The JPHSDD staff completed an intensive staff training this month in preparation for the management of close to 5,000 housing choice vouchers for Jefferson Parish.

“This training will play a critical part in our ability to provide quality homes to families," said Executive Director Dorian Rawles. "With a new group of employees we want to start off on good ground. It is better to teach someone the right way from the beginning instead of getting workers to unlearn bad procedures."

JPHSDD officially hired 25 new employees to help implement the voucher program and provide support for landlords.

Staff members learned about rent reasonableness, inspections standards, fees, waiting lists and income requirements. 

The one-week training seminar took place in the new JPHSDD offices at 121 Pailet Drive in Harvey, LA.

"We welcome all of our landlords and clients to come in and visit us in person," said Rawles. "We want this to be a place where people have a great customer experience."

The new JPHSDD office will officially open to the public Monday, October 3rd. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are welcome every day.

CPR mantra breathes new life into housing

After examining a comprehensive survey that was sent out to landlords and residents, the JPHSDD executive staff decided to implement a new policy that will help address the biggest issues expressed by clients.

"The overwhelming majority of issues were related to a lack of courtesy," said JPHSDD Executive Director Dorian Rawles. "There are some things that are out of our control like voucher prices and the real estate market. But the one thing that we can control is our attitude and our professionalism."

The company now lives with the culture of Commitment, Professionalism and Respect (CPR). This mantra will be displayed in all JPHSDD offices as a way to create a culture in which we will listen and serve residents and landlords to the highest extent possible.

The policy states that phone calls will be returned within two business days and all interactions will be handled with great respect and professionalism.

"We are trying to make this a great customer service experience and not a place that people will hesitate to enter because of negative experiences," said Rawles.

If you have any suggestions in ways that we can be better, please send your suggestion to info@jphsdd.org and we will respond to you.