Housing Authority of Americus

The Housing Authority of Americus Board of Commissioner's and staff wanted to ensure that the elderly residents were provided  some essential items being that their age group have been sheltering in place for the longest length of time since the COVID-19 outbreak.  The care packet included a family pack of tissue, a family pack of paper towels, a washable face mask, a large container of laundry detergent, and a $25.00 gift card from Harvey's to purchase groceries.  

The Housing Authority participated in the 2017 Back to School Bash sponsored by Phoebe Sumter Hospital on 7/22/2017.  We issued book bags and school supplies out to the kids that attended the event.  The hospital provided health screening and lunch.  There were other "vendors" there that distributed various types of school supplies to the kids that attended.  GREAT EVENT!!!

Our Reading Pals program is a summer program that assists first and second grade students in maintaining their reading skills over the summer.  The group of approximately 25 students attend classes where they read, color, play games, listen to guest readers, and go on field trips.  Check out our Facebook page for the current year program and lots of pictures.

We conduct monthly Community Services workshops that serve two purposes.  One purpose is to allow those residents that are required to perform community service each month, an opportunity to complete that requirement.  The second purpose is to provide residents with various training to improve their lives.  Some of the topics include home budgeting, fire safety, cooking on a budget, requirements for obtaining a GED, and many other topics

The Family Self Sufficiency program, FSS, is a HUD required program that allows HCV Section 8 families to participate in.  The program is voluntary to the participants but required for the Housing Authority to have.  Participants that want to be in this program sign a contract with the Housing Authority to do certain things such as get their GED, finish college, obtain a job, get off of TANF, etc.  The contract is for a 5 year term and can be extended for several more years if both parties agree.  During the term of the contract, if the participant has an increase in their earned income a portion of their increased rent goes into a savings account.  Once they successfully complete their contract the participant receives a check for the amount deposited plus interest.  This is a great way to get a down payment for a home of their own.