This is the first newsletter for residents, clients, and the community. The articles are meant to give the reader an idea of the Denton Housing Authority's business. This will be a quarterly newsletter and written with input from the staff that administers our programs.

Did you know you, as a client, have the opportunity to address your concerns about the programs we administer? Recently the housing authority sent you notice and publicized in the local news paper a Public Hearing to hear suggestions about the various programs.

HUD requires the housing authorities to submit a five year plan and a yearly revision. Your concerns are part of the plan and the plans to address these concerns are sent to HUD. The period for this process is April thru June. The board of Commissioners approves the PHA plan before submitting it June 24th. I want residents to know we take their concerns seriously and work to make the program and the housing authority business better.

The Homeownership program participants completed the education requirements and received their home vouchers. They are working to secure a home loan and locate the house they will call "home" for their family. We wish for them continued success as they follow this dream. If you would like information about qualifying for the program, contact Kristin English.

The Family Self Sufficiency program is coming to an end after five years. The participants that have reached their goals for education and employment will be receiving recognition and escrow benefits this year. Our first graduate was Tamara Harris. In June Twyla Brown, Beverly Bryant, Tameca Morris, and Tammy Kubitza will graduate. The program has helped them strive for a better life for their family.

Heritage Oaks is a duplex residence for over 120 seniors. The subsidized rent has been attached to the properly for 30 years but is being converted to tenant vouchers. HUD has facilitated the change with the housing authority for the residents. They have a choice to remain at Heritage Oaks or move. We hope many will choose to stay in their home but we will continue to serve them wherever they make their home. You will find the Section 8 Case Specialist very busy adding the new clients to the other 1,384 voucher clients.

The Section 8 department has worked with the Hurricane Katrina and Rita disaster families for the past four years. The program is facilitated by FEMA and HUD through the housing authorities all over the U.S. The elderly and disabled families have received special vouchers and will continue to live in the North Texas area. Some families have relocated to the coast of Louisiana, Texas, or other areas. The program ends August 31, 2009. DHA wishes them success in their future endeavors.

Enjoy the summer and the many activities in this area.