August 9, 2023 Resident Advisory Board Minutes

The Resident Advisory Board of the Union Housing Authority met on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at noon for lunch and to provide comments for the 2024 PHA Annual Plan as well as to discuss other issues affecting our community. 

The meeting was called to order by Executive Director Debbie Maness, who welcomed everyone in attendance. Others present were members of the Love Thy Neighbor organization who are interested in partnering with the housing authority to provide community outreach throughout the city and county of Union. Staff present was Assistant Director Allen Whitener.

Ms. Maness announced that Ms. Mary Linda Owens had been hired as UHA's After School Program Coordinator, explaining that Ms. Owens will be responsible for scheduling activities for the children in the community as well as occasional activities for the residents. Ms. Owens was unable to attend this notice due to a scheduling conflict, so Ms. Maness then introduced Mrs. Dale Goff, who spoke to the board about upcoming activities being coordinated by Ms. Owens and herself and explained how the Love Thy Neighbor group wanted to provide outreach to the children of our housing authority and the county by initiating activities that would bring families together. She asked the board for ideas that would help accomplish this and informed them of the upcoming activities that were scheduled. A back-to-school bash will be held September 23, 2023, with free games, food, and giveaways for all children, and they are hoping to be able to have a coat drive and movie nights in the future. Mrs. Goff also advised the attendees to spread the word that free tutoring is being offered for all children and, if anyone is interested, to call the housing authority office to sign up.

Ms. Maness distributed copies of the 2024 Annual Plan and discussed plans to continue with the exterior renovations, moving from Porter Street to South Pinckney and down Tillman, Chambers, Tiger Court, and the rest of the complex until all home exteriors were updated like the apartments at Horseshoe Circle. Ms. Maness then asked for feedback, questions, or concerns regarding the annual plan. All the comments were positive, with residents expressing how good the exterior looked and how proud they were of their renovations.

The committee was asked if there were any other issues or concerns that needed to be addressed, and upon hearing none, the meeting was adjourned.