Woonsocket Housing Authority, RI Article I Woonsocket Housing Authority

§ 4-1 Purpose and intent.

A. This Admissions and Continued Occupancy Chapter defines The Woonsocket Housing Authority's policies for the operation of the public housing program, incorporating federal, state, and local law.

B. Conventional public housing, or low-rent housing, was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

C. If there is a conflict between this chapter and applicable laws or regulations, the laws and regulations will prevail.

§ 4-2 Mission.

The Woonsocket Housing Authority is dedicated to excellence in providing quality, affordable, and safe housing to eligible persons, consistent with community needs. We foster effective and creative partnerships to maximize opportunities that improve the economic and personal well-being of the people that we serve. Our agency conducts its business in an efficient, professional, and ethical manner without discrimination.

§ 4-3 Programs.

The Woonsocket Housing Authority (WHA) is a public housing agency providing affordable housing opportunities for low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in the City of Woonsocket. The WHA was incorporated in 1941 by the State of Rhode Island and currently serves close to 2,000 families. The WHA operates six public housing developments, administers more than 600 rental assistance vouchers, and offers first-time homeownership opportunities.

A. Public housing.

(1) Elderly/disabled.

(a) The WHA operates the following low-rent high-rise buildings:

[1] Crepeau Court, 100 Front Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895.

[2] Kennedy Manor, 547 Clinton Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895.

[3] Parkview Manor, 218 Pond Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895.

[4] St. Germain Manor, 429 East School Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895.

(b) Eighty-five percent of these units are set aside for the elderly. Persons with disabilities are also eligible for housing in one of the WHA's high-rises. The apartments range in size from efficiencies to two bedrooms.

(2) Family.

(a) The WHA operates the following family developments:

[1] Morin Heights, Morin Heights Boulevard, Woonsocket, RI 02895.

[2] Veterans Memorial, Bourdon Boulevard, Woonsocket, RI 02895.

[3] Fifty-one units of scattered site public housing located throughout the City.

(b) These units are open to all eligible families and individuals. Housing is townhouse-style, and unit sizes range from one to four bedrooms.

(3) Policies and procedures. This chapter describes the policies and procedures used to administer the public housing program.

B. Housing choice voucher program.

(1) The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as "Section 8," provides tenant-based rental assistance. The WHA administers subsidies to eligible families who rent private apartments within the community. Eligible housing choice voucher recipients may apply their monthly subsidy towards a mortgage payment.

(2) Policies and procedures regarding the Housing Choice Voucher Program can be found in a separate document titled the "WHA Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan."

Editor's Note: See Ch. 26, Section 8 Administrative Plan.

§ 4-4 Location/office hours.

A. Applications and intake interviews are processed centrally at the WHA Service Center. The Woonsocket Service Center is located at 679 Social Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895, and is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There are separate management offices at each public housing development.

B. The WHA central telephone switchboard is [phone].

§ 4-5 Applicant/participant case files.

The WHA maintains case files for each applicant/participant family.

A. Format. The case file may be maintained in paper and/or electronic format.

B. What is included in the case file. The case file may include but is not limited to the following information or documents:

	Housing application and supporting documents
	Lease
	Lease supplements
	Unit inspection reports
	Verifications
	Notices and letters
	Income and rent determination documents
	Summary of WHA interactions with the applicant/tenant

C. Privacy. The WHA maintains case files in a secure and private location. The file is subject to audit or review by HUD, an IPA, or a HUD designee.