New! Stable Families Program Helps Prevent Eviction.
The Stable Families helps families on the verge of crisis to stabilize their tenancies and avoid eviction. The program is based on the underlying philosophy that a stable tenancy promotes a stable family life, and that a stable family greatly improves chances that family members will be able to improve their life circumstances and prospects. New Haven Home Recovery has been selected to administer this program, providing certified social workers to help families who, without intervention, might otherwise be homeless. Stable Families is funded by the Bridgeport Public Housing Resident Support Fund (BPHRSF)  –  an endowment established by an amendment to the Pequonnock Resettlement agreement. BPHRSF is administered by the Fairfield County Community Foundation.

If you are a BHA resident and think you may be in crisis, please contact your site manager for a referral.

Tracking your Work Order
In response to concerns about work order status, BHA has implemented a new work order tracking system. Whenever you place a work order - day, night or weekend - you will receive a tracking number. It is essential that you keep this number. This tracking number confirms your work order submission and allows you to follow up on its status.

Stay in compliance with the Housing Authority & HUD, REPORT ANY NEW INCOME!
It is every resident’s responsibility to inform your site manager of any changes in your income — not just at recertification time. If unreported income is discovered, you will be charged retroactive rent. This can put your tenancy in jeopardy, and affect your credit report.

Many new hirees qualify for an Earned Income Disallowance (EID): the first year, Housing won't charge rent on 100% of your new earned income; the second year, Housing will charge 30% on 50% of any new earned income. Please contact your site manager for more information on EID eligibility.

Changes to Lease
BHA has made changes to its lease, and will be implementing the new lease at residents’ next annual recertification. Designed to benefit both BHA and the residents, the new lease provides greater clarification of previously implied rules and regulations. The new lease will include:

• Details regarding BHA obligations to tenants and their units vs. tenant’s obligations
• Housekeeping standards for all tenants.
• HUD’s community service requirement of tenants will become an addendum to the lease.
• BHA’s pet policy

Did you know?
…If you put a lid on a pot to boil water, the water boils faster and you'll use less energy.
…If you put lamps in corners of rooms, light reflect off two walls, making the room brighter.
…Liquids should be covered in your refrigerator. Moisture is drawn from uncovered liquids, forcing your refrigerator's "no-frost" unit to work harder, and using more energy.

Utility rates have increased, but you can save money by conserving energy. It's easy and it pays off. Click here for more info or visit uinet.com for energy saving tips.

Accessible Units Available for People with Disabilities. 
If you are a person with a mobility or sense oriented disability you may be entitled to an apartment enhancement or a new apartment to increase the quality of your life. BHA is creating 125 disability compliant units that will respond to a growing need for more accommodations for those with any type of disability. Many changes will be made to the units being retrofitted; everything from custom plumbing to altered kitchen cabinets, even the placement of electrical outlets in specific locations. BHA encourages residents with special needs to come forward to see if they qualify to be placed in either a retrofitted or completely rebuilt unit. Residents may also request relocation to an apartment on an accessibility route, or the installation of certain accessibility features for their existing units, such as grab bars, elevated toilet seats and shower sprayers. Anyone interested in applying for one of these homes should contact Mr. Wood as soon as possible at 203-337-8978.