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To receive up-to-date WHA alerts, text WHACOVID to 67076
Text to join the WHA COVID-19 alerts and receive the latest updates on COVID-19 / Coronavirus on your phone.
[PDF] Coronavirus Safety Tip Reminder (7/10/20)
COVID-19 Coronavirus Safety Tip Reminder
We are all seeing in states down south and in the west of what happens when you let your guard down with COVID-19 safety measures. We are still in a pandemic. There is no cure or vaccine for COVID-19. Do not get complacent, as all the hard work and sacrifice we have endured since March will be for naught. Keep following these safety protocols to keep you and your loved ones safe.
WE ARE STILL IN A PANDEMIC
We are still fighting - Please do not let it all go to waste.
State officials nationwide are watching closely and will not rule out issuing another stay-at-home order if cases continue to rise. We cannot forget that we must STILL take care of each other which means maintaining the safety measures listed below.
- Use credible and official resources
- Stay at home if you can
- Wear a face covering in public
- Maintain social distancing
- Wash hands frequently
- Disinfect surfaces if you can
- Avoid direct contact
- Use hand sanitizer if you can
- Use rubber gloves if you can
- Keep others informed
We have come so far. Do not backtrack now.
How easy does it take to catch COVID-19?
Too easy - that is why we must continue together.
We are in this TOGETHER.
BE SMART. BE SAFE.
Contsact your property management office for questions relevant to WHA operations
[PDF] Coronavirus Letter to Residents From Alex (6/24/20)
WHA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Dear Resident,
I want to take a moment to provide you with some updates regarding our current situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) at the WHA. This is an important message, so please take the time to read it in its entirety.
I would first like to thank you again, for your continuous cooperation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to our continuous precautionary efforts, our overall numbers at the WHA are exceptional – only 7 active cases among a total of over 3,000 apartments, which is close to 6700 residents – which I am very pleased to see.
Although active numbers remain extremely low at the WHA, we are beginning to see a trend, nationally, of increased cases since the reopening of several states, Massachusetts included. This past weekend as I was driving around the city and some of our properties, it was very nice to see residents being able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather, however, I noticed numerous folks not wearing their masks, not practicing social distancing and letting their guard down. Despite the state’s upgrade to Phase 2, I urge you to remain diligent in practicing social distancing and wearing your mask on and off WHA property.
Social Distancing
If you are choosing to socialize with someone, I ask that you please be conscious of where you are socializing, preferably outside. It is critical that you continue to practice social distancing of at least 6 feet while doing so. Lastly, I discourage you from having interactions with new people during this time to avoid possible contact with COVID-19.
Mask Wearing Requirement
Additionally, please remember to wear your mask at all times when in public and/or interacting with others outside of your apartment household, as it is still a requirement on all WHA properties. This includes parking lots, common areas, laundry rooms, hallways, elevators, etc.
When wearing your mask, please remember to cover your mouth AND nose to ensure full protection. I have seen a number of residents improperly wearing their mask and exposing their nose or mouth. Wearing a face mask is a great deterrent to spreading the virus. Our efforts are marginalized if we do not work as a team and remain unified in ridding ourselves of this virus. Please help us and yourself by following these measures.
Best Safety Practices
As the state is beginning to reopen, it is critical that we are each accountable for our own personal safety and the safety of our family and community members. You can help by continuing to follow the guidance set forth by the CDC:
[PDF] COVID-19 Resident Resource List (6/15/20)
General WHA Information
Quick information for assistance and to stay connected.
Contact Numbers
Apartment Repair: 508-635-3200
Resident Services: 508-635-3306
Main WHA Number: 508-635-3000
Elder Services: 508-635-3000
Community Resources Map: https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=9ef7ef55e4644af29e9ca07bfe6a509f
Safelink Toll-Free: 877-785-2020
Safelink Hearing-Impaired (TTY): 877-521-2601
Website & Social Media
Website: www.worcesterha.org
Facebook: facebook.com/WorcesterHousing
Twitter: twitter.com/WHAuthority
Text Alerts
Text WHACOVID to: 67076
E-Mail
General e-mail: questions@worcesterha.org
[PDF] Coronavirus Letter to Residents From Alex (5/13/20)
WHA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Dear Resident,
I want to take a moment to provide you with the latest update regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) at the Worcester Housing Authority (WHA). This is an important message, so please take the time to read it in its entirety.
I would first like to thank you for your cooperation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I know it is not easy, but for your own health and safety, as well as the health and safety of those around you, especially those must vulnerable, please continue to limit your interactions with others and stay in your own apartment as much as possible. Together, we will get through this.
The following is some information and updates I would like to share with you.
Masks
I am happy to report that through the donation of the Southeast Asian Coalition, we are now able to provide masks to every apartment within the WHA portfolio. Our plan is to provide two (2) masks to every member that is 17 years old or older.
We will start distributing masks starting next week (May 18th) personally to every apartment. These are surgical masks and please remember that the yellow part of the mask is to be worn on the outside of the face.
Mask Wearing Requirement
Effective, May 25th, all WHA residents and visitors will be required to wear a mask when entering WHA property. This includes parking lots, common areas, laundry rooms, hallways, elevators, etc.
Residents that fail to comply with this requirement are subject to lease action and fines. Visitors that fail to comply are at risk to lose their privilege to be allowed on WHA property.
Please keep in mind that wearing a face mask is a great deterrent to spreading the virus. Our efforts are marginalized if we do not work as a team and remain unified in ridding ourselves of this virus. Please help us and yourself by adhering to the rules.
COVID Numbers
The WHA operates 24 different buildings across the city, housing almost 3000 households. We are pleased to share that through your cooperation, we have been able to keep the infection rate low, with only 16 apartments at 10 sites confirmed positive for COVID-19. That number represents just ½ of 1% of the total number of apartments that have a COVID positive apartment. Having these low numbers takes cooperation from you, the WHA, visitors, and the community. Thank you for doing your part to help prevent the spread! However, we cannot relax and need to be vigilant and focused on our safety protocols.
Keep the WHA Informed
As I have mentioned previously, please continue to keep the WHA informed and immediately notify your Property Management Office or Family & Resident Services at (508) 635-3306, if you experience symptoms related to COVID-19 or are diagnosed with the virus. Symptoms vary, but common symptoms typically include fever, headache, cough, and trouble breathing. We have many resources in place that can assist you in making sure you are secure and have everything you need to quarantine safely, without putting others at risk.
Best Safety Practices
While state officials begin to officially develop and roll-out plans to reopen the state, it is critical that we are each accountable for our own personal safety and the safety of our family and community members. You can help by continuing to follow the guidance set forth by the CDC:
• Please continue to follow social distancing guidelines and stay at least six feet apart from others.
• Wear your mask at all times when in public.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, and do not touch your face.
• Wear gloves when handling potentially contaminated materials.
• Sanitize surfaces, doorknobs, remote controls, and commonly touched items frequently.
• Don’t litter! Be sure to dispose of your gloves and masks in the proper garbage receptacle when done.
• Limit your visits to stores. We have seen where some stores are becoming a place of exposure, so please try to avoid shopping unless it is necessary.
Available Resources
WHA staff have worked tirelessly to coordinate with internal and external agencies to have a number of resources available to support residents in need. If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out.
• COVID-19 related updates are frequently posted on our dedicated WHA COVID-19 webpage:
http://www.worcesterha.org/covid19.html. This webpage can be translated into over 100 languages for ease of use. For text alerts, please text: WHACOVID to phone number 67076.
• Our Family & Resident Services Department has been working hard to line up referrals and necessary supplies to assist you with food, personal care items, educational assistance, medical care, mental health resources, or entertainment activities. If you need assistance, please reach out to 508-635-3306.
• If you have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 crisis, please contact your Property Management Office. Our offices are closed to the public, but we are still here to serve you. We are experiencing a higher-than-normal volume of calls, so please be sure to leave a message with a callback number if you are unable to reach someone right away.
I want to thank you again for your cooperation with our efforts to minimize the risk of Coronavirus within our community. On behalf of the entire WHA family, I wish you good health and good luck. We are all in this together.
Thank you,
Alex Corrales
Executive Director
[PDF] UMass Memorial's Care Mobile COVID-19 Education & Outreach Program Flyer (5/5/20)
UMass Memorial's Care Mobile COVID-19 Education & Outreach Program
Stay Safe and Education!
UMass Staff and the WHA is here to help, keep an eye out for the UMass Care Mobile!
[PDF] Coronavirus Letter to Residents on Walmart Closing from Executive Director Alex Corrales (4/30/20)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – Walmart
Dear Resident,
As you may be aware, the Walmart Supercenter located at 25 Tobias Boland Way by Route 146 has closed temporarily after reporting 23 of their employees have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. We know this Walmart is a popular location for many of our residents, so we are asking that you comply with the following requests to help us limit the potential spread of the virus in our buildings:
1. If you have shopped at this Walmart location within the last two weeks and are experiencing flu-like symptoms or those associated with COVID-19, please contact your medical provider. Please also inform us by calling your management office or our Resident Services office at (508) 635-3306.
2. If you have recently shopped at this Walmart location, but are not showing symptoms, we ask that you inform us of the last time you visited this location by calling your management office or our resident services office at (508) 635-3306. It is important for us to be aware of who is potentially at risk so that we can keep you and your fellow residents safe.
Any information you share with us will remain confidential. We ask that you keep us informed so that we can determine the best way to limit exposure to the virus in the WHA community. As always, we will work to assist you and provide you with essential resources if you are ill and/or quarantined.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation with these efforts to minimize the risk of Coronavirus within our community. It continues to be everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety of our residents.
Please reach out to your management office or our resident services office if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Alex Corrales
Executive Director
[PDF] Executive Director Alex Corrales - Coronavirus Letter to Residents (4/15/20)
April 15, 2020
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update For WHA Residents
Dear Resident,
I want to take a moment to provide you with the latest update regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) at the Worcester Housing Authority (WHA). This is an important message, so please take the time to read it in its entirety.
I would first like to thank you for your cooperation with the shelter-in-place order. Please continue to limit your interactions with others and stay in your own apartment as much as possible until further notice. We recognize that this is a challenge, but it is important for us to all work together to minimize your risk of exposure to the virus.
The following information contains important reminders and updates I would like to share with you.
Keep us Informed
1. If you have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus or are experiencing related symptoms, I ask that you contact us immediately and let us know. You can call your management office or our resident service office at 508-635-3306.
2. It is necessary for us to be informed so we can take proper precautions to ensure your safety as well as that of other residents in your development and our staff. We also want to be sure that we can provide you with proper assistance if needed.
3. If you have recently returned from a rehab facility, please inform us of this as well. There has been an increase in COVID-19 cases from some rehab facilities and it is important that we are aware in order to take the proper precautions.
4. Any information you share with us is confidential and will not be shared. We will be in contact with you directly and consistently to discuss updates regarding your health and quarantine status.
Loss of Income
1. For residents who have experienced a loss of employment income, please contact your management office so we can adjust your rent to reflect your current income. We can also provide you with resources that you may find helpful regarding unemployment and additional assistance during this crisis.
Waste and Trash
1. As you may know, our maintenance staff has been spending a lot of their time sanitizing the buildings at least three (3) times per day in order to keep areas of heavy traffic as clean as possible; however, we need your help in keeping our communities clean.
2. Please dispose properly of used face masks and gloves in the appropriate trash bins. We have noticed an increase in these items thrown on the ground or surrounding grass areas.
3. If you have a pet, you are responsible for picking up after them. Some residents are not cleaning up after their pets both inside and outside the buildings. This will be monitored closely.
Assistance / Resources
1. If you are in need of any assistance and are not sure who to contact, our resident services office is available to help you. Please call 508-635-3306 and we will be happy to assist you.
2. Visit our WHA Facebook page or our website at Worcesterha.org for a list of resources that may be of help to you at this time.
COVID-19 Cases
I would like to inform you of the latest numbers of reported COVID-19 cases. We currently have six (6) residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. They are all currently in quarantine and doing well. We are in constant contact with them to provide them with support and make sure they are staying safe inside their apartment.
I want to thank you again for your cooperation with our efforts to minimize the risk of Coronavirus within our community. It continues to be everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety of our residents.
On behalf of the entire WHA family, I hope you are doing well, and staying safe and healthy. Please reach out to your management office or our resident services office if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Alex Corrales
Executive Director
[PDF] COVID-19 Safety Tips for Residents (4/3/20)
[PDF] WHA offers free food pantry service to residents (3/27/20)
Food Pantry Service
Delivery right to your door!
WHA Response to COVID-19
It is of the utmost importance
for elder residents to practice safety prevention measures to avoid COVID-19 exposure.
The Worcester Housing Authority is upholding its core values and committed to assist its residents especially our elders and families, during this COVID-19 crisis.
In partnering with Friendly House, the WHA is dedicated to make sure that food or meals are available and delivered safely to residents in need. Don’t go hungry. Let us help you.
Arrangements for distribution
will be three days a week:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Interested? Call Resident Services: 508-635-3306
[PDF] Executive Director Alex Corrales - Coronavirus Letter to Residents (3/25/20)
March 25, 2020
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update For WHA Residents
I would like to take a moment to update you and remind you on measures the Worcester Housing Authority (WHA) is taking in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). I also want to re-iterate steps you can take to reducing the risk of exposure to the virus.
Although the governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to close, this order does not apply to housing authorities. We are an essential business providing essential services to our residents. The WHA will continue to operate within its normal business hours; however, the physical offices are closed to the public until further notice.
We appreciate your cooperation with the following changes and will continue to provide you with the level of service you are accustomed to.
Resident Outreach / Assistance
1. If you need any type of assistance, please call our Resident Service office at (508) 635-3306. We can provide assistance with food, supplies, or to answer any question you may have.
2. If you have not received a call from us, please contact Resident Services at the number above. We may not have your most updated phone number in our records and we want to make sure to check in on you.
3. Drop boxes are located at all property management offices, Resident Service office, Leased Housing office, and our Admissions office. This allows you to mail or drop off necessary documents. If you have a document to drop off, please call the appropriate office so they are aware to expect your document.
4. We understand that many employers are struggling at this time. If you experience a loss of income, please report it to your property management office immediately, so we can adjust your rent accordingly.
5. If you are in self-quarantine or have been instructed to quarantine, please inform your management office so we can take proper precautions and assist you in any way possible.
6. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, we strongly recommend that you inform us for the safety of all our residents. We will take a moment to review protocol with you and will remain in contact to provide any assistance necessary while you are recovering in quarantine.
7. If you are feeling ill, particularly flu like symptoms or those defined as coronavirus-like symptoms, which include fever, cough, and trouble breathing, contact your medical provider immediately. We also ask you to inform your management office so we can take proper precautions and assist you in any way possible.
Resident Tips
1. Please remember to reduce physical interaction with other people. This is the best way to avoid exposure to the virus. Avoid social gatherings and stay in your apartment as much as possible.
2. We recommend that you limit visitors in your apartment as they may have been exposed to the virus. We encourage you to use Facetime or other video chat programs to stay connected with friends, family members or neighbors.
3. We are working with local organizations to collect donations, and in some cases provide delivery to your door if necessary. If you are having supplies or items delivered to your apartment, have them placed outside your door.
4. No more than 4 people should be inside an elevator. Please wait for another elevator cab to avoid overcrowding.
5. COVID-19 virus can live on surfaces. Please sanitize your apartment frequently by wiping down surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner.
6. It is very important that you continue to practice proper hygiene techniques. Wash your hands every 30 minutes, especially after coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching your face.
7. Minimize the use of toilet paper and ensure that toilet paper is the only material being flushed. Never flush wipes, paper towels, etc. in the toilet.
WHA Response
1. WHA maintenance staff continue to prioritize your health and safety. During this crisis, we have reallocated our resources to ensure that all our buildings are sanitized at least three (3) times each day.
2. WHA employees will be wearing protective masks while in WHA buildings. This is for your protection as well as their own. Please do not be alarmed, this does not mean that staff is sick or that they think you are sick.
3. Maintenance is currently only responding to emergency work orders. Please be patient with all other work order requests while we prioritize the safety of residents and staff during this time.
4. We are creating an inventory of all home health aides, who currently assist our residents in their apartments. We will be calling you for their contact information, so we can communicate directly with them about any changes in the building as it relates to COVID-19.
As a reminder, the WHA website COVID-19 page will provide you with regular WHA updates on action we are taking, as well as updates from city, state, and federal agencies. Please refer to this page to stay updated on the latest news. We will also continue to update you via telephone and our social media page. Our website is www.worcesterha.org.
I would like to remind all our residents that we are in the midst of a national emergency. We understand that our residents need us now more than ever. In order to ensure we are providing you the assistance you need, we need to have a healthy and informed staff.
I want to thank you for your continued cooperation with these efforts to minimize the risk of Coronavirus within our community. Your understanding of the measures we are taking, but more importantly, knowing what you can do, to minimize the risk for you and others, is critical.
Thank you for working with us. It will take all of us communicating and working together to get past this crisis.
Stay well and safe,
Alex Corrales
Executive Director
[PDF] Executive Director Alex Corrales - Press Release (3/14/20)
March 14, 2020
Worcester Housing Author ity Response to COVID-19
The mission of the Worcester Housing Authority is to enhance the Worcester community by creating and sustaining decent, safe, and affordable housing that champions stability and self-sufficiency for our residents. In times of crisis, this mission becomes an even more critical part of the WHA’s service to our community’s most vulnerable citizens.
The COVID-19 Coronavirus has hit our community with fast-moving force and impact. The WHA is taking this outbreak very seriously and has taken swift action to minimize risk to our residents, staff, and visitors. An internal task force has been established and is meeting daily to review updates and respond accordingly. We remain in close contact with local officials and community partners.
The WHA would like to take a moment to share a number of operational changes and safety measures being implemented effective immediately. These changes will be in effect for at least the next 30 days, at which point the WHA will reassess and reevaluate to determine next steps.
- All WHA offices will be open to the public only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All business with the WHA outside of these hours must be conducted via telephone, email, or fax.
- During these new business hours, the WHA will install physical drop-boxes at various locations where residents and visitors can drop off important paperwork to avoid entering the offices.
- Apartment visits, such as inspections and routine or non-emergency work orders that can be postponed, will be rescheduled. For emergency work orders that require in-person interaction, residents will be required to answer a series of screening questions prior to arrival.
- For all other scheduled appointments, the WHA will make every attempt to conduct the appointment by telephone or other means.
- The WHA’s Family & Resident Services Department is working directly with our residents daily to ensure that those in-need or at high-risk are receiving services such as food, medical support, and engagement resources and materials.
- All employees and residents who are exhibiting symptoms of the Coronavirus, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing are being asked to self-isolate, contact their medical provider immediately for direction, and notify the WHA as soon as possible to enable the WHA take action to mitigate the risk to our population.
As a public agency serving our community’s most vulnerable residents, the WHA cannot close and will not abandon our clients. However, with the cooperation of our dedicated staff, partner agencies, and our community, we can get through this crisis with the best outcome possible.
The WHA has established a page on our website dedicated to keeping our residents and the general public informed on Coronavirus updates. Please feel free to visit this site at: www.worcesterha.org for information and helpful tips and techniques, as well as updates from local, state, and federal agencies.
“The WHA and its staff have a clear understanding that if there was ever a time that our residents need us, it is NOW.
I am encouraged by the response of our dedicated employees and our understanding that there is much work left to be done.”
– Alex Corrales, Executive Director
[PDF] Executive Director Alex Corrales - Coronavirus Letter to Residents (3/12/20)
March 12, 2020
RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update Dear Resident,
I want to take a moment to update you on measures the Worcester Housing Authority (WHA) is taking in response to the recent news regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is an important message, so please take the time to read it in its entirety.
The WHA’s goal is to provide you with information, resources, and tips to ensure that you are taking proper safety precautions to protect yourself and those around you from exposure to this virus. I would like to inform you of specific changes that the WHA is making to assist in those precautions. These changes are effective immediately and will be in effect for the next thirty (30) days.
Events / Meetings / Gatherings
All resident meetings, events, and gatherings scheduled to occur at WHA sites will be cancelled immediately. This includes, but is not limited to, events sponsored by resident councils, pet clinics, wellness fairs, food pantry, and any other gathering.
All WHA community rooms will be closed to minimize group gatherings. If the WHA needs to open the community rooms for a specific purpose, that need will be assessed and determined on a case-by-case basis.
For residents enrolled in FSS or ABL programs, client meetings will be conducted over the phone. A Family Life Coach or Coordinator will be in touch to schedule those phone meetings.
The after-school tutoring and gym recreational programs at Great Brook Valley will remain open in accordance to the Worcester Public School’s calendar. If there are school cancellations, these programs will also be cancelled. Parents that utilize these programs should plan accordingly and ensure proper accommodations are in place for your children in the event schools are closed.
We are in constant communication with our community partners such as the Worcester Senior Center and Quinsigamond Community College, to determine the status of the senior transportation program and our Hi-Set / ESL classes. The WHA will provide updates if there is a disruption in service of these programs.
WHA Assistance/Response
The WHA will continue to operate within its normal business hours and to deliver the excellent level of service you are accustomed to receiving. However, we advise all residents to take the following precautions in order to reduce and minimize exposure to the virus.
Please limit your WHA office visits. Kindly contact the department or person that you wish to speak with by telephone. The WHA will determine the best course of action in order to provide you with the assistance that you require.
If you are requesting a work order for maintenance repairs, kindly inform the WHA if you are sick or experiencing symptoms similar to those of the Coronavirus. The WHA will continue to respond to emergencies, but must be fully informed in order to minimize risk.
For non-emergency, routine work order requests, please be patient. Residents may experience a slight delay due to increased maintenance duties in response to the virus.
WHA maintenance staff are spending additional time and efforts sanitizing high-traffic areas in all buildings, at least twice a day, as an additional safety measure.
Tips and Resources
The WHA has posted and delivered flyers and notices at all developments, including safety tips and precautions. This includes regularly washing hands, as well as avoiding physical contact with others and large group gatherings. I strongly urge you to read these flyers and practice these safety precautions.
The WHA is finalizing a webpage dedicated to the Coronavirus response. This page will provide you with regular WHA updates on action we are taking, as well as updates from city, state, and federal agencies. Please refer to this page to stay updated on the latest news. We will also continue to update you via telephone and on our social media page. Our website is www.worcesterha.org
I want to thank you for your anticipated cooperation with these efforts to minimize the risk of Coronavirus within our community. It will take everyone’s cooperation to ensure the health and safety of all of our residents. I am in constant contact with city officials in order to strategize in the event that a WHA resident contracts the virus. If you are feeling ill, please seek immediate assistance from a medical professional.
If you have any questions, the WHA is here to help. Please contact your property management office and they will be happy to assist you.
Thank you,
Alex Corrales
Executive Director
| Worcester Housing Authority |
| 40 Belmont Street |
| Worcester, MA 01605 |
| Phone: 508-635-3000 |
| Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
