember your recertification date.  Residents are required to report all family income, composition, and job status. Residents are required to notify management 10 days after being unemployed or rent will remain the same. Please remember that you will be asked to provide documents that are mandatory here is a list of some items that you will be asked for:
    • State Id and Birth Certificates for all family members in your unit.
    • Check stubs for all working adults
    • SSI or social security statement.
    • 6 most recent bank statements. 
  • Do not put furniture/beds in or around Trash dumpsters.  These are only meant for trash items. Large bulky items you have to schedule for someone to pick-up and take for you.  It is not DHA's responsibility to do this for you. Violators will be fined $75 and subject to Termination.  Please keep our community clean!

Trinity Walk - Community Reminders

Trinity Walk Community Reminders from your Property Manager

Pest control schedule as follows, PEST CONTROL IS A MANDATORY SERVICE. Refusal of Pest Control service will result in a $ 25.00 fine.

TWPestControl Jan-Mar

  • Annually, all residents must recertify/renew their leases at least 120-days (4 months) before their current lease expires.
  • Rent is due on the 1st of every month. If the TOTAL monthly payment is not paid by the 5th business day a late fee of $ 5.00 will be assessed the first day and $ 1.00 each additional day until paid in full, our Rent Information Line phone number is 470-486-7012, when listening to the recording please make sure you listen in its entirety to the past due amount which includes rent, water, and all applicable fees.
  • Unsightly cars (such as cars with flats, broken windows, and expired tags) or cars not in operating condition will not be permitted on or around the premises. Please do not repair your car on the property.
  • Grilling is not allowed in breezeways, stairways, or within 8 feet of buildings, either with charcoal or gas grills. Grilling is only allowed at the designated area located near the playground. This policy's sole intent is safety for our residents, their property, and the community.
  • Resident is prohibited from adding locks to, changing, or in any way altering locks installed on the doors of their apartment, without prior written permission from management.
  • DHA is a non-smoking residence; smoking is ONLY permitted in the designated smoking areas on-site but there should be no smoking inside apartments. Breezeways, common areas or community spaces.
  • Management has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to violations of terms regarding drug and/or criminal activity.
  • Leaving bagged garbage outside of your apartment in breezeways and other common areas is forbidden and you will be fined $75.00, please do not sit out old furniture, televisions and or boxes at the dumpsters; anyone caught will be fined.
  • Guest and visitors must follow DHA rules. Each resident is responsible for the actions of their guest and visitors(s) while on DHA property.
  • Keep your home clean.

Allen Wilson/Swanton Heights - Community Reminders

Allen Wilson/Swanton Heights Community Reminders from your Property Manager

  • Annually, all residents must recertify/renew their leases at least 120-days (4 months) before their current lease expires.  At each lease recertification/renewal appointment, the following documents must be submitted each year: six recent & consecutive paycheck stubs, telephone number of the human resources department, six recent & consecutive checking statements, current months savings statement, current dated pension statement, current dated 401K statement, current dated SSI, or Social Security statement.  There is no exception to the above required items. In addition, all adult members of the household (18 years of age and older) must attend all recertification appointments. 
  • Guests or visitors are always welcome, but all guests or visitors must always follow Decatur Housing Authority (DHA) Rules.  Each resident is responsible for the actions of their guest or visitors while on DHA property.  Unless DHA has specifically given resident prior written permission, no person(s) not named in the official Lease Agreement, or any amendments will be permitted to use or occupy the apartment on any basis for more than fourteen (14) days within a consecutive twelve (12) month period.  Again, HUD does not allowed resident(s) to have guest reside in their apartment no more than fourteen (14) in a twelve (12) month consecutive period.  Lease terminations will continue to be ongoing for violating the guest or visitor policy.
  • Immaculate housekeeping is always required.  Every household is required to always maintain great housekeeping, no exceptions.  If your household is not always cleaned, your lease is in serious jeopardy of being terminated.  Included with immaculate housekeeping is proper disposal of all trash dumped in the outdoor trash cans. All household members must put all trash bags in the big trash cans located in two (2) different areas of the community. Failure to properly dispose of all trash will require a $75 per bag of trash charge that is found to be improperly disposed of.
  • Pest Control is Wednesday every week.  Each apartment will receive pest control according to their building at least twice (2) per year. If you want your apartment to receive pest control on a more frequent basis, please call Decatur Management at 404-373-4460 by 5PM the Monday before services is needed and your name will be added to the pest control list. As a friendly reminder, great housekeeping helps to keep pest to a minimum when the apartment is always clean.
  • Delinquent Balances: All account balances and credits are currently under review for accuracy. Between 12/19/2022 thru 4/1/2023, notices will be placed on each person's door and emailed to them if they have a delinquent balance. As soon as your delinquent balance notice is placed on your door, kindly call the office as dispossessory warrants (eviction warrants) will be filed ten days after the notice has been placed on your door for non-payment.

Spring Pointe/Oakview Walk/Chateau Apartments - Community Reminders

The entire staff of Spring Pointe, Oakview Walk, Olympic Place and Chateau' Apartments join in wishing all of our residents a happy and prosperous New Year. Whether you've just joined our community or you've been here for some time, we appreciate each and every resident. We look forward to serving your needs in the coming year, simply call or email the Management Office if we can be of assistance.

 

It's hard to believe that another holiday season has come and gone. Thanks to everyone whose festive displays helped to get us all in the holiday spirit. Now that the holidays are behind us, we ask residents to remove exterior lights and/or decorations as soon as possible.

 

How to make resolutions you'll actually keep! Making a New Year's resolution is like setting any other type of goals. You have to choose wisely if you want to achieve something significant. Remember that a good resolution, like a solid goal, usually has a few definable characteristics:

  • Focus - Set a definite target: "Lose 10pounds by June" is better than "Lose some weight".
  • Challenge - Your  resolution should be neither too hard, nor too easy.
  • Commitment - Share your resolutions with others who will help you work on them
  • Presence - Write down resolutions in detail and post your list where you'll see it often.
  • Vision - Visualize the results you want to achieve every day.

 

 

Please review Spring Pointe, Oakview Walk, Olympic Place and Chateau' Apartments community rules and/or reminders.

  • Remember to pay rent on time! Rent is due on the 1st of each month and late on the 6th (Late fees will be applied). Partial payments will not be accepted! Failure to pay rent on time will result in eviction, NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • Residents with approved pet(s) must be kept on a leash at all times. Failure to pick up poop will result in $75.00 fine.
  • Do not flush any baby wipes, flushable wipes or feminine products down the toilet. They are clogging the drain system and you will be charged for repairs.
  • Each year during your lease renewal, rent will increase.
  • Pest Control is every Thursday. If you would like to request weekly pest control service, please call or email the management office
  • Be respectful of your neighbors and keep the noise level down. Quiet hours are from 10pm - 6am.
  • Remain courteous by taking responsibility for your guests and observing other community policies. Guest and visitors must follow DHA rules. Each resident is responsible for the actions of their guest and visitors(s) while on DHA property.
  • DHA is a non-smoking residence; smoking is ONLY permitted in the designated smoking areas on-site but there should be no smoking inside apartments. Breezeways, common areas or community spaces.
  • Management has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to violations of terms regarding drug and/or criminal activity.
  • Grilling is not allowed in breezeways, stairways, or within 8 feet of buildings, either with charcoal or gas grills. Grilling is only allowed at the designated area located near the playground. This policy's sole intent is safety for our residents, their property, and the community.
  • Resident is prohibited from adding locks to, changing, or  in any way altering locks installed on the doors of their apartment, without prior written permission from management.
  • Unsightly cars (such as cars with flats, broken windows, and expired tags) or cars not in operating condition will not be permitted on or around the premises. Please do not repair your car on the property. Do not empty car ash  trays onto the parking lot.

Pest control Schedule 

Spring Pointe PestControl Jan-Mar


Maintenance Tip

MaintenanceTips

Here are some helpful maintenance tips:

  • Colder weather is upon us be on the lookout for our freeze warning signs to let you know about heat and faucet drips.  
  • Please Love your community by not littering.  Place all trash in the trash PROPERLY in the containers located throughout the property.  Please do not place trash or trash bags on the ground as doing so will attract rodents.  Thanks for helping to keep your community safe and clean.

Seniors Black History Trip

Otis Redding Museum

During Black History Month the seniors will travel to Macon, Georgia on Friday, February 24th, touring the Otis Redding Museum. The cost to enter the museum is five dollars. To reserve a space on the bus contact Melvin L. Whitlock by email


Trinity Walk Resident Services

Resident Services Coordination

Trinity walk has 78.2 % of its residents participating in resident services. The 78.2% have received support through our job fair, daily activities, food giveaways, utility assistance, and more. We would love for the 22.5% of our residents that opted out to join us. If you have a resident you know who opted out share with them the benefits of Resident Services and encourage them to email or call me, Lartesha Chaney to opt in.

 

Trinity Walk Residents Assessments

The Trinity Walk Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) will be conducting resident assessments during the month of January. These assessments are done to help your Resident Services Coordinator keep track of your status over time. This will empower your (RSC) to support you and other residents to live as independently as possible through appropriate supportive services and social/ wellness activities.  

Resident Assessment Schedule. (Your RSC will give you a call during the following weeks.)

January 16th -20th Units -1000-3000

January 23rd -27th Units -4000-6000

January 30th and 31st Units -7000

 

Calling all Trinity Walk Entrepreneurs

For the month of February, we will be conducting a resident pop-up shop. This pop-up show will kick off our Black History Month Celebration in March. The Pop-Up shop will be held for one evening. Residents will be able to display and sell products they have made to the City of Decatur Community.

All products must be approved by the (RSC). This opportunity is open to youth, adults, and seniors.

For more information and to apply please email Lartesha Chaney

 

Got Talent?

Parents we are halfway through the academic school year and the DHA Excellence Awards will be approaching soon. If you are looking for ways for your youth to be recognized and eligible to receive cash awards, and academic service acknowledgment, it is important to make sure your youth gets involved. 

We are currently looking for youth ages 10-17 to be in our Black History Performance. If your child loves to do art, sing, dance, act, and love public speaking this is the event for them the showcase those talents.

Please contact Lartesha Chaney

 

Activities At Trinity Walk

We are excited when we see the residents come out and show support and interest in the daily activities we provide. We would like to continue to offer activities that are geared toward the interest of our residents. If you have ideas, please share your ideas with your (RSC) during your scheduled assessment in January or email Lartesha Chaney


After School Program

Here are some items that are happening at the After School Program:

  • Youth Gavel Club - 1st & 3rd Tuesday 6:00pm - Listen carefully to other's ideas. Participate in and lead group discussions or meetings.  Offer advice to help others improve their speaking and leadership skills
  • Boy & Cub Scouts - Wednesdays 5:30pm - Scouting is a year-round program for youth that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves.
  • Girl Scouts - 1st & 3rd Thursdays 5:45pm - Everything Girl Scouts do builds their curiosity, kindness, can-do spirit, help their community, and deepen their friendships, they'll also have a blast along the way.  It's what Girl scouting is all about.
  • G.L.U.E.D. (Youth Middle and High School Girls - 2nd & 4th Tuesday 5:45pm - Create an environment for girls to build resiliency and overcome obstacles by providing tools, supportive resources and services that will help them succeed. 
  • Teens In Action - 1st & 3rd Mondays 5:45pm - The Teens in Action Program empowers teens/pre-teens to face the challenges of the 21st century by providing students with both life and leadership skills.
  • Middle School Outdoor Program - 2nd & 4th Mondays 4:30pm - With two-thirds of the world's population living in urban settings, it is critically important that people find ways to get outdoors.  Especially young people.  Studies have shown that time spent outdoors is positively connected to key mental health and well-being outcomes, especially for children.  This event is hosted by the Wylde Center.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships

Is there a student in your home that is a graduating High School Senior and is preparing to enter college?

Is there a College Student in your home who needs financial assistance to remain in school?

DHA offers New scholarships to Resident High School Seniors an opportunity for a scholarship and all continuing college students a continuing scholarship.  Only requirement is to reside in Allen Wilson, Swanton Heights or Trinity Walk apartments.

Also be on the lookout for the GHARA scholarship Forms will be coming soon all High School Seniors need to sign up for this scholarship as soon as it comes out!  

For more information email Mr. Corey Bivens or call him at 404-373-2949.

To apply for a Continuing Scholarship click here


DHA Recognizes

National Combine US Army Bowl

Big Congratulations goes out Tre'VYon Webb on being selected to the National High School Combine, part of 'America's Biggest Week in Football' featuring the U.S. Army Bowl and the TAKIS National Signing Day. This event takes place in Frisco Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.  Tre'VYon is a current junior at Decatur High School.

 

Choyce Smith

Congratulations goes out Choyce Smith who just received her B.S. in Biology from Albany State and just got accepted in the Albany State University Nursing Program for the Fall 2023.


Upcoming Events

Do not forget to go to our calendar that shows events happening within DHA and our sites.  you are able to add our events to your calendar so you will not miss out on any great events happening soon.  You can see the calendar by clicking here.


DHA Offices Closed

Our offices will be closed the following dates:

Monday January 16th - Martin Luther King Jr Day

MLK day 2023

Monday February 20th - Presidents Day

Presidents Day 2023


Smile you are on Camera!

Smile on camera

In an effort to help keep crime out of our communities, DHA has live high definition cameras located throughout all of our communities.  So please be mindful of this as you go about the properties.


Follow us on Facebook

Did you know that Decatur Housing Authority is on Facebook?  We hope that if you are too, you will "Like" us on Facebook.  We will post photos, news articles and other information on our page.

go to Decatur Housing Authority

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