The Rockingham Housing Authority is asking for written public input on proposed changes to the Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy.
Written comments are to be submitted by May 21 to the RHA Main Office at 809 Armstead St., Rockingham, to be made out to the attention of Chereka Belton-Odom, executive director.
These proposed changes will be discussed at the Resident Advsory Board meeting at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at the Rush Building located at 733 Armstead Street, Rockingham.
A public hearing to present comments regarding the proposed ACOP will be conducted May 21 at 5 p.m. at the Rush Building as well, and will be held by the Rockingham Housing Authority.
According to the Rockingham Housing Authority, there are “major changes being proposed,” and they include new fees and deposits, waiting list preferences and repayment policy changes.
The following is a brief outline provided by the RHA on changes being proposed:
• Deposit will be $125. This does not affect current residents.
• There will be a $5 monthly fee for pets of non-elderly families.
• The late fee will be $25.
• Overnight guest limitations.
• Lease term will be renewable on a one year basis.
• Waiting List Preferences: Veterans, disabled families, working families, local families, single person near elderly or elderly, displaced, homeless or person with disabilities.
• Community service hours will not be required if clients work at least 20 hours per week, attend school at least 20 hours per week or a combination of the two for at least 20 hours per week.
• Repayment policy changes.
• Restriction on housing of sex offenders to the length of time they must stay on a sex offender register.
• Board discussed individual savings accounts (ISA) under the earned income disallowance, and Belton-Odom will report to the board if clients have a choice to choose this method.
The Rockingham Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will vote on the adoption of the new RHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy on May 21 at 5:30 p.m. after the public hearing.
The RHA provides housing assistance under two programs: Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher.
Currently, the authority provides 225 Public Housing Units and 62 Housing Choice Vouchers to low and moderate income residents in the community.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@civitasmedia.com.
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