The Porchlight November / December 2020

Message from Derwin Jackson, FHA President & CEO

As 2020 comes to an end, I want to provide you with a year-end development update. This year has been a challenge with COVID-19 but our staff has worked diligently to serve residents through appointments, phone calls and emails. The safety of our staff and residents has been a major focus and will continue to be such.

Our development plans are moving forward. Chickasaw Senior Community was completed and fully occupied by the end of the first quarter. Residents moved into the newly renovated Johnson Circle over the summer. Spring Street is being completed and will be fully occupied by the end of the year. The relocation of residents from Cherokee and Shawnee is ongoing with the demolition of Cherokee anticipated for the first quarter of 2021. The planning for the new development on that site is well underway and the FHA has received a tax credit allocation to assist with the construction. The FHA is fortunate to have a dedicated staff and group of partners committed to providing housing for our community.

I wish for you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season.

Derwin Jackson

For Covid-19 updates.

FHA OFFICES CLOSED

Thanksgiving Holiday
November 26 & 27

Christmas Holiday
December 21- 25

Events In Franklin

December 4, 2020 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
A spectacular event featuring entertainment by local school children; musicians, performers; and Santa Claus.

December 5, 2020 Annual Christmas Parade
The Franklin Kiwanis Christmas Parade is held annually the first Saturday in December. Winding through the streets of Historic Downtown Franklin, the parade is a community celebration of the traditions of the Christmas season.

December 10 & 11, 2020 Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
The grounds are sprinkled with candy canes ready to be eaten... grab your flashlight and help us hunt for the holiday treats!

Due to COVID-19, these events have been canceled.

Manager's Corner

Winter is approaching us, even if some days still feel warm! We are feeling the days getting shorter, and the nights getting longer.

As we enter the colder months, it is important that all furnaces are in working order. If you have not given into the chilly temps, please give your heater a quick test. If at all possible, please call in your work order during business hours so that the maintenance team can get you back up and running as quickly as possible!

Masks will be required for office entry at any time.

Offices will be closed on November 26th and 27th, 2020 for Thanksgiving.

Rent payments are still due on time.

Inspections are being conducted monthly.

BOC Meeting held every 4th Monday of the month.

Remember to wash your hands frequently.

Visit our Facebook Paqe for any upcoming events.

Pest Control Schedule

Pest Control services are the 3rd Thursday of every month.

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)

Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) is a program to assist the residents with budgeting & saving, establishing goals and plans to improve their livelihood, as well as assist with homeownership for qualified residents.

To get started:
Schedule an appointment with FSS Coordinator email Chris Ward, or call 615-794-1247 ext. 213.

This program is available to the residents of Franklin Housing Authority. The program is voluntary, and the residents will be on a 5 year plan under the Contract of Participation. Participants may complete the FSS Program before the 5-year contract has expired. During the FSS Program a participant, if eligible will establish an escrow account that may assist them with a down payment for a home or to be used for educational purposes. Participants do not have to be employed at time of enrolling into the program. To complete the program, participants will need to be employed and off of any welfare cash assistance before or by the end of the 5-year contract.

FSS Homeownership and Empowerment workshops will resume January 2021!

FHA Social Services Events

FHA Social Service Events are on hold until further notice.

Community Upcoming Events

One Gen Away Food Giveaway
November 7, 2020 @ 9:00am - 11:00am
(or until resources run out)

Columbia State Community College
1665 Hampshire Pike, TN 38401 United States
November 14, 2020 -TBD- Davidson County
(or until resources run out)

Grace Works

Holiday Boxes

Christmas Manger

Follow up with GraceWorks on registration

Inspirational Quote

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream A NEW DREAM!"
-C.S. Lewis

Future is OURS Scholarship Program

(Available to every high school student living in Franklin Housing Authority)

The purpose of this program is to help fill the financial 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 successfully completing the program are granted a minimum of $1,000 per year of higher education and up to $5,000 per year. This program serves the Franklin Housing Authority student's enrolled in 9th to 12th grade.

FOURS Information
Financial Aid (FAFSA) 2021-2022 application process has opened as of October 1, 2020. The earlier you file, the more grant money you are likely to receive (up to twice as much).

If you have an upcoming freshman or a high school student and would like to learn more about the Franklin Housing Collaborative 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).

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.

For more rental information contact Chris Ward 615-794-1247 ext. 213

Please note: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the FHA Community Center is not available for rental until further notice.

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 Anew

Workforce Essentials - High School Equivalency Diploma (Hi-set), computer classes, and ESL, 118 Seaboard Lane, Franklin, TN.
Office Number: 615-790-3311
Workforce Essentials

Columbia State Community College - 2 year college, 1228 Liberty Pike, Franklin, TN.
Office Number: 615-790-440
Williamson Campus

To all residents please call 211 for non-emergency assistance or 911 for emergencies.

Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency - ROSS

Educational and Employment Opportunities:
For Employment please contact: Matt Murphy, Lead Career Specialist

Mid 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 Services

For 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 Dates For November / December

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

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.

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