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OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2007-2008
WHA entered the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year still repairing damage from the April 2007 flood and distributing flood assistance to the community. WHA disbursed a total of $99,500 in community assistance in connection with the March and April 2007 floods. Three important community centers were among the latest buildings to receive assistance: the Mamaroneck CAP Center for assistance in installing new heat and electric; the Hispanic Resource Worker Center at Strait Gate Church, to refurbish a flood damaged basement meeting area, and the David McDaniel Elks Lodge # 982 on Madison Street, also to refurbish a flood damaged basement meeting area.The year was very active on the housing assistance front. Nearly 250 clients sought housing information or assistance. Twenty eight clients received financial assistance in the form of grants or loans to prevent eviction. We referred over 100 clients to other social service agencies for specialized assistance.
On the Property Management front, we are halfway through a comprehensive energy efficiency and energy savings program for all WHA buildings. We are hoping to see significant energy savings this heating season. We are also halfway through a comprehensive building upgrade program. As a result of the flood, four apartments were completely renovated. Since then we have done floor to ceiling renovation at two Library Lane apartments. We have completed a building signage program at all buildings. Over the next two to three years we plan to completethe apartment renovation program. We will also conduct a comprehensive capital needs assessment of all buildings in 2009.
A big event of 2008 was moving our fuel subsidiary, Washingtonville Fuel Corporation, to a new supplier, Castle Oil of Harrison NY. This provides better priced heating fuel and high quality service to our customers. WHA and Castle staff worked closely to manage this transition inorder to minimize disruption to Washingtonville Fuel Corporation’s loyal customers. We are monitoring this closely to ensure the best value and service for our customers.
Finally, 2007-2008 saw very strong fundraising support for our Annual Campaign, which grossed nearly $25,000, and for our Second Annual Casino Night, which grossed $36,000. Thank you again and again for your loyal support. Fundraising is an essential part of WHA’s revenues and your contributions cover 20% of WHA’s general operating budget. Our 2008 report to the NYS Department of Housing and Community Renewal shows that every dollar of individual donations was matched by five dollars of revenues for project development or for project funds.
New Apartments at 726 Old White Plains Road
Washingtonville Housing Alliance’s new building at 726 Old White Plains Road opened for occupancy on May 25, 2007. The Grand Opening was held June 15, 2007.
726 Old White Plains was built with tax credit financing secured through The New York State Housing Trust Fund, Home Funds provided by the County of Westchester and the Westchester County New Homes Land Acquisition Fund. Because of the financing, there are restrictions on the income level of tenants who can move in to the building and on the rents that can be charged. As a condition of the financing, Washingtonville Housing Alliance developed and conducted an approved marketing plan with outreach to the general population, the African American community and the Hispanic Community. The new development was widely advertised.
The household income levels for 726 Old White Plains for 2007, are as follows:
One Bedroom apartment
Minimum Income- $ 28,491 Maximum Income- $ 33,800
Two Bedroom apartment
Minimum Income- $ 34,149 Maximum Income- $ 43,250
The rents are fixed according to the County Home guidelines and are at approximately 50% of market rent.
Future vacancies will be filled from WHA’s waiting list, subject to applicants meeting the income eligibility requirements.
Newsletter
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