Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1340134
Providing low or zero-cost, safe housing for residents of the Noel, Missouri area is Noel Housing Authority's first priority. A 501C-3 funded by H.U.D., families and individuals that meet income guidelines (or with no income) are eligible to apply for the studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments available in the 100-unit complex. Currently, the units house 224 total residents and is at 98% occupancy with a full waiting list. Executive Director Rosetta Hartley says keeping residents safe is priority number one. "Safety has been my focus since I started here two years ago," she said. e priority is keeping the residents in safe housing but also from crime. "We have a close relationship with McDonald County police, and we just don't tolerate [crime]." e Housing Authority also performs background checks on all applicants. Currently, they are applying for a security grant which will provide better cameras on the outside of the buildings and more fencing and lighting throughout the property. ere are several improvements happening to make it not only affordable, but a more appealing place to live. A community garden, with help from Refugee and Immigrant Education and Services (RAISE), has been planted at the complex. e garden was planted and is maintained by RAISE as well as some tenants, who enjoy helping and sharing the harvest. RAISE also works closely with the Housing Authority in helping immigrants adapt and learn the culture, giving them a smoother transition into the community. ey also assist with legal and tax paperwork, voting, completing the census, and learning English as a second language (ESL). e garden contributes to better quality of life, but Rosetta is also working to improve the interior of the units, and improving the playground for kids by obtaining grants. For the interior, have already replaced floors, repainted walls, updated light fixtures, replaced cabinets, added kitchen and bathroom tile backsplash, refinished tubs and showers, replaced old windows, and updated appliances. Rosetta says that this next year, they will be focusing on the outside of the property and its curb appeal. As of this date, they have received funding to repaint the outside of the units. Currently, the exterior is brown, and Rosetta plans to liven the units up with more vibrant colors. With the grants for the playground, they plan to accommodate the number of children they have within the housing authority with age-appropriate playground equipment. More information can be found at www.noelhousing.com. Noel Housing Authority: Improving quality of life From left: property manager Carolyn Lindquist, maintenance head Carlos Sosa, executive Director rosetta Hartley. SPonSor Content Noel 2021 McDonald county Directory | 17