July 2023 Newsletter
Making Things Work - A Monthly Newsletter from Everett Housing Authority
July 2023 | Issue 11
A Look Inside This Issue:
- Happy 4th of July!
Learn why we celebrate the 4th of July - Wildfire & Heat Safety Tips
Our very own Maintenance Manager & Safety Officer provides tips and resources for keeping safe with the upcoming heat and smoke! - Resident Survey Results
We asked, you answered! Take a look at the results from the resident survey!
Upcoming Events
- Office Closures:
July 4 - 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 about Independence Day by continuing to read this article here.
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 (Coming soon).
You can also view your Specialist in RENTCafé by logging in and selecting "Basic Information".
Ask EHA: Submit Your Questions
Do you have a question about EHA's services and offerings? Maybe you would like to learn more about RentCafe or different teams here at EHA. Send your question or inquiry to Heather Stults via email and it might be featured in next month's newsletter!
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. - Coming Soon
- Assemble your own DIY Air Filter
- Create a Clean Air Room
Here are tips to use as reminders of what to do if experiencing extreme heat or wildfire smoke:
- Wildfire Smoke:
- Keep Indoor Air Clean
- Avoid candles, sprays, smoking, and frying or boiling food.
- Set up a portable air cleaner or filter.
- Check Air Quality
- Check air quality forecasts and current conditions before going outside or opening windows and doors.
- Stay Informed
- Go to www.snoco.org/smoke for air quality forecasts and tips for staying safe during wildfire smoke.
- Keep Indoor Air Clean
- Extreme Heat:
- Stay Hydrated
- Drink water often, regardless of how active you are.
- Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink.
- Stay Cool
- Spend more time in air-conditioned places and stay out of the sun.
- Stay Informed
- Go to www.snoco.org/cooling for a list of cooling centers and tips for staying safe in hot weather.
- Stay Hydrated
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 | 3-4:30 PM | 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. Click here to register for the Gems & Geology Event.
Magic Ladybugs & Butterflies
July 15 | 11-11:45 AM | 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 | 2-4 PM | Main Branch | Ages 8-17 | Registration required
Create a hand-lettered phrase surrounded by whimsical garden elements with local artist Rosemary Jones! Click here to register for the Garden Doodle Event.
July Events
Everett Farmers Market
Sundays | 10:30 AM-3 PM | 2930 Wetmore Ave. Entrance at Hewitt & Wetmore or Pacific & Wetmore
Everett's July 4th Celebrations
July 4 | 11 AM (Parade), 3 PM (Festival) | Legion Memorial Park
Parade starts at 11 AM at 25th Street & Colby Avenue. See map and more information about July 4th Parade 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 about July 4th Festival 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 about free shuttles for 4th of July events 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 about Free Slurpee Day here.
Job Fair: Thomas Family Farm
July 13 & 20 | 5:30 PM | 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 about helping at the Thomas Family Farm festival jobs here!
- 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 (cow train, hayride) - $21 per hour, must have experience
