September 2023 Newsletter
Making Things Work - A Monthly Newsletter from Everett Housing Authority
September, 2023 | Issue 12
A Look Inside This Issue:
- Meet Our New Executive Director
Learn more about Major Galloway and his experience. - Wildfire & Heat Safety Tip
Our very own Maintenance Manager & Safety Officer provides tips and resources for keeping safe with the upcoming heat and smoke! - Back to School Resources
Check out this list for most of your back-to-school needs!
Upcoming Events and Observances
- Office Closures:
September 4 - Labor Day - Holidays (Offices Open)
September 15 - 17 - Rosh Hashanah
September 16 - Mexican Independence Day
September 17 - Constitution Day
September 21 - World Peace Day
Meet EHA's New Executive Director
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Major Galloway as our new Executive Director. With an extensive background in policy from both Housing of Urban Development (HUD) and most recently the Atlanta Housing Authority, Galloway brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success in the housing and community development sector. Galloway will be starting his new role Monday, September 18, 2023.
Galloway was previously Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Regulatory Affairs for Atlanta Housing, where he was a champion leading
innovation and change under the federal Moving to Work (MTW) demonstration, most notably developing an array of operating protocols involving portfolio management and preparing MTW and HUD development submissions.
Prior to his work in Atlanta, Galloway served as a Senior Policy Advisor at the HUD Office of Policy Program and Legislative Initiatives for almost 15 years, as well as serving as the Policy Analyst for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) for three years during the Clinton Administration.
Along with becoming our Executive Director of EHA, Galloway has also been appointed to chair the NAHRO Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Public Housing Authority (PHA) industry task force, appointed by the incoming NAHRO President for 2024-2025.
The appointment of Galloway marks an exciting new chapter for us. As the newly appointed Executive Director, he will be at the forefront of continuing to implement our transformative vision aimed at enhancing the quality of life for EHA residents and revitalizing the community.
From our Board Chair, Chip Burgess:
"Major brings to this role not only an enthusiasm for establishing roots in Everett and the Pacific Northwest, but also a wealth of experience and leadership acquired over 25 years in public housing. We believe that Major's experience, leadership, and team-oriented approach will serve to enhance our work at EHA, and we are eager to welcome him to our team."
From Major Galloway:
"Everett is a leader among leaders in the housing industry and the Pacific Northwest region. I look forward to leading the top-notch team to deliver affordable housing in a dynamic and challenging market by employing the most cutting-edge flexibilities available under the MTW demonstration."
Learn More: Labor Day
Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America's strength, prosperity, and well-being. Learn more about Lobor day by reading the full article here.
REMINDER
All EHA Offices will be closed Monday, September 4, in observance of Labor Day.
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
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
Email Tips: Creating an Account
Many services and EHA programs require an email to sign up and create an account. This also allows you to receive important information and updates regarding these programs and services. The following email providers are free to use and we have included how long the account will stay active if you don't log on or use it before it automatically gets deleted.
Free Email Providers
- GMAIL: Ex: abc123@gmail.com
Account deleted after 24 months of inactivity.
Overall the best choice for a free email account, especially if you're not checking your email daily, weekly, or monthly. - OUTLOOK: Ex: abc123@outlook.com or abc123@hotmail.com
Account deleted after 12 months of inactivity.
Good choice for casual use, but must login at least once a year. - YAHOO: Ex: abc123@yahoo.com
Account deleted after 12 months of inactivity.
Good choice for casual use, but must login at least once a year. - ICLOUD: Ex: abc123@icloud.com
Account deleted after 12 months of inactivity.
Great for Apple (iPhone) users, but must login at least once a year. - MAIL: Ex: abc123@mail.com
Account deleted after 6 months of inactivity.
Better suited for regular users of e-mail, since you must login in multiple times per year to keep account active.
Username: Think "Professional"
When creating your email username, think about what it will be used for - job applications, reaching out about an apartment, etc. Best practice is to use your first name and last name as one word, your first initial and last name, last name and first initial, or any combination of your name. Use "." or "-" to separate words.
Whatever you decide, make sure it is something you can easily remember as most email providers require you to login at least once every 6-12 months.
Resource: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family's income.
After launching in 1995, the program grew quickly. First books were only distributed to children living in Sevier County, Tennessee where Dolly grew up. It became such a success that in 2000 a national replication effort was underway. By 2003, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library had mailed one million books. It would prove to be the first of many millions of books sent to children around the world.
Interested in learning more and signing up your child?
Click here to visit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Check Availability page
Click here to visit Dolly Parton Imagination Library on Facebook.
Resources for the Upcoming School Year
If you have a newly Kinder-age child or have just moved into a new school district, now is the time to register your child or children. Click on the school district for more information:
Snohomish County has a few places around Everett that offers free clothes and school supplies for the upcoming school year.
The school district can provide some assistance:
- Everett School District | 4730 Colby Ave, Everett, WA | (425) 385-4000
- Mukilteo School District | 9401 Sharon Dr., Everett, WA | (425) 356-1209
- Catholic Community Services of Western Washington and Snohomish County | 1918 Everett Ave., Everett, WA | (425) 257-2111
Offers baby clothes, diapers, and more to pregnant women in need' basic household furniture for low-income households moving to a new home. - Assistance League of Everett | 5107 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA
Offers assistance with high school graduation expenses. - Pathways for Women - YWCA | 3301 Broadway Ave., Everett, WA | (425) 258-2766
Working Wardrobe program provides women with up to four outfits for work or job interviews. - Pregnancy Aid of Snohomish County
2913 W. Marine View Dr., Everett, WA | (425) 252-6444
819 100th Pl. SE, Suite B, Everett, WA | (425) 316-8929
Provides maternity, infant, toddler, and preschool clothes and diapers. - Saint Vincent De Paul - Snohomish County Council | 6424 Broadway Ave., Everett, WA | (425) 355-3504
Offers free food and clothes; school supplies; and birthday and Christmas toys for low-income children.
September Events
Planning for the Future Workshop
September 7 | 2 PM-3:30 PM | Evergreen Branch (Everett Public Library) | Registration Required
Join Jane Pak, executive director of Snohomish County Legal Services, for a workshop on essential legal documents you need when planning for the future. This presentation will provide an introduction to legal documents including:
- last will & testament
- power of attorney
- medical directive
Click here to register for the Planning for the Future Workshop.
Lawyers in the Library Legal Clinic
September 14 | 4 PM-6 PM | Evergreen Branch (Everett Public Library) | Registration Recommended
Sign up for one half-hour slot to get legal assistance and advice on civil legal issues, including family law (for example: divorce, custody, guardianship, protective orders), debt collection, bankruptcy, estate planning, and housing issues.
Click here to register for the Lawyers in the Library Legal Clinic Event.
Delta Art Experience
September 16 | 1 PM-5 PM | Senator Henry M. Jackson Park
It's the 4th annual Delta Art Experience at Jackson Park! The most accessible event for artist vendors. Live music and mural painting, food trucks, a mural walking tour map, a pop-up art display, and the celebration of a new public art installation, bronze sculpture Katie the Springer Spaniel!
Make a Fairy House
September 30 | 10 AM-12:30 PM | Main Library | Ages 8-17 | Register starting September 2
Build your own fairy house for indoors or your garden. Artist Kristi O'Donnell teaches basic carpentry and design methods and inspires the embellishments of your wee abodes. Materials are provided.
