Smoke-free campus, website updates with online applications and more!
Reading, PA – Change is literally in the air at Reading Housing Authority (RHA), as the agency institutes its Smoke-Free Policy, which covers all property owned and operated in the RHA Public Housing Program. In alignment with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, RHA has implemented this policy to improve indoor air quality, benefit the health of residents and staff, reduce the risk of fires and lower maintenance costs.
“As of April 1st, all residents, their guests, and our staff and vendors are prohibited from smoking or vaping on any RHA public housing property, and residents are happy to hear that we’ve made this change”, says Daniel F. Luckey, Executive Director. Violations to the policy will be considered a breach of the residents’ lease, and could result in termination from the program.
Included in the agency’s lengthy promotional campaign have been options for smoking cessation resources from RHA and its many partners.
RHA also wishes to introduce the agency’s updated website, found at www.readingha.org.
The website revision was undertaken to increase functionality and promote the agency’s new Strategic Statements. The site now offers the option for applicants to submit electronic housing applications for all programs, including Public Housing, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, and the agency’s array of Affordable Rentals, and to request information for other initiatives in Upscale Rentals and Homes-to-Own.
RHA expects further enhancements, including a web portal for online rent payments, requests for maintenance work orders, and options for vendor/contractor relationships. Staff and the Board of Commissioners have engaged in a comprehensive review of the RHA Mission Statement, concluding that as the agency has evolved over time, thus has its message to the community.
By way of this press release, RHA wishes to inform the community that Reading Housing Authority provides the foundation for people to find a home of hope and achieve their aspirations. The people who work for RHA are committed to respect, honesty and accountability. Staff will demonstrate these values in all interactions with constituents, and ask constituents to deliver the same in return. Finally, the agency wants everyone who is served by RHA to know: We welcome you to your home. This is your community.
