TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Housing Authority lost 600,000 dollars after waiving rent for April and May for all of their residents.
June is closing in, and rent is due.
2 Works for You spoke with a spokesperson from Tulsa Housing Authority, and a resident about the details,
They say they will continue to work with residents who's financial situation has been impacted by the coronavirus, and depending on the situation, you may qualify for additional help.
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) clients can request assistance from their housing coordinator. Tulsa Area United Way has provided specific, limited funding to assist with rent for voucher holders impacted by COVID-19. Residents of our public housing and Project-Based Rental Assistance communities should contact their property manager if they have concerns about paying rent.
- THA residents can contact their social service coordinator for assistance; THA has a social services department with the purpose of connecting residents with needed resources. Additionally, 2-1-1 is a great place to start for all Tulsan's experiencing hardship. John 3:16 is a great partner to reach out to for food and clothing. Additional organizations we work with include Neighbor for Neighbor, Loaves and Fishes, Catholic Charities, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and many local churches.
- Residents of THA properties should contact their property manager if they’re experiencing hardship to work through options. THA does offer payment agreements. Evictions are currently ceased outside of those that pose a threat to the health and safety of our residents and THA intends to work closely with residents who may have difficulty paying their rent while the financial ramifications of COVID-19 continue.
2 Works for You spoke with a five year resident named Jina Harris.
She says not having to worry about rent for two months was a huge blessing.
She also says food, and groceries have been provided with food banks located at apartments.
And luckily, Harris returned to work May 7th, and she's glad she can afford rent for June, but for those who can't she has a message.
“Diapers, and wipes, and even help finding people that do counseling, if someone needs help I would definitely day if there is a THA resident that is in need of assistance, go talk to the service coordinator," Harris said.
Harris describe the list of resources for THA residents to be plentiful.
She mentioned help with moving in, getting furniture, or even gas money.
Harris says as long as you reach out to the service coordinator in your complex, they will help you.
Tulsa Housing Authority says the best place for residents and the community to go for information on our response to COVID-19, including resident resources, is here.
For additional food bank info click here.
Their message to all residents is below:
"We recognize the challenges our residents are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; this is an incredibly stressful time for so many. To ease at least some of the financial burden our residents are experiencing we made the decision to waive rent for residents of our public housing and Project-Based Rental Assistance properties for the months of April and May, totaling approximately $600,000 in waived rent and impacting around 2,600 families. Late fees were also waived. We remain steadfast in our mission to create a better Tulsa by transforming lives and communities."
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