The Porchlight September / October 2020
Message from Derwin Jackson, FHA President & CEO
COVID-19 is changing everything about life as we know it. We all continue to focus on how to best support and protect our families, employees, residents and our communities in the face of this unfolding crises.
I realize that the stress and anxiety is heightened during this time. Balancing the strains of normal life has been difficult for us all. Some things you can do to relieve the stress is to take deep breaths throughout the day, stretch and eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Plan to exercise regularly and get plenty of rest.
While FHA offices remain closed to the public, we continue to provide services to families and seniors by offering communication and resident support. We are also updating our Facebook Page and Website frequently with any new updates. We look forward to continuing our commitment of providing quality and affordable housing for you and your families.
Our team is always here to assist you, and we encourage you to reach out at anytime. In the meantime, please continue to stay safe and healthy, and thank you for all that you are doing in this fight to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the CDC recommendations and guidelines of washing your hands, wearing your facemask and staying six feet apart.
We are all in this together!
Derwin Jackson
FHA OFFICES CLOSED
Monday, Sept 7th Labor Day
Events in Franklin
Annual Pumpkin Fest - Middle Tennessee's largest fall festival features arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, a free kids zone, circus performers and extreme pumpkin carvers on America's favorite Main Street. (This event is canceled)
Drive-In Theater - Coolsprings Galleria, Franklin, TN, September 6th from 7pm to 12pm.
25th Annual Chukkers for Charity Event - September 12th "Back in the Sattle" theme will celebrate 25 years of fundraising and family fun at Riverview Farm.
Note: Due to COVID-19, some events may be canceled. Please check with your local listings for a list of canceled events.
Manager's Corner
We are a "Smoke-Free" Community.
Just a friendly reminder that Franklin Housing Authority is a smoke-free community. If you need information on the harmful effects of smoking, contact us. There are resources showing how quitting will enable you to live healthier lives.The Surgeon General reports that smoking is the single greatest avoidable cause of disease and death. Franklin Housing Authority has partnered with several local agencies that can assist anyone interested in living a smoke-free lifestyle.
Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking:
Mouth
- Oral cavity cancer
Throat
- Larynx cancer
- Esophagus cancer
Lungs
- Lung cancer
- Chronic bronchitis
- Emphysema
Heart
- Myocardial infarction
- Systemic atherosclerosis
Stomach
- Peptic ulcer
Pancreas
- Pancreatic cancer
Urinary
- Bladder cancer
Pest Control Schedule
Pest Control services are the 3rd Thursday of every month.
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
Here at Franklin Housing Authority, the Family Self Sufficiency programs have continued with homeownership workshops. The workshops have been conducted via zoom, via email and via phone chat. The program is setup to provide and financial information and community resources to the participants of FSS program and any resident interested in the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program. This program provides you an opportunity to become knowledgeable about resources in your community and becoming self-sufficient through financial education, employment opportunities and technical certifications, budgeting and saving tips, credit repair agencies and homeownership information.
FSS Homeownership and Empowerment workshops are held the third Tuesday, of the month from 6-7p.m.
(unless information is provided via email)FSS Homeownership Workshop Schedule
Participants look for an email on Homeownership
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Tuesday, October 20, 2020If you are interested in the Family Self Sufficiency Program please feel free to email Chris Ward or call l 615-794-1247 ext. 213.
The Future is Ours (FOURS) Scholarship Program
The Future is OURS (FOURS) Scholarship is designed to help fill the gaps that other awarded grants and scholarships may not cover toward a student's college education. The funds are available to be used during the time a student is enrolled in some form of higher education (2yr, 4yr or trade school). All students that successfully complete the program are granted a minimum of $1,000 per year of higher education and up to $5,000 per year. All high school students living within Franklin Housing Authority are eligible and must meet the criteria of being listed on the current lease, earn minimum 295 cumulative points throughout their four years of high school, and must enroll and attend a U.S. post secondary institution directly after high school graduation.
- Assistance is given to the senior participants in completing the TN Promise and FAFSA.
- Assistance in enrolling into Colleges, Universities or Trade Schools.
- College tours are taken during summer break.
- Participants should attend the Williamson County College Fair which is held in September.
- Community Service resources and opportunities will be provided.
- Exposure to cultural events and art.
- Mentoring... and much more.
If you have an upcoming freshman or a high school student and would like to learn more about the Franklin Housing Collaborative The Future is OURS Scholarship Program, please do not hesitate to email Chris Ward or call 615-794-1247 ext. 213.
Social Services Opportunities and Event Information
FHA Community Center Rental
Franklin Housing Authority Community Center rentals - All residents must be in good standing with FHA (rent must be current to utilize the facility)."Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FHA Community Center is not available for rental until further notice."
- Community rooms are rented in 4 hours blocks, which includes setup and breakdown.
- Separate money orders/checks should be provided for the deposit and fee (first come/first serve), secures your rental date.
- Person renting the facility is responsible for completing the contract agreement and providing payment to FHA staff.
FHA Social Services Educational Information
Begin Anew - GED training, computer classes, and ESL, 1350 West main Street, Franklin, TN.
Office Number: 615-977-8908
Begin A NewWorkforce Essentials - High School Equivalency Diploma (Hi-set), computer classes, and ESL, 118 Seaboard Lane, Franklin, TN.
Office Number: 615-790-3311
Workforce EssentialsColumbia State Community College - 2 year college, 1228 Liberty Pike, Franklin, TN.
Office Number: 615-790-440
Williamson CampusFranklin Special School District-Pre-K program 2020-2021- are accepting applications online.
Community Upcoming Events
- One Gen Away Food Giveaway
September 19, 2020 @ 9:00am - 11:00am
(or until resources run out)- Columbia State Community College
1665 Hampshire Pike, TN 38401 United States
September 26, 2020 @ 9:00am - 11:00am
(or until resources run out)- Grace Chapel
3279 Southall Rd, TN 37064 United States
October 10, 2020 @ 9:00am - 11:00am
(or until resources run out)- Fairview Middle School
7200 Cumberland Drive, TN 37062 United States
Employment Opportunities
Contact The American Job Center TN - Mid Cumberland Workforce Services, 118 Seaboard Lane, Franklin, TN 37067
Contact us by phone at (615) 370-6004.
Mid Cumberland Workforce Services
To all residents: Please call 211 for non-emergent assistance or 911 for emergencies.
Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency - ROSS
Educational and Employment Opportunities:
For employment, please contact: Matt Murphy, Lead Career SpecialistMid Cumberland Work Force Services
118 Seaboard Lane Franklin, TN 37067
Office: (615) 370-6004 ext.7110
Cell: (615) 913-6740
Email Matt Murphy
Mid Cumberland Work Force ServicesFor all Adult Education/HiSet/High School Equivalent and English as a Second Language (ESL) testing, classes and schedules; please contact Jody Kammerud at The American Jobs Center 118 Seaboard Lane, Suite 109 or by phone at (615) 370-6004 ext. 7115.
Columbia State Community College
Learn how adults can attend Columbia State tuition-free through the Tennessee Reconnect program.
Columbia State Community College Contact:
931.540.2790
931.560.4125 Fax
Admissions Email
To learn more about the Resident Opportunities and the Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program, please contact John Davis at 615-794-1247 ext. 231.
Important Reminders for Our Residents
- Warrants are being filed each month for current month balances. All balances should be paid in a timely manner to avoid a warrant.
- All money orders and checks should be completely filled out prior to mailing, dropping it in the rent collection box or at the reception window. Write out the entire business name.
- Income Reporting: ALL income has to be reported, whether it is Child Support, Social Security, Wages from a job, Unemployment, or AFDC from the Department of Human Services. This includes income from all heads-of-household and adult (18 and over) household members. HUD has a system in place, called EIV [Enterprise Income Verification System] that can pull all income sources, except child support and AFDC.
It is important to us that you understand these policies. If you have any questions, call 615-794-1247, ext. 212 and speak with Tena Hardy-Payne or 615-721-8445 and speak to Christina Woodard about Reddick Street Apartments.
Important Dates For September / October
- Rent due on the 1st
- Late fees apply after the 10th, after the 5th for Reddick Street
- Detainer warrants will be filed on current month balances
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