NEWS DETAILS

June 2021, Volume 6, Issue 2

June 1, 2021

Message From the Executive Director/CEO

GOOD NEWS! As you may be aware, the threat of COVID-19 outbreaks have been decreasing according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At last it appears there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The last 18 months have been a difficult time brought on by the challenges of the COVID -19 pandemic. Because the threat of COVID-19 outbreaks has been decreasing, we are pleased to announce that the Spring Brook office is reopened to walk-in traffic. However, visitors will still need to ring the door bell to be granted access to the office so that we may control social distancing. In order to be respectful to staff and other visitors, if you are not fully vaccinated, you are required to wear a mask to enter the building.

While the moratorium on eviction has been extended, it does not relieve tenant’s obligation to pay rent, and therefore, tenants must continue to comply with terms and conditions of their lease including paying rent when due. Nothing in the updated order precludes the Housing Authority 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, and make no mistake, once the moratorium ends, tenants will be evicted for nonpayment of rent. Therefore, we encourage all tenants to continue to pay their rent on time in order to prevent eviction once the order expires.

We have an obligation to do our very best and will continue to respond to changes needed to support our residents and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program participants during this very challenging time. The safety and wellbeing of residents is our top priority and we encourage residents to work with us to ensure the safety of everyone by being a good neighbor. We are one big family and families look out for one another. If you have concerns with regard to your tenancy, please first discuss the issue with the respective department and/or manager. If after that you are still not satisfied, then by all means come see me. My door is always open and I appreciate your thoughts and opinions on issues that matter most to you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 309 277-0283 or email me at jfa@molinehousing.com or stop by at any time to see me.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during the past 18 months and we look forward working with you in our collective return to normal operations. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be your housing provider. We are here to serve and to provide housing and opportunities. Keep safe and keep well.

Tips From Housing – Air Conditioners

If you choose to install an air conditioner there is a $120 excess utility fee per air conditioner for the year, regardless of when the unit is installed. This charge must be paid in full by July 5th. Failure to pay the charge by July 5th will result in a $25 late fee being applied to your ac-count. If you install the air conditioner after July 5th you will need to pay the entire $120 fee prior to installation. If you wish to have maintenance install the air conditioner there is a $45 charge, unless you are elderly, disabled, or this is a new installation.

Maintenance Corner – Plumbing Care

This is a friendly reminder that we ask all residents to take reasonable care with all plumbing fixtures. No rags, sweepings, matches, ashes, toys, sanitary napkins, diapers, or other improper materials may be placed in the toilet or other plumbing fixtures. Do not dump grease or any type of food in the kitchen drain. The grease needs to be disposed in a proper container. A strainer should be in place when you are using the sink. The tenant will be liable for the charges if improper items were placed in a plumbing fixture. In addition, a lease violation and/or eviction notice could be issued if necessary. We appreciate your assistance in maintaining these standards.

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) – Termination of Section 8 Assistance

The Moline Housing Authority is here to house and assist families with their housing needs. However, there are a number of reasons families can lose their housing assistance. Here is a partial list of typical reasons that can cause a family’s Section 8 Assistance to be terminated: Vacating the unit without proper notice. Allowing unauthorized persons to live in the unit or use it as a mailing address. Not paying your portion of the rent on time Not complying with the terms of the Housing Choice Voucher Family Obligations. Failing to report all changes in income or provide information required by MHA in a timely manner. Involvement in drug-related or violent criminal activities. Serious or repeated lease violations. Causing significant dam-age to the unit Entering into “side deals” with the owner/landlord/manager to pay more than MHA determined rent amount. As stated at the beginning, MHA is here to house and assist families with their housing needs, so we urge all participants to adhere to the program rules in order to avoid losing your assistance. Help us help you stay in your unit!

Congratulations Graduates!

The Moline Housing Authority would like to express our pride and joy to all who graduated from high school, GED programs, college, and certificate programs. We want you to know how thrilled we are for your accomplishments, especially during this difficult pandemic year. We look forward to all of your future successes.

Respectfully,

Moline Housing Authority

Tracy Bates: Graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Science

Ivorion Dean-Vick: Graduated from 8th grade Wilson Middle School

Ami M. Ekkpou: Graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business in Accounting

Addi Amana Essoessinam: Completed the Petroleum Supply Specialist Course with honors for the United States Army

Elvir Lovic: Completed Black Hawk College I-60 Trucking School

Ramatou Soulemane: Graduated from Moline High School

Abigail Tossou: Graduated from Moline High School and earned a Presidential Scholars award from Black Hawk College

Jamari Young: Graduated from Moline High School

Meet The New Faces At MHA

Kat Williams

The Moline Housing Authority wishes to extend its congratulations and thanks to its newest Resident Advisor Board (RAB) appointee, Kat Williams. Kat is a life-long Quad Citian, graduate of Black Hawk College and current student at the QC campus of the WIU – majoring in Communication. She is a writer and consumer of great storytelling, and an activist – largely focused on disability advocacy these days.

Andrea Wagoner and Sam Norcross

The Moline Housing Authority wishes to introduce our newest Office workers, Andrea Wagoner and Sam Norcross. Join us in welcoming Andrea and Sam to the housing authority and we wish them the best.

Important Dates

  • July 1 – Rent Due
  • July 5 – MHA Offices Closed
  • July 6 – HH Pest Control, Floors 1-3
  • July 7 – HH Pest Control, Floors 4-6
  • July 8 – HH Pest Control, Floors 7-9
  • July 12 – SV Pest Control, #1-36
  • July 12 – SV Pest Control #109-147
  • July 13 – SV Pest Control, #37-76
  • July 13 – SV Pest Control #148-182
  • July 14 – SV Pest Control, #77-108
  • July 19 – Board Meeting 5:30pm
  • July 20 – Fiesta Manor Pest Control
  • July 26 – SB Pest Control #1-37
  • July 27 – SB Pest Control #38-73
  • July 28 – SB Pest Control #74-106
  • July 29 – SB Pest Control #107-145
  • July 30 – SB Pest Control #146-184
  • August 1 – Rent Due
  • August 16 – Board Meeting