Residents Councils give GHA residents a voice in their community. Residents Councils plan events such as National Night Out, support Police Neighborhood Resource Centers, plan social events and in general help to make GHA communities safer, friendlier and more responsive to resident needs.

Residents of each community hold elections to choose officers for their Residents Council. Family communities hold elections every four years. Senior communities hold elections every two years. Resident Councils hold monthly meetings with residents and Resident Council presidents meet monthly with the GHA executive director to share information on communities, programs and concerns.

 

 

In an effort to eliminate crime in GHA’s communities, GHA, in collaboration with community residents, the City of Greensboro, Guilford County, and over 60 human service agencies, implemented the Police Neighborhood Resource Center (PNRC) program over 10 years ago. Since 1990, crime has decreased by 60% in the PNRC communities. 

 

GHA’s four largest public housing communities have Police Neighborhood Resource Centers:   Ray Warren Homes, Hampton Homes, Smith Homes, and Claremont Courts.  Each PNRC is staffed by a manager who is a public housing resident and by two uniformed police officers. The officers use the PNRC's as a base to perform community policing, which includes foot patrols of each community. 

 

In addition to providing security and protective services, PNRC officers have extended their outreach efforts to include planning and participating in resident activities and events. PNRC managers answer telephone calls, make referrals and assist PNRC officers in a non-policing capacity. 

 

PNRC's not only serve as a safe haven for residents in crisis, but also as a human services resource outlet with information on community programs and services.  

 

 

 GHA's Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program offers a wonderful opportunity for residents who are serious about improving their economic future.  Depending on the needs of the individual, FSS coordinates education, training, and job placement to help residents obtain meaningful employment, develop a savings account, and become economically self-sufficient.  Additional rent paid by the resident due to increased income is deposited into an escrow account. The funds contributed to this account are paid back to the participant once his or her goals have been met.  

Funds may be used for self-sufficiency activities such as education or to purchase a home, automobile, or computer. Over 500 participants are enrolled in the program. 

 

 

 A variety of on-site, after-school, and year-round programs for children and youth are offered by GHA in collaboration with agencies and nearby colleges such as the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs, Greensboro Education and Development Council, A&T State University and Bennett College. These programs provide homework assistance, cultural enrichment, computer education, and sports activities to prepare GHA youth for the future.  

 

MasterKid Program

To cultivate and promote academic success among children in the 1st through 12th grades, GHA created the award-winning MasterKid program, which recognizes scholastic achievement. The program encourages both parental and community involvement to strengthen the home and school relationship.  After each grading period, students submit a copy of their report cards to the Management Office, community tutorial program, or Police Neighborhood Resource Center. Those that meet the MasterKid criteria (below) are recognized at a special ceremony.   

 

          MasterKid criteria:

• A/B honor roll

• Satisfactory conduct grade

• Perfect attendance

• Improves one letter grade or more in any subject without dropping a grade in another subject.

 

 

 Basketball and Cheerleading  

The Public Housing Authority State Athletic Conference (PHASAC) promotes drug-free education and athletics through basketball games, guest speakers and workshops. 

(To be eligible for tryouts, youth must pledge to remain drug-free, stay in school full time and maintain at least a “C” average.) 

Call GHA Youth Activities for more information: 271-2549.

 

Drug Prevention

GHA’s drug prevention strategy includes collaboration and cooperation with agencies that specialize in substance abuse education and treatment for adults and youth. GHA has a drug prevention coordinator on staff who plans programs throughout the year that encourage youth to avoid smoking and drug and alcohol use. For more information, call the Drug Prevention Coordinator: 271-2549.  

 

GHA offers computer education in several GHA communities. Basic computer instruction and Internet training is provided to youth and adults. Computer labs are located at Hampton Homes, Smith Homes, Ray Warren Homes and Claremont Courts.  

 

For more information contact:

Mitch Fahrer

Neighborhood Networks Coordinator

336-303-3226

mfahrer@gha-nc.org.