Making Things Work - A Monthly Newsletter from Everett Housing Authority
October 2023 | Issues 13

Government Shutdown: What it Means for EHA & Those We Serve

If the government decides to shut down October 1, 2023, we’d like to reiterate that as a local agency (not a federal agency), we will remain open and continue working. We will not have any immediate impacts from the shutdown and expect to have enough Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) through the rest of the calendar year. We will post any updates on our website and Facebook page.

October 2: National Custodial Worker's Recognition Day

Did you know that EHA has 21 staff in maintenance and facilities? We are so thankful for the work they do to help keep our offices and properties in tip-top shape! From setup to clean-up and everything in between, they really do it all. If you see someone from our maintenance and facilities team on October 2, please let them know you appreciate them!

Resource: Free COVID Tests (4 Per Household)

Get four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests this fall on COVIDTests.gov! Every U.S. household may place an order to receive four free COVID-⁠19 rapid tests delivered directly to your home.

Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

The U.S. government will continue to make COVID-⁠19 tests available to uninsured individuals and underserved communities through existing outreach programs. Please contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location near you to learn how to access low- or no-cost COVID-⁠19 tests provided by the federal government.

Lead Comes from Paint...And Much More Than You May Think

Lead is a common metal that has been used in products for hundreds of years. It is a naturally occurring heavy metal that is toxic when it enters our bodies. Lead poisoning occurs through ingestion (when lead enters the body through the mouth) or inhalation (when lead enters the body through breathing in lead dust). You may be aware of paint as a common source of lead, however, there are many more sources of lead that you should be aware of to protect you and your family from lead poisoning.

Lead exposure can occur if you or a family member works in a job or participates in a hobby that uses lead (smelting, firing ranges, demolition, home remodeling, battery manufacturing, stained glass, making fishing lures and sinkers, furniture refinishing, etc.). Other sources of lead include imported candies and spices, traditional remedies or cosmetics (such as Azarcon, Greta, Kohl, Kajal, Surma, Sindoor), dishware with lead-containing glaze or paint, aluminum pressure cookers, and certain inexpensive children’s jewelry or costume jewelry.

Take some time to think about any potential sources of lead that you and your family may be exposed to and take the necessary steps to remove and/or limit exposure to sources of lead and prevent lead poisoning.

For more information, visit: Lead in Children | Snohomish County Health Department, WA (snohd.org)

For questions or comments, contact us by phone at 425-258-8401 or by email at leadprogram@co.snohomish.wa.us

How Do I Contact My Housing Specialist?

If you live at a property owned by EHA, please contact your property management staff with questions related to your PBV assistance. If you have a tenant-based voucher, or live in a PBV unit owned by someone other than EHA, the best way to reach your assigned Housing Specialist is by contacting cs@evha.org.You can also view your Specialist in RENTCafé by logging in and selecting "Basic Information."

MTW: Review of Changes from 2022-2023

The Tiered Rent Study began earlier this year, with some residents enrolling in the study and others not. Learn more about the study here. MTW gives housing authorities waivers from many of the regular rules and lets them use funding in new ways. EHA will remain an MTW agency for at least 20 years, which is the length of the HUD contract. Here are some other MTW changes you may see with us over time (learn more by reviewing our Key MTW Documents on our website):

Asset Verification Over $50,000 (Reexaminations)
Who this affects: All EHA households
Through this waiver, at your reexamination you will only be required to verify assets (bank accounts, investments, etc.) that exceed $50,000. Previously, you needed to provide documents to verify your assets over $5,000.

Priority for Certain Tenant Based Voucher Assistance
Who this affects: PBV households and households on the voucher waiting list
EHA has implemented a policy of providing one voucher to assist someone from the tenant-based waiting list for each moving voucher given to a tenant moving out of a PBV unit.

Reexamination Income Verifications
Who this affects: EHA staff, as this is an internal process change
The hierarchy of documents used to verify income for reexaminations has been modified to reduce burden on staff and participants.

Interested in making a difference? Do you have questions or feedback?

• ​Join the Resident Advisory Board - Please email Chris Neblett, our Hearing Officer and Admin. Supervisor, if interested in joining this board: chrisn@evha.orgNext meeting will be in December or January.
• Submit a Comment - MTW@evha.org or call 425-339-1006 (voicemail only)
• Visit our Website - Visit our MTW landing page on our website to keep up to date on changes, events, FAQs, and more: evha.org/mtw

Unlearning Columbus Day Myths: Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day

Article from National Museum of the American Indian.

VAWA: Violence Against Women Act

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Under VAWA, applicants and tenants of certain HUD rental assistance programs may not be denied housing, evicted, or have their housing assistance terminated because they have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Additionally, survivors must be able to access certain remedies, such as the ability to request an emergency transfer for safety reasons related to the violence. These protections apply to all victims of domestic violence, regardless of gender.

If a housing provider or survivor is unclear on VAWA’s protections, they can visit their website, which serves as a clearinghouse for HUD’s VAWA resources. The site features FAQs on VAWA housing protections, VAWA trainings, related forms and legal authorities, as well as referrals to direct services for survivors.

October is: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to remember the importance of regular breast exams and screenings. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women, and early detection is essential for successful treatment. Throughout the month of October, there are numerous events and campaigns aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, including walks, runs, and fundraisers. It is also important to recognize that breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of gender, and to encourage everyone to prioritize their health by regularly checking for any changes or abnormalities in their breast tissue. By spreading awareness and supporting research efforts, we can work towards a future where breast cancer is no longer a threat to our loved ones or ourselves.

For Breast Cancer Resources, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Ticket to Work Program

Social Security's Ticket to Work Program supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64 who want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. The Ticket Program helps people with disabilities progress toward financial independence. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability and are ages 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program.

Interested in getting started? Meet Ben! Ben will guide you through the Social Security's Ticket to Work Program and give you more information about their free employment support services. Start your journey here: https://choosework.ssa.gov/about/get-started-today/

List of Snohomish County Pumpkin Patches

Most of these farms require advance ticket purchases, especially for the weekends. Please click their name to visit their website.

The Farm at Swan's Trail | 7301 Rivershore Rd., Snohomish | Oct. 1-31
Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Hay Ride, Petting Farm, Food & Beverage, Kids Activities

Stocker Farm/Stalker Farm | 8705 Marsh Rd. Snohomish | Oct. 1-31
Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Haunted House, Food & Bevereage, Kids Activities

Bob's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch | 10917 Elliott Rd., Snohomish | Oct. 1-31
Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Hay Ride, Food & Beverage, Kids Activities

Craven Farm | 13817 Shorts School Rd., Snohomish | Oct. 1-31
Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Hay Ride, Petting Farm, Food and Beverage, Kids Activities

Bailey Vegetable Farm | 12711 Springhetti Rd., Snohomish | Oct. 1-31
Pumpkin Patch, Hay Ride, Food & Beverage, Kids Activities

Thomas Family Farm | 9010 Marsh Rd., Snohomish | Oct. 1-31
Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Hay Ride, Food and Beverage, Kids Activities

Carleton Farms | 630 Sunnyside Blvd. SE, Lake Stevens | Oct. 1-31
Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Hay Ride, Haunted House, Petting Farm, Food & Beverage, Kids Activities

Novelty Hill Farm | 26617 Northeast 124th St., Duvall | Fridays-Sundays | Oct 1-31
Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Petting Farm, Food & Beverage, Kids Activities

Fairbank Farm | 15308 52nd Ave W, Edmonds | Weekends | Oct. 1-31
Pumpkin Patch, Petting Farm, Kids Activities

Nile Nightmares Haunted House | 6601 244th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace | Fridays-Sundays | Oct. 1-31
Haunted House, Food & Beverage

More information on this list of pumpkin patches and haunted houses can be found here.

October Events:

Everett Virtual Job Fair: Tuesday, October 10 | Online | 11AM-2PM | FREE | Register Here
Attending this job fair will save you time and energy finding a job. You may have already sent dozens of resumes to employers, only to wonder why they don’t get back to you. The key is getting in front of the right recruiter or hiring manager at the right time. Register today to make sure you’re one of the candidates hired at this job fair.

Everett Farmers Market: Sundays (ends October 29) | 2930 Wetmore Ave. Everett | 10:30AM-3PM

Local Library Events: Daily | All Ages | FREE
Check out your local library for free events and activities! From baby storytime to learning a new craft, there’s something for everyone - no matter what age! 
Sno-Isle Libraries: Click here
Everett Public Libraries: Click here

Everett Art Walk: Thursday, October 19 | Downtown Everett | 5PM-9PM | FREE
Everett’s monthly showcase for artists, in the downtown core in the City of Everett, WA. on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

Downtown Trick-or-Treating: Saturday, October 28 | Downtown Everett | 12PM-5PM | FREE
Bring your little monsters, princesses, superheroes, and witches to trick or treat at businesses in Downtown Everett - the Downtown Everett Association will have games, snacks, music, fun activities, and - of course - lots of candy!