The Porchlight February/March 2025
February is Black History Month...
A time to focus on the contributions of African Americans in our culture and life.
Below are links to information on just some of the contributions made to our lives. The information contained in the links below is just a small sample. We hope this inspires each of you to research and find more of the many achievements and historic milestones that benefited all of our lives.
BlackHistoryMonth.Gov
National Parks named for African Americans
Exploring Black History through Poets
Celebrating African American Scientists
8 Black Inventors Who Made Daily Life Easier
Important Reminders for Our Residents
- Rent is due on the 1st
- Late fees apply after the 10th, 5th for Reddick Street
- Detainer warrants will be filed on current month balances
- Pest control services are the 3rd Tuesday of every month
Important Contact Numbers
Call 211 for non-emergent assistance
Dial 911 for emergencies
Important Cold Weather Tips for Residents
Our first round of extreme cold has been in the area and the season is still early.
Don't let Old Man Winter sneak up on you!Your pipes can freeze anytime temperatures drop to 32°F (0°C).
The chances of pipes freezing greatly increase when the temperature drops to 20°F for a few hours.
PROTECT PIPES FROM FREEZING TEMPERATURES
- Keep the heat on: Set your thermostat to a temperature no lower than 55° F, especially if you're going to be away from home.
- Close all windows near water pipes.
- Let water drip: Running water through pipes, even a trickle, can help prevent freezing.
- Open cabinet doors: Open cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathroom to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Disconnect hoses: Disconnect and drain garden hoses before the cold weather starts.
- The first sign of a frozen pipe is reduced water flow from a faucet.
- Check your faucets for water flow and pressure before you go to sleep and again when you wake up
*To prevent more damage, contact maintenance immediately if you believe you have a frozen pipe.
WINTER WEATHER SAFETY TIPS
General:
- Winter weather can bring life-threatening conditions. Stay indoors and wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothes.
- Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or live alone.
- Protect pipes from freezing.
- Bring your pets inside during cold winter weather.
Winter Driving:
Everyone should stay off the road if possible. If you must drive in snow or freezing rain, follow these tips:
- Fill the vehicle's gas tank and clean the lights and windows to help with visibility.
- Share the details of your route, departure time, and estimated arrival time with someone.
- Don't follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on wet roadways.
- Don't use cruise control when driving in winter weather.
- Avoid distractions such as your cell phone.
- Know that ramps, bridges, and overpasses will freeze before roadways.
- Don't use electrical components (like your headlights) unless the engine is running.
Power Outage Safety:
Use flashlights in the day - Don't use candles!
- Don't drive unless necessary. Traffic lights will be out and roads could be congested.
- Turn off and unplug any appliances, equipment and electronics. When the power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment. Leave one light on, so you'll know when power is restored.
- If a power outage is two hours or less, don't be concerned about losing perishable foods. During a prolonged outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to protect your food. Use perishable food from the refrigerator first. Then, use food from the freezer. If the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items. Keep food in a dry, cool spot and cover it at all times.
Watch for Signs of Frostbite:
To avoid frostbite and hypothermia, be aware of the wind chill and dress appropriately.
- Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.
- When outside, stay active to maintain body heat, take frequent breaks from the cold, and avoid unnecessary exposure to any part of the body.
- Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
- Drink liquids, such as warm broth or juice, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Get out of the cold immediately if signs of hypothermia or frostbite appear.
- These signs include shaking uncontrollably, getting extremely tired, turning very pale, or getting numb fingers, toes, ears, or nose.
Friday, February 14th is Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentine's Day, from FHA!
FHA Office Closures
President's Day
Monday, February 17th
The Future is Ours (FOURS) Scholarship Program
Do you have a high school student?
Upon high school graduation, would your student be in need of additional funds for higher education?
If you answered yes, to one or both questions above the Franklin Housing Collaborative Future is OURS Scholarship Program is for you!
Who is eligible?
- All high school students graduating with a high school diploma living within the FHA, Park Street, Reddick Apartments are eligible.
- The student must be listed on a current lease
- Earn minimum cumulative points throughout their four-year high school career.
- Enroll in and attend a U.S. post-secondary institution directly after high school graduation.
What is the Purpose of the FHC FOURS Scholarship Program?
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.
If you would like to enroll in the FSS program or the have a high school student in 9th grade up to 12th grade that would like to participate in the FOURS Scholarship Program contact Tena Payne at 615-764-1247 ext. 212.
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program
The FSS program is designed to assist residents with increasing their earned income and reducing their dependency on welfare. All Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher participants are eligible to participate in this program. A great incentive of the program is the establishment of an escrow account.
The primary goal is to find and/or maintain employment, save money, budget, and increase credit scores. FSS also provides information regarding credit agencies, credit scores, banking, mortgage, realtors, Habitat for Humanity, and various agencies. Most FSS participants are working towards becoming a homeowner. Some participants are taking a career path and furthering their education by obtaining certificates or degrees.
FHA want success for all residents and believes that each family can be successful at accomplishing their goals, focus on their needs, and have the determination to succeed.
If you are interested in participating in the FSS program, please schedule an appointment with Tena Hardy-Payne by email.
We are excited to get you on the road towards self-sufficiency.
Resident Opportunities & Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Program
The ROSS Program utilizes a ROSS Coordinator to link public housing residents with supportive services, resident empowerment activities and assistance in becoming economically self-sufficient. The ROSS Service Coordinator assesses the needs of FHA residents and coordinates available resources in the community to meet those needs. This program works to promote the development of local strategies to coordinate the use of assistance under the Public Housing Program with public and private resources for supportive services and resident empowering activities. These services enable participating families to increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency or, in the case of elderly or disabled residents, help improve living conditions and enable residents to age-in-place.
To Learn more about the Resident Opportunities and the Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program, please click here to email Michay Jackson or call 615-794-1247, ext. 202.
To all residents, please call 211 for non-emergent assistance or 911 for emergencies!
For the months of February and March, ROSS is proud to offer:
Tai Chi
A program for better living...Experience the Tai Chi Program
Arthritis Foundation Certified. Doctor Recommended.The Tai Chi Arthritis Program is an ancient practice proven to reduce pain and improve mental and physical well-being. Tai Chi for Arthritis, developed by Dr. Paul Lam, uses gentle Sun-style Tai Chi routines that are safe, easy to learn and suitable for every fitness level.
Benefits to You
Tai Chi will help you:
- Reduce stress
- Increase balance and flexibility
- Feel relaxed
- Improve your overall mind, body & spirit
Classes are one-hour each. Space is limited. Sign up today.
Class Location
Franklin Housing Authority Community CenterClass Days & Times:
2PM
February 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 21, 24, 25
March 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 25, 27Instructor Name
Kim CumboContact Phone Number for Sign-up
(615) 767-3366
Don't forget to wear green on Monday, March 17th!
Monday, March 17, 2025
Celebrate in style by wearing your favorite green attire!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Job Opportunities