Resident Newsletter

San Francisco Housing Authority
Resident Services Newsletter
January 2007 - Volume 2 Issue 4

OFFICE OF FAIR HOUSING AND RELATIONS 1251 Turk St San Franscisco, CA 94115
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
Tel: 415-345-0123 Fax: 415-345-0122 URL: www.sfha.org
Translated versions of this document are located at your property office.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
May your New Year be very happy and best wishes to all SFHA Residents!

The San Francisco Housing Authority is the 17th largest housing authority in the nation, and the largest housing authority in California. As many of you may know, the federal government cut the San Francisco Housing Authority's budget by 22%, funding them at 78% of last year's budget.

This means that efficient resident leadership is even more imperative to ensure the quality of life to all public housing residents. In 2007, PHTA looks forward to assisting our family developments to create and cultivate community building through partnerships and civic responsibility on the local, state and national level. This means we as residents, must make a conscious effort to increase our resident participation in our developments.

Public Housing residents are and should always be the number one partner of the housing authority. Public housing residents are the most qualified to assess and assist the San Francisco Housing Authority in solving its housing challenges. This means residents have a right and a responsibility to sit at the table when decisions are being made concerning resident issues. Public housing residents need more creative solutions and technologies in order to deliver effective resident leadership to public housing families in San Francisco. Let's not forget our young people. They are one of our biggest assets and treasures. In June 2006 our Sunnydale, Hunters View, and North Beach Developments had the highest number of 12th grade graduates. This was a major success for our young people. Lets continue to support issues in our communities that promote positive outcomes for the future.

If you are interested in being a part of the community-building in your neighborhood, please contact the tenant association at your development. Tenant leaders don't get paid to be a part of the tenants associations. This is a volunteer position. The Tenant Associations can always use the assistance of additional resident volunteers. We hope you consider volunteering in your development this coming year. Even though we have many challenges, I am confident that we as residents hold the key to making a positive change in our communities. If we don't, who will. Have a blessed holiday season.

Efforts are still underway to develop a master plan for Hunters View as part of Mayor Gavin Newsom's strategy to improve public housing in the City. HOPE San Francisco discussions have been part of the last three resident meetings, where the John Stewart Company staff and architects answered questions from many men and women who shared their likes and dislikes in what will be their new community. The development team is reconfiguring the site so that it looks like the rest of the City and is designing apartments, parks, amenities public spaces, parking, patios and decks just for you! The development team is committed to replacing all 267 current public housing units, and transforming the site into a phased mixed-income community with working families and adding 300 to 400 additional workforce rental apartments, homes for qualifying first-time homebuyers and market-rate for-sale units. All apartments will be designed with healthy and green construction principles, maximizing natural light and heat, using non-allergenic and recycled materials, installing high efficiency building systems and appliances, and using renewable energy source. Many dozen Hunters View residents are already involved in the process with planning, construction and operation ideas - join them in early January when the next meeting is being sponsored by the Mayor's Office of Communities of Opportunity.

Happy holidays on behalf of the Potrero Annex Resident Management Corporation! Potrero Terrace and Annex residents had a fantastic holiday party on Saturday, December 16, 2006 from noon to 2 pm at 85 Turner Terrace, with a great toy give away and $25 Safeway debit cards - 65 heads of households received one of those· Congratulations! As you know, part of Mayor Newsom's Public Housing Task Force's agenda is to promote revitalization of public housing sites. In 2003, the Authority released a Request for Qualifications for developers interested in assisting the Authority in revitalizing many of the public housing communities. BRIDGE Housing Corporation submitted a proposal to revitalize Potrero Annex, and possibly the Terrace, so after many discussions, they were invited to the Potrero Christmas Party to talk to us about this wonderful new opportunity to have new homes. The Authority is still in the pre-development stages with the candidates, but residents wanted to learn about how their site may be revitalized in phases in the future and sign up to be part of the Resident Advisory Task Force· a bus tour will be done in mid to late January, 2007, and then a follow up meeting in February 2007. Like Hunters View, the development team is committed to replacing all public housing units that are demolished as part of this revitalization process, and transforming the site into a phased mixed-income community with working families and adding several additional workforce rental apartments, homes for qualifying first-time homebuyers and market-rate for-sale units.

Plans are underway to design close to 100 new senior and disabled units at Rosa Parks. The current parking lot will be replaced with covered parking and close to 100 units above. Residents and the Authority are very excited about this opportunity, which will hopefully allow for the developer to fund, replace, improve or repair parts of the Rosa Parks site, including the 12-story Rosa Parks building and the current 1111 Buchanan Senior Center. Adding infill housing to Rosa Parks will improve the site, enhance the surrounding community, and increase the supply of housing for public housing applicants and very low income seniors - it will certainly help to house some of the thousands of senior and disabled households in the waiting list. The development team, Citizens Housing Corporation, has built and is in the process of building many of these projects in the City. The Authority, Rosa Parks residents, the Western Addition community and the Western Addition Citizens Advisory Committee, along with the Redevelopment Agency and the Mayor's Office of Housing, are all invited to participate in the design of this new model for future senior and disabled housing in the City.

In the coming months, Safety Network community organizers, working with the SFHA Office of Resident Services, will be contacting you at Housing Authority sites throughout the City to see how we can work together to create safer environments and to improve services available to you. The Safety Network is a citywide collaboration of 11 community based organizations that works to organize and engage community members in developing and advocating for strategies to improve public safety, making our neighborhoods safer places to live, work and play. Please feel free to contact one of our community organizers listed if you have any questions or for more information. We look forward to working with you and your community.

ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF:
350 ELLIS, 666 ELLIS, 430 TURK, 1750 MCALLISTER, 491 31ST Ave and HOLLY COURTS only

The San Francisco Housing Authority is currently accepting applications for the assignment of Tenant Monitor at your building (350 Ellis, 666 Ellis, 430 Turk, 1750 McAllister, 491 31st Ave, and Holly Courts). We will only be selecting one resident from each of these buildings . The Tenant Monitor assignment is a stipend-paid assignment the Tenant Monitor is responsible for verifying after-hour maintenance-related emergencies for the residents at their respective buildings. If you are interested and would like more information on this assignment, please contact the Office of Fair Housing and Resident Relations at (415) 345-0123 to apply.

On Sunday, January 7, 2007, Mayor Gavin Newsom presents Family Appreciation Day. San Francisco families with children will receive FREE admission to many museums and attractions all over the City of San Francisco.

Families will be able to visit the San Francisco Zoo, the DeYoung Museum and many other places at no charge on January 7.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco have nine neighborhood clubhouses in San Francisco including two on San Francisco Housing Authority property --- 1654 Sunnydale Ave and 195 Kiska Road.

Each site offers programs and services for children and teens in the following areas: Homework assistance, Athletics, Fine Arts, Leadership Skills, Technology Awareness

The San Francisco Beacon Initiative promotes youth and family centers in public schools. The eight beacon centers offer services and activities that promote the healthy development of children, youth and their families. Participating youth receive educational and recreational opportunities before and after school, on the weekends, and during summer months. Parents and caregivers can enroll in parenting classes, computer training classes, and ESL classes..

The WeTip Program is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation.It is a highly successful nationwide crime-fighting program.WeTip has served all of California for the past 33 years.In 1982 WeTip expanded to provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week telephone service to take information on all major crimes for the entire nation.

These tips are always anonymous & confidential.WeTip never knows who you are.There is no taping, tracing or caller ID.The hotlines are answered by bilingual tip operators 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Cash rewards of up to $1,000.00 are given upon verified reports from law enforcement that WeTip information was received prior to arrest and that the information was helpful in the arrest and conviction.

The rewards are paid anonymously. The caller picks up their cash reward in the city of their choice with nothing more than their 3-part code name.The reward drop is made at a designated postal location.No personal contact is ever made with the informant.They have 30 days in which to pick up that cash reward.

We serve:
• Pregnant Women & Infants and Toddlers (birth to three years of age)
• Eligible Low-Income Families, Foster Families, Children with Exceptional Needs

We provide:
• 90 minute Weekly Home Visits
• Bi-monthly Socializations
• Meals are provided

Contact the Central office for Application
San Francisco Early Head Start Program
205 13th St, Suite 3280, SF
415-405-0500

Yes, it's that time again. Tax season is here and, if you're like most people, you could probably use all the help you can get.

Rather than dreading it, why not prepare for it so you won't have any surprises when April 15th rolls around this year? If you start early enough, you may even be able to get more tax relief than you thought.

If you're like most people, you've probably had some experience with getting your taxes done just before the clock ticks down on April 15th. Of course, it's human nature to put off tasks that aren't much fun, but last- minute tax returns often lead to stress and mistakes - some of which can be costly. That's why you'll be doing yourself a favor by starting your tax preparation early.

Plan how you'll do your taxes.
If you're going to do your taxes yourself, you have two basic options. First, you could take the old-fashioned approach and use paper, pencil, and calculator. Second, you could use a commercial software package. A good program will walk you through the steps you need to take, provide you with help if you get stumped, do all the math, and show you deductions that you may not have noticed. Or you can contact one of San Francisco's local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.

Organize your tax-related documents.
No matter which method you choose to prepare your taxes, you'll still need to gather all the key information. You'll find it very useful to set up files for the various tax-related categories: charitable contributions, medical expenses, union dues, tax preparation fees. If you're self-employed, make sure to keep the receipts for all business-related expenses.

Review last year's returns.
By going over last year's tax return, you're likely to get some ideas on deductions and "carry forwards" that you'll want to look at this year.

Get some help from Uncle Sam.
Even if you're doing your taxes on your own, you're not really alone. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can actually be quite helpful in answering your tax-related questions - if you know where to look. To obtain a list of publications produced by the IRS, call (800) 829-3676 and follow the prompts. You can have forms sent to you via the mail, Internet, or fax. To get detailed information on dozens of tax topics, call the IRS' Tele-Tax line at (800) 829-4477.

By taking these few simple steps, you can improve your tax season outlook and maybe even your outcome.

What to do if you miss a deadline
You probably have a lot of deadlines in your life, some more important than others. However, when the IRS sets a deadline of April 16 for you to file your taxes, guess what? They mean it.

If you miss this deadline, or even if you file on time but make a mistake, you may have to pay for it - and it could get expensive. How expensive?

If you owe the IRS money, you'll be charged interest, compounded daily, on any unpaid tax from the due date of your return until the date you make your payment.

Citywide Council Senior/Disabled Office
1880 Pine St #202 S.F. Ca 94109
Phone: 775-7817 Fax: 775-781
Email: ccsdsfha@sbcglobal.net

Mr. Bill Haskell of Department of Adult Services-DAAS 's Long Term Care Coordinating Council will give a presentation on a "Services Connection Pilot Project to SFHA Senior/Disabled Residents" at the CCSD General Meeting for CCSD members on January 8, 2007 at 1pm at 1760 Bush St

SENIOR PROGRAMS
The YMCA of San Francisco's Senior Centers and senior program provide social, nutritional, educational and recreational activities to keep nearly 12,500 older adults actively involved - older adults who might otherwise be isolated and alone. Senior Centers are located at the Central, Mission, Richmond District and Stonestown branches. Additional senior programs, such as trips, adult education, special fitness classes, hiking clubs, language and special interest classes are available at various other branches. For Information: (415) 777-9622

The National Institute on Aging has a newly revised booklet that provides a wide variety of tips. To order a free copy of the guide, call 1-800-222-2225 or visit www.niapublications.org

Medical Escort Program
Little Brothers/Friends of the Elderly has a program to drive elders to medical appointments or ride along in a taxi or Para-Transit to assist them. If you know someone who could use this service, or know someone who could volunteer with the program, call Allison at 415-771-7957 x 105.

Medicare Recipients with Diabetes may now have their diabetes testing supplies cost covered. To learn if you are eligible, please call toll-free number 1-800-266-8585 to find out.

Ten Minute Walks to lower Hypertension
People who exercise to control blood pressure can do workouts in small doses. Researchers reported in September's Journal of Hypertension that people in their study who took four 10-minute walks over several hours reduced their blood pressure for 10 to 11 hours, about 3 hours longer than did those who walked non-stop 40 minutes

Senior Peer Counselors Needed
The Family Service Agency is looking for seniors 55+ to participate in a peer counseling training program to help isolated and troubled seniors. A monthly stipend may be available to volunteers after graduation from the training. For more information, call Nancy Alpert 415/386-6600, ext. 223.

IN Home Health Services and Medi-Cal
Department of Aging and Adult Services free workshop, January 19th 1:30- 4:30 P.M. Bethany Center, 580

Good housekeeping eliminates accident and fire hazards; maintains safe healthy conditions-protecting you and your family from injury; saves time, money, space, and effort; and improves the overall quality of your home life. Make time for your housekeeping tasks on a daily basis. Set aside a little time during your day for housekeeping. Evaluate your home-space before starting your work. Look for slip, trip, and fall hazards, machine hazards, and so forth. Remove those hazards before starting your work. Clean up spills. Put away tools and electrical cords you don't need. Clean up waste materials and dispose of them properly. Put things in their proper place. Develop a checklist of housekeeping responsibilities and use it on a daily basis.

Much of the nation is experiencing this winter season's first bout of extremely cold weather. Dr. Russell Robertson is chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Northwestern University and offers some tips for avoiding cold related illnesses...

ROBERTSON: Unfortunately, fingers, toes , ears, nose...anything that's somewhat distant from your circulation can have its temperature drop pretty quickly especially if there's a stiff breeze blowing in the context of very cold weather. So, people definitely need to make sure that those parts of their body are covered and that they're very well hydrated. If you're not well hydrated then your body's ability to circulate blood to those areas is compromised. So if you've ever worried about not drinking enough fluids, it's best to especially make sure you're doing it in cold weather even though you might not be real thirsty.

Robertson says the commonly held conception that drinking alcohol is a way to warm up is a misnomer...

ROBERTSON: Actually, what alcohol does is it causes your blood vessels to dilate and get larger and so there is a temporary sense of warmth that comes along with that. But, when your blood vessels, especially in those cold exposed extremities , dilate, then your body sheds heat much faster and whatever short-term benefit you think you're getting from alcohol it's more than offset by the rate at which your body is going to have its temperature drop.

Robertson says the bitterly cold weather increases the risk of the common cold...

ROBERTSON: We're huddled together inside for warmth during this time of the year, and that's unfortunately a much better set of circumstances to share whatever germs we have with those nearest to us...so that's an initial concern. Secondarily, because the humidity is so low at this time of the year, it really dries out the mucus membranes and makes them a bit more susceptible to the kinds of viruses that are out there and they can penetrate a little easier and as a consequence it's easier to get colds and other viral illnesses during this time of the year.

Robertson says it's vitally important to continue exercise routines during the cold weather...

ROBERTSON: It's a tendency though the nights are long and they days are short that when you get home at the end of the day just sort of sitting down seems like what we naturally want to do. If you can fight that and get out and move around a little bit that makes a bit of a difference.

Red Cross Offers Cold Weather Health and Safety Tips
Written by Katie Lawson , Staff Writer, Redcross.org

While winter storms can strike quickly and without warning, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself and your family. Take the time to prepare now by having extra blankets on hand and making sure that you and your loved ones have warm coats, hats, gloves or mittens and water-resistant boots.

Assemble an emergency supplies kit for your home in case it is not safe to go out during a storm. Be sure to include bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food and a can opener. The kit should also include a battery powered NOAA weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries and extra warm clothing. Assemble an emergency supplies kit for your car too and have the vehicle winterized before storm season.

If experts indicate severe weather could be headed your way, stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for updated information on conditions. Know the difference between a winter storm watch and a winter storm. A storm WATCH means that winter weather is possible in your area. A storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed you way. A blizzard warning indicates strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected and you should seek shelter immediately.

Exposure to cold can cause serious injury such as frostbite and hypothermia. When a winter storm warning is issued, follow these tips to stay safe and warm during the storm. Stay indoors during the storm. If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs. Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.

Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks. After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion. Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must... Carry an emergency supplies kit in the trunk. Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

During the winter months, many people turn to alternative heating methods such as wood burning stoves, fireplaces and space heaters. With these alternative ways to heat your home, come a few potential fire hazards. The Red Cross recommends keeping all potential sources of fuel, such as paper, clothing, bedding and carpets or rugs, at least three feet away from heat sources.

It is also possible that severe winter weather could cause power outages. Flashlights should always be used for emergency lighting during a blackout. The Red Cross recommends against using candles due to the significant danger of causing a home fire. Follow these tips to ensure your safety during a power outage: Turn off or disconnect any appliances, electrical equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can damage equipment such as computers and motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer, or furnace. Leave one light turned on so you'll know when your power returns. Keep the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage. Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 9-1-1 for information -- only call to report a life-threatening emergency.

Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals may stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion. Also remember that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not work during a power outage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system or operate the generator inside. Remember to provide plenty of fresh, cool water for your pets and make sure you have enough food stored for them as well. If it is cold outside, put on layers of warm clothing. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (relative, friend, or public facility) that has heat to keep warm.

For more information to help you get ready for winter weather, contact your local Red Cross chapter or visit the Get Prepared section of Redcross.org.

Under State and Federal Law, all persons have the right to live in any neighborhood and in any housing free from racial and ethnic harassment. The San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA) will not tolerate any threats, harassment, abuse, or violence by any per- son while on SFHA property. If you, or your guests, or anyone in your family threatens, harasses or abuses any person, or commits an act of violence while on SFHA property, you and your family will be subject to eviction.

If you believe you have been threatened, harassed, or abused, or that you are a victim of violence:

2. Call the SFHA Civil Rights Multilingual Complaint Telephone Line and register a complaint (telephone numbers below).

3. If you have previously registered a complaint with the SFHA, you may call 415-345-0123, at any time to check on the status of any investigation related to the reported incident. You may also inquire at your Property Manager's office to check on the status of your complaint.

4. If you are not satisfied with any investigation or remedy provided by the SFHA, you have a right to file a housing discrimination complaint with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. The local office is located at 600 Harrison St and the toll free telephone number is (800) 347-3739 or locally (415)436-6568.

If ifs your first visit, bring California picture ID and original Social Security Card, US passport, or other n'ght-to-work documents and show at reception. You also need a SF One-Stop Service Card (takes about 10 minutes) before signing up or attending these services

RESIDENT HIRING/EMPLOYMENT TRAINING
The Office of Fair Housing & Resident Relations Resident Hiring office is located at 1006 Webster St.All residents interested in being referred for employment should go to 1006 Webster St to complete an Intake Application.Names will be kept in our database for future referrals to contractors and employers.Also available is our Job Announcement Binder which is updated weekly. Residents are advised to check with their Property Office bulletin boards regarding weekly Job Announcements. For more information contact our office at 415-345-0123.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
City Build and Career Link One Stop locations: 3120 Mission St , City College/Oakdale Campus-1800 Oakdale Ave., 1750 Franklin St

The San Francisco Conservation Corps (the SFCC) is currently looking for 18-26 year olds who are interested and able to make a commitment to a great job training & education opportunity.
Key info listed below:

Qualify for City Build's next class by attending Asian Neighborhood Designs' Readiness Lab.

SERVICES PROVIDED (Assistance in obtaining the following): High School Diploma or GED

Must have: Social Security Card, and a Valid Ca. Drivers License for Acceptance to City Build Academy's Construction Training Class

WHO QUALIFIES?
• CalWORKS
• PAES
• FOOD STAMP
• FORMER FOSTER CARE YOUTH

Asian Neighborhood Design also offers Free Construction Training! Orientations every Thursday@ 1021 Mission St.@ 6th St, please call 415-575-0423. Currently recruiting for February class.

Career Link-Civic Center (801 Turk St) offering Job Search Workshops in Chinese. All Julie Wu at 415.923.4275 to reserve a space.

Police Department is now hiring. Apply online at www.sfgov.org/police. Also SFPD Citizen's Academy is currently taking applications. Scheduled to start February 27, 2007. Meets once a week for 15 weeks. More information, contact: Lula Magallon 415.401.4720 or Officer Oropeza at 415.401.4701. Email at sfpd_citizenspoliceacademy@yahoo.com. Visit them on the web: www.sfgov.org/site/police_index.asp?id=20182

Interested in advertising in this newsletter? Please contact the Office of Fair Housing and Resident Relations' Newsletter Editor at (415) 345-0123 for more details