March 2023 Newsletter
Making Things Work - A Monthly Newsletter from Everett Housing Authority
March 2023 | Issue 8
A Look Inside This Issue:
- EHA Waitlists Open
Starting March 1, select waiting lists are opening! - Public Comment Period
We are currently seeking public comment on our Annual Plan & MTW Supplement. Learn more! - Home Inspections
Is your inspection coming up? Here is what the Home Inspector will be looking for during your inspection
Upcoming Events
- Office Closures:
None in March - Meetings: March 27 at 12:00 PM
Public hearing to receive and review public comments on the Annual Plan & MTW Supplement and Capital Fund Program 5-Year Action Plan
Hello From EHA!
Women's History Month began as a smaller "Women's History Week" on March 7, 1982, and was later petitioned by the National Women's History Project to become a month-long celebration. The month of March officially became Women's History Month in 1987 and gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the historical contributions of women in the United States.
International Women's Day is observed on March 8th. Learn more about Women's History Month.
EHA Waiting Lists Open March 1-17, 2023
Do you know someone in need of housing? EHA is opening select housing waitlists open to applicants March 1-17, 2023 for individuals:
- 62+ for 7 senior housing properties in Everett, Lynnwood, and Lake Stevens
- 18-61 and has a disability for tenant-based vouchers
Online pre-applications only. One pre-application per family.
Click here to apply for a waitlist. The online application is accessible from any web browser and available to applicants using a smartphone or smart device. Applicants will need to have a unique email address to submit an online application.
Properties open for seniors 62+, household sizes of 1-3 people:
- Evergreen Village - 12705 Avondale Way, Everett, WA 98204
- Hawkins House - 9433 N. Davies Rd., Lake Stevens, WA 98258
- Lake Woods I - 12310 19th Pl. W., Everett WA 98204
- Lynn Crest - 4629 194th St. Sw., Lynnwood, WA 98036
- Meadow Park - 1611 128th St. SW, Everett, WA 98204
- Scriber Pointe - 19912 Scriber Lake Rd., Lynnwood, WA 98036
- Silver View - 11109 16th Ave. SE, Everett, WA 98208
Mainstream tenant-based vouchers (Section 8):
- Open to families where at least one adult member ages 18-61 has a disability
- No household size limitation.
Please contact 425-258-9222 or email for language assistance and reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
Park District Update
On January 23rd and 24th, 2023, EHA held two public meetings regarding future plans on the Park District (former Baker Heights public housing in the Delta neighborhood of North Everett).
Access to the presentation materials may be found here.
Access to the recording of the January 24th Zoom meeting may be found here.
Thank you to all who attended and please stay tuned for future Park District updates and public meetings!
Feedback Requested: EHA's Annual Plan, MTW Supplement
EHA's proposed PHA Annual Plan and MTW (Moving to Work) Supplement, effective July 1, 2023, is available for public review and comment. Click here to view the draft Plan and Supplement. To learn more about some of our MTW waivers, view a recording of our MTW Waivers meeting from February 7 on YouTube.
Written comments on all documents may be submitted during the public comment period by mail (Everett Housing Authority, PO Box 1547, Everett, WA 98206, Attn: Chris Neblett), or via email to Chris or via email to MTW.
The Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on the plan documents on Monday, March 27, 2023, at 12:00 PM.
You can learn more about EHA's participation in the MTW demonstration here.
VAWA: Violence Against Women Act
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 HUD's newly launched VAWA webpage, 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.
A New Tax Credit For Washington Workers Starts In 2023
The Working Families Tax Credit is a new program that will provide payments up to $1,200 to low-to-moderate income working individuals and families. The amounts are based on income level and the number of qualifying children (if any).
The purpose of the Working Families Tax Credit is to stimulate the local economy, promote racial equity, and support the financial stability and well-being of Washington residents and their families. The Department of Revenue (DOR) is already promoting the new program, especially to communities that experience barriers to accessing critical information and services due to language, disability status, poverty, homelessness, and other factors.
Tax Resources: VITA and TCE Programs Through the IRS
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
- People who generally make $60,000 or less
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly or those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
VITA/TCE services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA/TCE volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. To find a VITA or TCE site near you, please click here
Please check out the " What to Bring" checklist.
Tax Resources Through the Library
Both the Everett Public Library and Sno-Isle Libraries offer free tax forms and AARP tax aide appointments.
Learn more and receive tax assistance by clicking on library:
Great Inspect-Ations: What To Expect At Your Home Inspection
Inspectors must follow the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by HUD. There are three different varieties of inspections:
- Initial Inspections occur when a voucher holder indicates to their PHA that they desire to lease a specific housing unit. The unit must pass the initial inspection before the execution of the assisted lease and housing assistance payments (HAP) contract and the initiation of payments.
- Biannual inspections occur once every two years on housing units that are currently under lease by an HCV participant family. Biannual inspections ensure that HCV housing units continue to meet HQS throughout the tenancy of the HCV participant family.
- Special inspections may be complaint inspections or quality control inspections. Complaint inspections occur when a tenant, owner, or member of the public complains about the condition of an HCV housing unit. Quality control inspections examine a sample of housing units within a given PHA's jurisdiction each year to verify the work of the inspectors and occur throughout the year.
Inspections with EHA:
Inspections at EHA resident households are completed by our contract inspector, AHC, and EHA staff.
- Contact your EHA Inspector:
Adam Middleton
Email Adam
Phone - 425-258-9222 Press 3 for HCV, then 6 for Inspections, and 2 for initial and special inspections
Inspections with AHC:
- Phone - 510-372-1777 Press 4 for the Inspections Department
General things inspectors will look at include:
- Walls and ceilings - no large cracks or holes, no paint peeling or chipping, no sagging
- Floors - no curling, loose edges or floorboards, or holes
- Windows - can open and close, not broken or cracked, no missing panes, must have locks
- Smoke Detectors - All smoke detectors must be in working condition and located outside of each sleeping area and on each floor of the unit. Make sure you have extra batteries on hand to replace dead batteries in the detector!
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Every unit must be equipped with a functioning, properly installed carbon monoxide detector to Washington State building code standards. Again, make sure you have batteries on hand for if/when batteries need to be replaced in the detector!
Resource: Washington State Health Care Authority - Prescription Drug Program
Eligibility: Anyone, but particularly for those who do not have prescription drug coverage Cost: No cost to enroll and get a discount card Prescription drug costs vary. Savings are in the 20%-60% range.
The discount can't be combined with other insurance, including Medicaid or Medicare. It can be used for prescription drugs not covered by your insurance plan, or by Medicare beneficiaries who do not have Part D coverage.
- Discounts are given at the sales counter.
- You may need to enroll in the specific pharmacy's loyalty program to get the best discount.
- Look up prescription drug prices here.
Learn more about Washington State Health Care Authority on their website by clicking here.
Everett High School: Landlords & Tenants Survey for AP Research Study
An AP Research student at Everett High School is conducting a survey and has asked us to share in our resident newsletter. About the survey: The purpose of this survey is to discover more about landlords and tenants in Snohomish County in order to provide better mediating opportunities and learn about the issues that make landlords and tenants clash. Even if you have never experienced an issue with your landlord or tenant, please continue to take this survey, as your data will still be useful. All data collected will be anonymous, and your landlord or tenant(s) will not see the results or know that you have responded to this survey.
Take the anonymous survey for the AP Research Study by clicking here.
Work at EHA
We're hiring at EHA. We have job openings in Housing Management, Housing Choice Voucher, Resident Services, Maintenance, Finance and Customer Service. Check out our new Careers page and learn more about each position.
FCC Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was created by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to help connect families and household struggling to afford internet service. HUD-assisted families automatically qualify for ACP and the subsidy is not considered income for the purpose of determining program eligibility or household rent.
The benefit provides:
- Up to $30/month discount for internet service
- Up to $75/month discount for household on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or purchased through a participating provider
How to Enroll
- Go to AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an application or print a mail-in application
- Contact your preferred participating provider to select an eligible plan and have the discount applied to your bill. Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete.
Eligible household must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.
To learn more about the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program, please click here or call 877-384-2575
March Events
GRANDfamilies at Imagine Children's Museum
March 5 | 9-11 AM | 1502 Wall St., Everett | FREE, Registration required
This FREE program is for families in which children are raised full-time by grandparents or other extended family members. Learn more about GRANDfamilies at Imagine Children's Musemum and register here.
Dream Big at Imagine Children's Museum
March 12 | 9-11 AM | 1502 Wall St., Everett | FREE, Registration required
FREE dedicated Museum playtime and workshop for children and families affected by a close family member who is currently or recently incarcerated. For questions about the Dream Big event, contact Image Children's Museum via email. Learn more and register for the Dream Big event at Imagine Children's Museum here.
Sensory Time at Imagine Children's Museum
March 19 | 9-11 AM | 1502 Wall St., Everett | FREE, Registration Required
Exclusive Museum time for children on the autism spectrum and their families. Play at Imagine Children's Museum during a quieter, less crowded time. Enjoy a safe and understanding environment. Social stories, sound-reducing earmuffs, sunglasses and sensory balls are available. For questions about the Sensory Time event, contact Image Children's Museum via email. Learn more and register here for the Sensory Time event at the Imagine Children's Museum.
Everett Virtual Job Fair
March 27 | 11 AM-2 PM | Online | FREE, Registration Required
This event is FREE for all job seekers! Connect with 40+ local employers in just 3-hours. Interview and get hired on the spot. Learn more and register here for the Everett Virtual Job Fair.
Multiple Storytime Events - Sno-Isle Libraries
March 1-31 | Edmonds, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish
From family and preschool storytime to Play & Learns and Little Science Lab, the library has something for all ages! Click here to view the March events at the following Sno-Isle branches: Edmonds, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, and Snohomish.
