HRHA Waiting List to Temporarily Close December 1, 2021

Public Notice from HRHA Executive Director Michael Wong:

Effective December 1, 2021, HRHA’s waiting list will be closed due to software conversion and data migration issues.  We will continue to admit applicants from the current waitlist.

We are migrating to a new software which will provide residents, landlords, and service providers increased online access to apply, update their personal information, complete the application and certification process and pay rent.  We are excited about all the new features the software will provide which will hopefully improve client access, increase communication, and enhance ease of use for all involved.

We anticipate that the new client portal will be available March 1, 2022 and we will start accepting new applications at that time.  I apologize in advance for any issues closing our waiting list may present.

– HRHA Executive Director Michael Wong

(CLOSED) HRHA is Hiring! Maintenance Aid

Position Title:        Maintenance Aide

Reports To:            Facilities and Construction Manager

Function: Primary duties are to provide cleaning services at Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority offices and apartment complexes. Also to assist in other duties which include ground work, painting, and minor maintenance in dwelling units under the general supervision of a Maintenance Mechanic.

Duties And Responsibilities:

  • Cleaning – Lineweaver Building, Commerce Village, administrative offices and other buildings operated by the Housing Authority as needed.
  • Monitor the properties during the course of daily tasks, reporting to supervisor any items that need services of the maintenance department.
  • Supplies-responsible for keeping account of supplies and materials needed for job completion.
  • Grounds Maintenance – mowing, cleaning (trash pick up, etc.), weeding plants and flowers, pruning flowers.
  • Painting – ability to paint apartments and all common areas of apartment complex
  • Minor Maintenance repair – other maintenance work, as long as it is done under the supervision of the Maintenance Mechanic I.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Facilities and Construction Manager

Skills needed:

  • Ability to treat all residents with respect
  • Experienced in operating a variety of equipment including floor machines, lawn mowers, snow blowers and other small hand tools
  • Effective written and oral communication skills
  • Able to work with minimal supervision
  • Able to prioritize and complete tasks and follow specified procedures
  • Physically capable of lifting 50 pounds
  • Driving – must have valid driver’s license -able to drive, following all laws and safety rules

This is a part time position of 29 hours per week.

Hourly rate $11 to $12 or commensurate with experience

Applications available or deliver resume to:

Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Attn: Duane Bontrager

286 Kelley Street

Harrisonburg, Virginia

 

Or email resume to:  dbontrager@harrisonburgrha.com

HRHA Welcomes New Staff Members

This month we welcomed two new members to the HRHA team. After spending some time with their predecessors (Emily and Laura) Kim and Anton took over their roles early March 2021. Please join us in welcoming them to our team and, in Anton’s case, to our community as well.

Kim Haines – Community Development and Grant Coordinator

Kim grew up in Winchester and, after much moving around the country, was determined to return to the Shenandoah Valley. She moved to Harrisonburg in 1999 with her husband Jay Hotchkiss. They have a son, Jack, a daughter, Carson, and two dogs. She taught high school in Kenya as a Peace Corps volunteer, has worked for many local nonprofits, and worked as a writer and editor, including for Virginia Business magazine. She currently serves on the board of Massanutten Regional Library and HHS Band Boosters.

 

 

Anton Overby – Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Administrator 

Anton comes to the Shenandoah Valley by way of New Orleans where he managed and analyzed data for the Algiers Charter group of schools from 2015 to 2020. He is excited to be part of the HRHA team because it provides him the privilege to use his nerdy talents to promote social justice and wellness in his newfound community. Firmly believing that the power in data lies in the people and relationships it represents, he looks forward to contributing to projects that bridge the gap from spreadsheets to the actual streets. In his spare time he likes tinkering with different computer languages, hanging out with his cat (Omar Little), cheering on the Saints, and cooking. Anyone reading this can consider it a direct invitation to a homemade pot of gumbo — just tell him when, where and how many he’s cooking for.

Farewell Emily and Laura!

While we are saddened to say goodbye to two incredible members of the HRHA team this month, we are excited for their next steps as they leave our agency. Emily and Laura have both been recognized in our community for their work on affordable housing and homelessness. We wish them both the best as they move on from HRHA. They will be missed! 

 

Emily McCarty has served as the Community Development and Grants Coordinator for HRHA for the past four years. She has ensured funding is appropriately requested and distributed for multiple HRHA and community initiatives. She even served informally as the executive editor for the HRHA newsletter and team lead on a variety of HRHA projects.

“I’ve worked with Emily for a number of years with the goal of using federal funding to make affordable housing more accessible in Harrisonburg. Emily has always been a pleasure to work with. She is thorough in her work, and has a genuine interest in helping those she works with and for. I’ll miss getting to work with her and I wish her all the best as she moves on from the HRHA.“

-Kristin McCombe, Community Development Block Grant Coordinator, City of Harrisonburg

Laura Black has served as the Homeless Management Information Systems Administrator since 2014. She has been behind the collection, training, compliance and reporting of homeless data for the region and coordinated the yearly homeless census for HUD. She is a self-described “data fairy” and has helped many of us understand how data can change the world. 

“When the Winchester Rescue Mission first got involved with the CoC, Laura Black was there every step of the way with guidance and understanding with all my questions; and I had a lot. Her heart for assisting others is evident to all of those who interact with her. I have come to know Laura as a friend and know that she is going to bless the lives of those she will be helping in her next adventure.”

– Vicki Culbreth, Winchester Rescue Mission

 

(CLOSED) HRHA is Hiring! Community Development and Grants Coordinator

Community Development and Grant Coordinator

Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Full-time
Salary: $37,000.00 to $45,561.00 /year

 

Apply on indeed.com

Position Description

Position Title: Community Development and Grant Coordinator

Reports To: Executive Director

Function: Provide administrative and project leadership in planning, developing, writing, and monitoring of the Authority’s grants, administrative plans, special projects, and community development initiatives. Activities include: directing and overseeing the Authority’s grant writing activities, grant coordination and grant operations, completing funding applications, ensures community development and grant activities meet all federal and state regulations, performs complex analysis of development projects, provides project management, program evaluation and reporting functions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Ability to identify community needs and possible resources, develop comprehensive and concise applications for funding, monitor all of the Authority’s grants, and ensure all grant activities meet regulatory requirements. Knowledge of and experience in use of different online grant application systems needed.

2. Ability to work independently or in a team to analyze community development initiatives/projects, develops financials, budgets, and creates project action steps, and work schedules.

3. Knowledge and experience in interpreting complex federal regulations, state law and local ordinances in relationship to grant requirement and community development initiatives. Ability to multi-task, sequential activities, and guide grant sub-recipients on fund requirements.

4. Ability to analyze, evaluate, and write progress and summary reports, policies and procedures, and annual plans.

5. Ability to create and maintain effective relationships with other state, federal and local agencies, build local grant coalitions, and communicate effectively orally and written to a diverse population.

6. Completes other project as assigned.

(CLOSED) HRHA is Hiring! Data Specialist for HMIS (part-time)

Data Specialist

Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Part-time
Salary: $16.00 to $20.00 /hour

Apply on Indeed.com

The Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority is seeking a qualified applicant for the Western Virginia Continuum of Care Data Specialist. This position will assist in the coordination and implementation of ending homelessness best practices to create a collective impact on reducing homelessness in the communities served. This position will report to the Continuum of Care HMIS Coordinator.

The successful applicant must be able to work independently, work with a diverse population; effectively use homeless management information software and computer; apply federal, state, and local regulations; maintain confidentiality, and possess excellent written and communication skills. Experience with homelessness services, continuum of care and basic familiarity with affordable housing and service needs of the most vulnerable is preferred. Valid Virginia Drivers’ License is required.
The part time-data entry specialist will support HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) operations for the Western VA-513 Continuum of Care. This position will support the HMIS Coordinator to help review data for errors, correct errors, support licensed users (helpdesk), and inform agencies of errors that need correction. The Data Specialist will assist in training of existing users and new users. The Data Specialist will perform data manipulation via CSV and Excel data exports into various data tools.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Use of HMIS system to generate program use and demographic reports

· Manipulation of data through Excel, Tableau, R or other data tools.

· Identify data quality issues with entry, exits, updates and referrals for follow up

· Assisting with other data reporting as needed (tasks and reports change seasonally)

Knowledge, Skill and Experience

· Intermediate to advanced Excel skills (Computer skill testing will be requested of candidates)

· Knowledge of homeless services or other comparable human service systems a plus

· Strong verbal and written communication skills

· Excellent computer aptitude and familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite

14th Annual Giving Tree Underway

Every year, HRHA invites community support to ensure children of families in our Family Self-Sufficiency program receive gifts around the Holiday season. Every year, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County families, organizations, and groups step up to make that happen. The 14th annual Giving Tree initiative is now underway, with trees at the Valley Mall in Harrisonburg (beginning November 30) and Agora Downtown Market (beginning November 10). We are thrilled to work for the first time this year with our new partner Agora Downtown Market.

Giving Tree with donation box at Agora Downtown Market

Giving Tree at Agora Downtown Market

Want to share some joy this Holiday season? Simply pick an ornament from either Giving Tree. Each ornament has a child’s name, age, clothing size, and a few items they asked for this year. Purchase anything on their card (or a gift card) and return the gift(s) with the ornament back to the box at Agora, Valley Mall, or the HRHA office at 143 Reservoir St.

We are incredibly grateful for the community’s support of our families throughout the year. Special thanks to WHSV for covering the initiative and Valley Mall and Agora Downtown Market for hosting trees.

Gifts are given to parents and guardians in our Family Self-Sufficiency program to give to their children around the Christmas Holiday. Donations of gift cards are used to purchase gifts for names that may have not been taken, or as gifts for teenagers who may be harder to buy for.

We would appreciate all gifts returned to the boxes at Agora or Valley Mall, or our office on 143 Reservoir St, by December 13. Please include the ornament(s) with donated gifts so we can connect them with the right families!

Thank you!

Moving to Work (MtW) Plan Available for Comment

In August, HRHA was selected to participate in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) cohort #1 of the Moving to Work expansion. Participation in the MtW expansion allows HRHA to develop local policies to meet MtW objectives, as well as flexibility on some spending. 

The MtW plan has been published, and will be available for pubic comment October 16, 2020 through November 16, 2020. The MtW plan will be posted online, on our Facebook page, and available for pick up at the HRHA Main Office during business hours (286 Kelley St., Harrisonburg).

From HRHA Executive Michael Wong:
Franklin Heights Unit in the fall
Residents, program participants and community partners,

The Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) is excited to share our Moving to Work (MtW) plan and invite comments on our proposed activities and goals. We are grateful for feedback over the last month and a half, which assisted in the drafting of the proposed plan. We encourage your participation in our public comment period, the public hearing at City Hall October 21, and the October 29th input meetings for residents and participants.

 

Explanation of plan, avenues for comment, and more at:

https://harrisonburgrha.com/mtw/

Public Comment and Hearing Notice – Moving to Work Plan

On October 16, 2020, the Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s Moving to Work Plan will be posted at the Authority’s website www.harrisonburgrha.com and available for public comment. Copies will also be available at the Authority’s administrative office. The Harrisonburg
Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners Meeting will hold a public hearing on its proposed Moving to Work Plan at its meeting on October 21, 2020 beginning at 4:00 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible.

Pursuant to Harrisonburg City Code Section 2-2-6, the Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 409 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA.

The agenda will be posted on the city’s website at: https://harrisonburg-va.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Residents/Media will be able to attend the meeting according to best practices and procedures associated with the pandemic.
1. Masks must be worn
2. Social Distance of at least 6 ft will be followed

Residents will also be able to watch the meeting live on:
• The City’s website: https://www.harrisonburgva.gov/agendas
• Public Education Government Channel 3

What does the CDC Eviction Moratorium Mean for Me?

The information below is from HUD Assistant Secretary Hunter Kurtz. The Declaration required to be considered under the order can be found HERE.

On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Notice and Order under Section 361of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. § 264) and 42 CFR § 70.2, available here. To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the Order is a temporary halt in residential evictions. This Order is separate from the now expired eviction moratorium in Section 4024 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

The Order applies to all tenants in the country (including assisted renters) who are subject to eviction for nonpayment of rent and who submit a Declaration as described in the Order (HERE). The Order is in effect from September 4, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

The Order does not relieve any tenant from paying rent and following the rules or the law. Evictions for other violations of the lease or criminal acts may still occur under this Order.

Under the Order, tenants cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rent, provided the tenant signs the Declaration that is attached to the CDC Order certifying that:

  1. They have used best efforts to obtain all available government assistance for rent or housing;
  2. They expect to earn no more than $99,000 in annual income for Calendar Year 2020 (or no more than $198,000 if filing a joint tax return), were not required to report any income in 2019 to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or received an Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) pursuant to Section 2201 of the CARES Act;
  3. They are unable to pay their full rent or make a full housing payment due to substantial loss of household income, loss of compensable hours of work or wages, lay-offs, or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses;
  4. They are using best efforts to make timely partial payments that are as close to the full payment as their circumstances may permit, taking into account other nondiscretionary expenses;
  5. If evicted they would likely become homeless, need to move into a homeless shelter, or need to move into a new residence shared by other people who live in close quarters because they have no other available housing options.
  6. They understand they must still pay rent or make a housing payment, and comply with other obligations that they may have under their tenancy, lease agreement, or similar contract. The understand that fees, penalties, or interest for not paying rent or making a housing payment on time as required by their tenancy, lease agreement, or similar contract may still be charged or collected; and
  7. They understand that at the end of this temporary halt on evictions on December 31, 2020, their housing provider may require payment in full for all payments not made prior to and during the temporary halt and failure to pay may make them subject to eviction.

The Order does not relieve the tenants’ obligation to pay rent and the tenants must continue to comply with terms under the lease. However, tenants qualifying as “Covered Persons” under the Order cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rent in violation of the lease if the CDC eviction protections are invoked (see below). Nothing in the Order precludes the landlords from charging or collecting fees, penalties, or interest as a result of the tenants’ inability to pay rent on a timely basis. Evictions unrelated to nonpayment of rent can still take place, e.g., criminal activity. Any state, local, or territorial area with a moratorium on residential evictions that provides the same or greater level of public-health protection can supersede the Order.

Under the Order, public housing and section 8 tenants are “Covered Persons” with eviction protection if they complete and provide the required Declaration referenced in the Order to their PHA or landlord. A tenant cannot be required to complete the Declaration. However, without it, tenants will not have the CDC eviction protection.

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HRHA continues to reach out to tenants behind on rent and encourages clear and quick communication from tenants to work out a repayment plan.