January- March 2025 Newsletter
BOLIVAR HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER
January- March 2025
From the ED's Desk:
Baby, it's cold outside!
The Christmas and New Year's holiday past and then the snow came. Next, was the extremely cold weather when an Arctic Polar Vortex swept down south. New Orleans, north Florida and the Gulf Shore beaches all had several inches snow and frigid cold weather! What is going on?
Due to this extreme cold weather some physical problems, such as frozen water pipes and malfunctioning heating units, may occur.
If you have any problems with the water pipes or the heating unit, please contact the Bolivar Housing Authority office at 731-658-3419 or the maintenance 24-hour cell phone at 731-609-3248.
For you personally:
1. Dress appropriately for the weather;
2. Get your flu and related vaccinations;
3. Keep your skin moisturized with lotions and ointments designed for skin;
4. Be careful when in icy conditions.
For your apartment unit:
1. Protect water pipes to keep them from freezing by opening kitchen cabinet doors allowing heat on the pipes;
2. Report gaps around windows and doors allowing in excessive cold air for maintenance to caulk;
3. Monitor the heating inside the unit to assure sufficient heat.
Proper Use of Thermostat
All of the apartments at Eastside Court, Chickasaw Village and Northside Heights now have central heat and air conditioning.
At Eastside Court and Northside Heights the heating units are natural gas powered furnaces. At Chickasaw Village the heating is all electric heat pumps.
The thermostats used at Eastside and Northside are different than those used at Chickasaw.
For all thermostat use, try NOT to:
1. Use the thermostat to turn the unit "on and "off", in order to regulate the heat (or cool). (Set the thermostat on a temperature [say 75 degrees].
2. If you want the temperature a little warmer adjust the temperature setting up a few degrees (say to 78 degrees) and if you want it cooler, down a few degrees.
3. The same goes for the heat pumps at Chickasaw Village. (However, if the heat pump does not get to the heat temperature desired, or if the outside unit freezes, you might have to use the "emergency heat" button.
4. Again, DO NOT turn the unit "on" and "off".
5. DO NOT set the thermostat to maximum heat temperature (90 degrees) and then off. This could disrupt the calibration between the thermostat and heating unit and damage the thermostat. Remember, just set the thermostat on a temperature, adjust the temperature up or down a few degrees and give the unit a few minutes. It will eventually reach the temperature and a comfortable setting.
Annual Income Verification
Please be reminded that the annual income verification process has started and Susan needs your proof of income. According to HUD Guideline 4350.3 Rev-1 5-1A:
"Owners must determine the amount of a family's income before the family is allowed to move into assisted housing and at least annually thereafter. The amount of assistance paid on behalf of the family is calculated using the family's annual income less allowable deductions. HUD program regulations specify the types and amounts of income and deductions to be included in the calculation of annual and adjusted income.
No Smoking Policy
Bolivar Housing Authority does not allow smoking of any tobacco, or other related products, inside the apartment. This applies regardless of the resident's age or physical condition. No smoking inside!
Violators can be evicted from their residences after warnings and notices.
Question: Can a Public Housing Agency (PHA) make a reasonable accommodation for medical marijuana in a State that allows medical and/or recreational marijuana?
Answer: NO!
No. Consistent with Federal law, HUD prohibits the admission of users of marijuana to HUD assisted housing, including those who use medical marijuana. Pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 801 et. seq., marijuana is categorized as a Schedule 1 substance; therefore, the manufacture, distribution, or possession of marijuana is a federal criminal offense. Section 577 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (QHWRA) requires that PHAs administering HUD rental assistance programs to establish standards and lease provisions that prohibit admission to HUD rental assistance programs based on the illegal use of controlled substances, including state legalized medical marijuana. Absent a change in Federal law, HUD does not have the discretion to admit users of marijuana, including medical marijuana, to HUD assisted programs.
With regard to continued occupancy after admission, QHWRA requires that PHAs establish policies allowing the termination of the tenancy of any household where the PHA has determined that a member is illegally using a controlled substance or the use thereof interferes with the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents.
Notice to Bolivar Housing Authority Residents:
Please be advised that on April 21-24, 2025 the Bolivar Housing Authority Office and Maintenance Staff will be unavailable due to training.
The office will be closed and only repair work to be done during that time will be an Emergency. Residents will be reminded again when the time gets closer.
