Making Things Work - A Monthly Newsletter from Everett Housing Authority

July 2023 | Issue 11

Upcoming Events: All EHA offices will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Learn More: The Fourth of July

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2023 is on Tuesday, July 4. Learn more by continuing to read this article on History.com.

Contacting Your Voucher Specialist

Specialists are assigned based on the zip code of your address. If you are part of the rent study, your contact will be a THRIVE Program Specialist. If you are not part of the rent study and are served by the traditional HCV team, your contact will be an HCV Certification Specialist. Please note: some individuals may have a different specialist assigned to them than what is listed. View certification specialists here.

You can also view your Specialist in RENTCafé by logging in and selecting "Basic Information" (see below):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wildfire Safety Tips

By Travis Arrington, EHA Maintenance Manager & Safety Officer

Forecasters are warning of greater than normal wildfire potential from July through September. Breathing wildfire smoke is not good for anyone, but children, older adults, and people with existing lung and heart conditions are more at-risk for severe health impacts during smoke events. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family during a smoke event is to stay indoors and take steps to keep your indoor air clean:

• Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner with HEPA filter. See choosing a portable air cleaner for ideas.
• Assemble your own DIY Air Filter
• Create a Clean Air Room

View printable tip cards to use as reminders of what to do if experiencing extreme heat or wildfire smoke: English, Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian

Resident Survey Results: How Did We Do at EHA

We would like to thank all of the residents that participated in the surveys this year. We received so many responses (just shy of 1,000!), which is some of the most engagement we have seen!

According to our HCV participant survey, when it comes to their EHA Certification Specialist:

• 83% agree staff are good listeners
• 81% agree staff conduct themselves professionally
• 76% agree staff explain the program and answer questions
• 75% agree staff return calls in a timely manner
• 71% agree staff treat them with respect

For EHA residents who completed the survey and live at our properties, when it comes to EHA property management staff:

• 92% agree they are treated with respect by staff
• 85% agree that staff explain the program and answer questions
• 85% agree staff are available to talk or email

For EHA residents who completed the survey and live at our properties, when it comes to EHA maintenance staff:

• 89% agree they are treated with respect by staff
• 83% agree that staff provide high quality repairs in unit or common areas
• 81% agree staff complete work orders in a timely manner

For EHA residents who completed the survey and live at our properties, when it comes to EHA resident services staff:

• 81% agree they are treated with respect by staff
• 73% agree that staff are available if help is needed
• 71% agree staff provide high quality connections to services

We recognize there is an opportunity for EHA when it comes to returning calls in a timely manner, and we are happy to share that we are adding additional staff in the Certification Specialist and Inspections positions. We are confident that with these additional staffing changes we will be able to increase the quality of our customer service.

HUD Strong Families: Resources

Health: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

Are you a new parent - or about to be - and feeling sad, worried, overwhelmed, or concerned that you aren't good enough? These are common feelings during or after pregnancy and help is available. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline's counselors provide 24/7 free, confidential emotional support and resources to help you feel better.

Personal Finance: FDIC Program

FDIC Money Smart Financial Education Program

The FDIC Money Smart financial education program can help people of all ages enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships. First released in 2001 and regularly updated since then, Money Smart has a long track record of success.

Youth Summer Events at the Everett Public Library

LEGO Engineers | July 7, 14, 21, 28 | 3-4:30PM | Evergreen Branch | Ages 6-12 with Adult
Use LEGO® bricks to build solutions to our design challenges or use your imagination to make your own creation!

Gems & Geology | July 8 | 10AM, 11AM, Noon | Evergreen Branch | Ages 7-12 | Registration required
Discover the magic of rocks, minerals, and wonders of geology in this hands-on class. We’ll dig into earth science concepts, explore natural resources, and interact with exciting geologic specimens that are yours to keep! Amy Bergin of Rock Solid Science will offer 3 sessions of this program.

Magic Ladybugs & Butterflies | July 15 | 11-11:45AM | Main Branch
Imagine you have wings and flutter and fly with two beautiful, magical garden creatures – butterflies and ladybugs! Lisa Taylor, urban farmer, and the Garden Critter puppets teach backyard science lessons using music, dance and, of course, fun! Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

Garden Doodle | July 27 | 2-4PM | Main Branch | Ages 8-17 | Registration required
Create a hand-lettered phrase surrounded by whimsical garden elements with local artist Rosemary Jones!

July Events Around Everett

Everett Farmers Market: Sundays | 10:30AM-3PM | 2930 Wetmore Ave. Entrance at Hewitt & Wetmore or Pacific & Wetmore

Everett's July 4th Celebrations: July 4 | 11AM (Parade), 3PM (Festival) | Legion Memorial Park

Parade starts at 11AM at 25th Street & Colby Avenue. See map and more information here.

Festival will be held at Legion Memorial Park and will include live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and fun for the whole family. More information here.

Everett's Thunder on the Bay fireworks show starts at 10PM and is one of the biggest shows in the region. A free shuttle from Legion Memorial Park will be available. Everett's Grand Avenue Park and Port of Everett offers the best views. Learn more here.

Free Slurpee Day at 7 Eleven: July 11 | Local 7 Eleven

Enjoy a FREE Slurpee drink on July 11 in celebration of 7 Eleven's birthday! Interested in free Slurpees before 7/11? Learn more here.

Job Fair: Thomas Family Farm: July 13 & 20 | 5:30PM | For Fall Festival Positions | Ages 16+

July 13 is for all fall festival jobs (day/night), July 20 is for Zombie Paintball actor positions.

Thomas Family Farm is seeking to hire help for our Fall Festival. Work will be every weekend of October day and night. You have the option to work day, night, or both. No experience required unless you apply for the tractor driver, we can train you on everything else. Learn more!

Daytime/Nighttime Job Wages:

• Corn Maze - $17/hr
• Kitchen and Food service - $17/hr
• Corn and pumpkin pickers - $17/hr
• Kids Activities - $17/hr
• Tractor Drivers (co