Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
I am sure many of us have heard the phrase, "Children are resilient" many times in our lives. But for some children life is harder than for others. We can all probably think of a child we have met or a family that we haveworked with that had household violence, substance abuse, mental illness, a family member incarcerated or a child that has been bullied. Research shows that these create adverse childhood effects (ACEs) that create toxic stress that can harm a child's brain, impact their ability to learn and form relationships, and that contribute to long-term health problems.
"Early childhood experiences have lasting, measurable consequences later in life; therefore, fostering emotional well-being from the earliest stages of life helps build a foundation for overall health and well-being," according to the National Prevention Council, National Prevention Strategy. The good news is that with help children can overcome ACEs, and if we all learn more about ACEs we can be better equipped to help the children we serve.
So I have decided to try something different this month. Instead of writing a full article I'm offering links to infographics to tell the story about ACEs and provide resources to help you learn more. Some of you are already experts in the field and doing impactful work with children in your community, and for others this is the beginning of a journey. If you would like to share, I look forward to hearing from you about how learning more about ACEs and helping children impacts the work you do.
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Warmly,
Lisa Wolters
Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
Seattle Housing Authority
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Cosecha Court II
Ribbon Cutting
Yakima Housing Authority, in partnership with the Office of Rural & Farmworker Housing, have completed development of new seasonal farmworker housing in Granger, WA. Funding for the housing includes an award from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Housing Trust Fund and construction and permanent financing from Banner Bank.
Cosecha Court II consists of 6 units and will provide housing for up to 96 H2A, migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The development will be open during the winter months to house homeless families. The development is owned & operated by the Yakima Housing Authority.
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Heritage Bank at Salishan Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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Tacoma Housing Authority had a ribbon cutting for the on the new Heritage Bank branch in their Salishan community. They also celebrated the Salishan College Savings Account program for children.
They celebratee because Heritage Bank’s new branch at Salishan is important, for many reasons. Here are five:
- The Heritage Bank branch at New Salishan will allow parents and children of the Children’s Savings Account program to easily make deposits into their accounts.
- It will mean that when Salishan school children walk to Lister Elementary School or First Creek Middle School they will pass by their bank and think of their money on deposit!
- Heritage will show parents and children how a bank can be a friendly and useful place.
- In that way Heritage will help all East Side residents into the mainstream financial services system and away from payday lenders and cash checking businesses.
- Heritage’s bank branch at New Salishan is the first new bank in Tacoma’s East Side in a long time.
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568 Affordable Homes Created, Preserved Across State
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission has approved a total of $108.4 million in financing for the construction or preservation of 568 affordable apartments in communities statewide.
“With homelessness on the rise across the state, affordable housing is more important than ever before,” said Karen Miller, chair of the Housing Finance Commission. “These developments generate jobs and create more housing, but they also provide safety and stability for hundreds of vulnerable families and individuals.”
Seven of the ten projects approved in June and July are financed through the 2018 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit competition. Three of them were made possible by the recent nationwide increase of 12.5 percent in the housing tax credit.
The housing credit program allows developers to raise capital for construction by selling the tax credits to investors. In exchange, the investors offset their corporate income taxes and gain equity in the project.
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Marion County Housing Authority
Has New Executive Director
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Candace Jamison is the Executive Director of the Marion County Housing Authority serving households living in rural Marion County Oregon.
After spending the past decade at Home Forward (formerly the Housing Authority of Portland) fighting for communities being displaced by rising housing costs, Candace continues to advocate on behalf of families, seniors, veterans and the most vulnerable among us.
Candace also serves on the Board of Directors for Northwest Pilot Project, a nonprofit assisting low income seniors to find safe and affordable housing. Candace holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Portland State University.
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Camp Rosenbaum
The Camp Rosenbaum Fund is a community-building nonprofit whose mission is to provide life enhancing opportunities for low-income young people through mentoring, camp and athletic programs. Their programs are designed to instill good citizenship, hope, and a sense that anything is possible with education, hard work and good choices. Staff from Housing Authorities, Police, Fire and Military volunteer to run the camp for kids who are part of housing programs across the state of Oregon. This year we were able to increase the number of kids we can send to this awesome camp to 8. We were also able to send two staff members to work at the Camp and join 40 other housing authority staff. The camp is all about the kids, and the work takes a lot of energy and positivity but the results are incredible, kids who wanted to go home on the first day do not want to leave as they had so much fun and love shared with them.
Frankie said “Spending a week as a camp counselor of 12 girls at Camp Rosenbaum was INTENSE! A lot of noise, a lot of emotion, kids were experiencing things for the very first time. It made me see how important our role at Homes for Good is because these kids already have so much against them, if they didn’t have a home and people that cared, it would be devastating. I am really grateful for the experience, and I hope that Homes for Good can continue growing our involvement in this camp. Camp Rosenbaum Rocks!!”
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Oregon Governor
Kate Brown
Visits Homes for Good
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The Homes for Good team had the honor of hosting Governor Kate Brown and Oregon Housing and Community Services Director Margaret Salazar at Bascom Village.
The State of Oregon is making a series of significant investments in affordable housing across the state, including here in Lane County. More to come on those soon, but for today, a shout-out to the residents who met with the Governor to share their stories, to the elected officials who joined us, and most of all, to Governor Brown for visiting this flagship affordable housing community.
Making a dent in the demand for affordable housing is going to take commitments at a local, state and federal level. We appreciate everyone who has played a part of Bascom Village, including St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County.
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Would You Like to Lead NAHRO?
Are you energetic, flexible, creative, honest, reliable, passionate and knowledge about our industry and are willing to make a commitment to serve our noble industry? Consider running for NAHRO president or senior vice president—we want to hear from you!
NAHRO invites Associates and Allied Individual members who intend to seek the office of either president or senior vice president to formally communicate their intention to David Zappasodi, Chair of the Nominating and Election Committee (N&E), via email
[email protected]
by September 15.
Traditionally, campaigning commences at national conferences in even-numbered years. At this year’s conference, scheduled October 25-27, 2018 in Atlanta, GA, individuals may announce their candidacy at a plenary session and place an ad in the conference program (specifications will be provided to candidates). September 15 is also the deadline for submission of conference program ads.
The 2019 election is more than a year away; thus, individuals will have numerous opportunities to announce their candidacy prior to the hybrid election in the fall of 2019. Note, however, in accordance with the Guidelines for National Office Campaigns, candidates are prohibited from making any public announcements of their candidacy prior to the National Conference and Exhibition in Atlanta, GA.
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Details about the election are on the N&E’s webpage
Nominating and Election Committee
.
The N&E has oversight responsibility for the election and certifies the election results.
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NAHRO’s comprehensive agenda of educational and informational opportunities enables participants to learn firsthand from recognized experts. From basic to advanced learning, NAHRO offers indispensable sessions, courses, & briefings throughout the year on vital topics impacting the industry.
Check out
All Trainings
for a comprehensive list of our professional development opportunities & make sure to visit our
Training Calendar
for our most current offerings!
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Complimentary Smoke-Free Public Housing Webinar
As part of NAHRO’s continued partnership to assist in efficient and effective implementation of HUD’s Smoke-Free Public Housing Rule. NAHRO, along with Live Smoke Free and NAR-SAAH, will be conducting a series of complimentary webinars, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, to discuss the available technical assistance and talk about the current implementation process.
September 20 PHA Staff Connect Call
Join Clean Air For All, a joint effort between Live Smoke Free, NAHRO, and NAR-SAAH; and generously supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for a live discussion and Q&A on the “Instituting Smoke-Free Public Housing” final rule. Participants will hear a brief update on the rule and be able to submit questions to Live Smoke Free, NAHRO, and NAR-SAAH staff. Have any and all your remaining questions on implementation of the rule answered. Join us to help your agency transition to and maintain successful smoke-free public housing environments
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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Regional Training
Family Self Sufficiency (FSS)
w/ Proficiency Test
October 1-2, 2018
Location:
Housing Authority of Yamhill County
135 NE Dunn Pl
McMinnville, OR 97128
Description:
Are you ready to truly make a difference? The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a critical and exciting component to the future of the Housing Choice Voucher /Public Housing Programs. Through this course you will gain or refresh your knowledge of the elements needed to create a successful and innovative FSS program. While attending this interactive course you will discover how to be an effective and creative coordinator using best practice case management techniques, including dissecting regulations to insure proper reporting, collecting data, and creating a linkage from the Housing Choice Voucher program to Homeownership. Learn how to create dynamic partnerships within the community to maximize the resources for your participants. Attendees will learn how to form a non-profit organization, to assist with securing and enhancing future FSS funding. You will be inspired to make a difference in the lives of those families you serve! This course includes a proficiency test.
Who Should Attend:
Executive Directors, Senior/Key Management staff, Supervisors, FSS Coordinators or Managers, and individuals monitoring escrow accounts.
Objectives:
- Understand the importance of innovative and dynamic case management by identifying participants needs to create the Individual Training and Service Plan (ITSP)
- Organize an FSS program to meet current demands and best practices
- Change the image of the Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing through FSS to create positive community awareness through self-sufficiency
- Learn how escrow credits are calculated
- Utilizing community resources to build a robust Program Coordinating Committee (PCC)
- Establish a non-profit organization to support the basic operations of the FSS program and create a platform to become self-sustaining
- Engage in the development and operation of a Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership program including management, counseling, recruiting and financial readiness for participants.
About the Trainer:
Deborah Jackson is employed by the DC Housing Authority working as a Community Navigator for several Public Housing Communities. She worked at the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County for five years as the Manager of the Housing Choice Voucher, Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS) as well as the Homeownership Program. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Social Welfare. Before working with the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County, Deborah worked with various organizations including: HIV/AIDS Volunteer Enrichment Network (HAVEN), and Sarah's House; a local Homeless shelter. Deborah has served as Vice Chair of the FSS Round table from 2012- 2014 and is on the Board of Directors for The Maryland Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies (MAHRA).
Schedule:
Day 1: 8:00 am - 8:30 am - Check In
Day 1: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm - Training
Day 2: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm - Training
Day 2: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm - Proficiency Test
NAHRO Continuing Education Units (CEU's):
Training Completion = 1.10
Proficiency Test = 0.20
Total = 1.3
Price:
$545 - PNRC Member Registration (includes electronic training materials)
$645 - Non-Member Registration (includes electronic training materials)
Optional - $75 for printed materials and $50 testing fee
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HUD Reopens Rule on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
Earlier today, HUD published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register titled “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing: Streamlining and Enhancements.” The purpose of the notice is to solicit public comment on changes to the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule. Comments will be due on October 15, 2018. NAHRO is interested in members’ thoughts on whether and how the rule should be changed; please contact Tushar Gurjal at
[email protected]
to share your thoughts.
The Department has decided to reopen rulemaking on the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule for two reasons. First, the Department found that the current assessment tools (used to complete the Assessment of Fair Housing [AFH] required for the AFFH rule) were ineffective. None of the tools are currently in use. Second, many entities submitted comments on regulatory reform to HUD, in which many commenters--though not all--were critical of the rule because of its complexity and the cost of implementation. The commenters wrote that the final rule failed to consider critical factors for program participants, including the scarcity of available resources and other program priorities.
The tools are not being currently used for several reasons. The final state and insular area assessment tool was never completed by HUD. The PHA tool was completed, but HUD never published the data necessary to use the tool. The local government tool was completed, but HUD became aware of “significant deficiencies” with the tool that prevented jurisdictions from properly completing their assessments and prevented HUD from accepting their assessments. The Department found that the tool was unworkable because of a high failure rate of initial submissions (63 percent of the initial AFH submissions were not accepted on initial submission) and the level of technical assistance HUD provided to this initial round of AFHs could not be scaled to accommodate the increase in the number of program participants that would be using the tool.
Given the problems with the implementation of the rule and tools, HUD has chosen to begin the process of amending the AFFH rule. In amending the rule, HUD would like to ensure that the final rule be governed by certain principles: 1) administrative burdens should be minimized, while legal obligations are still met; 2) the process should be more focused on results, rather than the analysis of community characteristics; 3) there should be greater innovation and local control; 4) housing choice should be increased, through greater housing supply; and 5) HUD’s resources should be used efficiently.
The Department provided the following list of questions for which it is seeking responses (reproduced from the notice):
- What type of community participation and consultation should program participants undertake in fulfilling their AFFH obligations? Do the issues under consideration in affirmatively furthering fair housing merit separate, or additional, public participation and consultation procedures that those already required of program participants in preparing their annual plans for housing and community development (i.e., the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, or PHA Plan)? Conversely, should public input on AFFH be included as part of the Consolidated Plan/PHA Plan public involvement process?
- How should the rule weigh the costs and benefits of data collection and analysis? Should the proposed rule allow program participants to develop or use data of their choice? Alternatively, should HUD require the use of a uniform data set by all program participants in complying with their AFFH obligation? Should it vary by the nature of the program participant? Instead of a data-centric approach, should jurisdictions by permitted to rely upon their own experiences? If the latter, how should HUD assess this more qualitative approach?
- How should PHAs report their AFFH plan and progress? Should jurisdictions be required to provide a detailed report of the analysis performed or only summarize the goals? How often should program participants be required to report on their AFFH efforts? Should the proposed rule retain or revise the current timeframes for required AFFH submissions? Should program participants continue reporting annually on their AFFH actions and results in their program plans and annual performance reports or, given the long-term nature of many AFFH goals, should the reporting period be longer? Should planning and/or results be integrated into existing report structures, such as Consolidated Plans and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluations Reports (CAPERs), or utilize an alternative structure?
- Should the proposed rule specify the types of obstacles to fair housing that program participants must address as part of their AFFH efforts, or should program participants be able to determine the number and types of obstacles to address? Should HUD incentivize program participants to collaborate regionally to identify and address obstacles to affirmatively furthering fair housing, without holding localities accountable for areas outside of their control? Should HUD incentivize grantees and PHAs to collaborate in the jurisdiction and the region to remove fair housing obstacles? What are examples of obstacles that the AFFH regulations should seek to address? How might a jurisdiction accurately determine itself to be free of material obstacles
- How much deference should jurisdictions be provided in establishing objectives to address obstacles to identified fair housing goals, and associated metrics and milestones for measuring progress?
- How should HUD evaluate the AFFH efforts of program participants? What types of elements should distinguish acceptable efforts from those that should be deemed unacceptable? What should be required of, or imposed upon, jurisdictions with unacceptable efforts (other than potential statutory loss of Community Development Block Grant, HOME, or similar funding sources)? How should HUD address PHAs whose efforts to AFFH are unacceptable?
- Should the rule specify certain levels of effort on specific actions that will be deemed to be in compliance with the obligation to affirmatively further the purposes and policies of the Fair Housing Act (i.e., “safe harbors”), and if so, what should they be?
- Are there any other revisions to the current AFFH regulations that could help further the policies of the Fair Housing Act, add clarity, reduce uncertainty, decrease regulatory burden, or otherwise assist program participants in meeting their AFFH obligations?
NAHRO is interested in our members’ thoughts on changes that should be made to the AFFH rule. If you have suggestions for how the rule can be improved, please contact Tushar Gurjal at
[email protected]
.
The full notice can be found
here
.
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