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NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERVOLUME 23 NO. 3JULY- AUG 2026R.E.A.C.H.R.E.A.C.H.R.E.A.C.H.Game On for Strong Families! GGHA celebrated its 8th Annual HUD Strong Families Initiative Day with an exciting “Game On” theme! Residents enjoyed an afternoon filled with fun, fellowship, games, and valuable information designed to strengthen families and encourage self-sufficiency.INSIDEINSIDEINSIDE THISTHISTHIS ISSUEISSUEISSUE INSIDE THIS ISSUEUpcoming Activities & EventsImportant Resident Notices & UpdatesYouth and Educational Programs, Activities, & Events GREATER GADSDEN HOUSING AUTHORITYGREATER GADSDEN HOUSING AUTHORITYGREATER GADSDEN HOUSING AUTHORITYA wealth of resources was provided by our wonderful community partners, Quality of Life Health Services, Job Corps, Gadsden State Community College, TRIO, Legal Services Alabama, and Encompass Health. Thank you to the GHAA staff that attended and participate. A truly good time was had by all who attended as GGHA brought families and community resources together for a winning day!
GGHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGEGreetings to all Public Housing Residents & Friends of Public Housing! ISpring is here and we need you! Spring is a time of new growth and getting involved with resident association is a great way to help improve your community. The associations meet once a month (in person and on Facebook Live) for an hour or so. This is an opportunity to get to know your neighbors; help organize social events; provide input on GGHA policies/procedures that directly affect you; provide ideas/suggestions; report issues and ask questions. GGHA staff are present at these meetings to provide information and answer questions from the associations and residents. What changes/improvements would you like to see in your community? These meetings are a great opportunity to let GGHA staff know your thoughts and recommendations since the people that live in public housing know best what is needed within their developments, and we depend on your input and advice in all management decisions. Each community normally elects officers during the February meeting to represent the community for three years; however, we currently need volunteers to serve as officers in several communities. These officers are considered leaders in your community, and their service is very much appreciated. If you would like to serve on resident board let Towanna or Sumika know.info@ggha.org256-547-2501www.ggha.orgImportant Reminders: We just completed the annual and five-year plan process, and there were nine (9) meetings held to get comments and feedback from all Public Housing Residents and Section 8 participants regarding the contents of the annual plan. The feedback and support from the residents who attended these meetings were critical to the development of the GGHA’s plans for this coming fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2026. Also, the Resident Associations are involved in several community projects, and one of their main objectives is to identify the needs of the public housing community. Christmas Dinners, Thanksgiving Lunches, Halloween Parties, and other social events are all dependent on the work of the resident associations and other residents, with assistance from the GGHA Resident Initiatives Staff. The resident Presidents for each Association and the meeting times are listed on the back of this newsletter. As we enter Spring, the GGHA will continue to emphasize how the communities look. The grass will be cut every other week, so make sure toys, lawn furniture, grills, etc., are picked up and stored properly. Additionally, in accordance with your lease, any outdoor plantings require GGHA approval (resident must remove weeds and maintain a neat appearance), and any furniture on porches or in yards must be designed for the outdoors (no indoor furniture, such as kitchen or living room chairs). We will be surveying the grounds and providing notice to any residents with excess and/or unapproved outdoor plants, improper furniture, unused grills, and other debris. The notice will allow residents to remove the items. If not removed, GGHA will remove it and charge the resident for the removal. Your assistance in this area is greatly appreciated. May God Bless each of you! Greg Price
Greater Gadsden Housing Authority2025-2026 GGHA ESTEEM Honor Roll Students We are absolutely thrilled to take this moment to extend our heartfelt congratulations to theWe are absolutely thrilled to take this moment to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the incredible graduates from all levels, from grade school to graduate school. Your hard work,incredible graduates from all levels, from grade school to graduate school. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have led you to this spectacular milestone, and we couldn’t bededication, and perseverance have led you to this spectacular milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you. A huge thank you to everyone who shared theirprouder of each and every one of you. A huge thank you to everyone who shared their graduate’s achievements with us! As you embark on the next awe-inspiring chapter of yourgraduate’s achievements with us! As you embark on the next awe-inspiring chapter of your lives, we wish you the very best. May your future be as bright and extraordinary as you are!lives, we wish you the very best. May your future be as bright and extraordinary as you are! We are absolutely thrilled to take this moment to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the incredible graduates from all levels, from grade school to graduate school. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have led you to this spectacular milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you. A huge thank you to everyone who shared their graduate’s achievements with us! As you embark on the next awe-inspiring chapter of your lives, we wish you the very best. May your future be as bright and extraordinary as you are! To Advertise In The R.E.A.C.H. NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERGGHAGGHA R.E.A.C.H.R.E.A.C.H. GGHA R.E.A.C.H. VOLVOL 2323 VOL 23 NO 3NO 3 20262026 NO 3 2026 www.ggha.org Send your article and graphics to Mrs. Towanna Wilson at twilson@ggha.org. The deadlines are: March 15 June 15 September 15 December 15Shaiyena Summerville KindergradKylie Lewis KindergradElijah Campbell8th Grade GradZakiyah Cameron8th Grade GradAniya Marshall High School GradTowanna WilsonAlabama A&M University Recognition of the GGHA ESTEEM Honor Roll Students Cameron, Zakiyah Campbell, Elijah Edwards, Nick Ferrell Jr., John Glover, Diamond Glover, Nevaeh Hawk, Asher Hawk, Keegan Hawk, Zane Jackson, Kye Jackson, Zy'marrion Jenkins, Shankaya Lewis, Khylie Mahone, Zariyah Marshall, Aniya Recognition of the GGHA ESTEEM Honor Roll Students Parker, Prince Miles Pearson, LaDedric Richardson, Brodric Ruffin, Sanaa Sears, Marquette Simmons, Tzipora Spears, Makenzie Summerville, Shaiyena Thomas, Christian Thomas, Peyton Vicars, Aria Yates, SkylerJohn Ferrell Jr. 8th Grade Grad
Community PartnershipsThe Greater Gadsden Housing Authority was pleased to attend and offer housing resource information at the 2026 Elder Abuse Summit and the 2026 Homeless Connect events! If you or someone you know are in need of safe, clean, and affordable housing in the the Gadsden area, apply at www.ggha.org. Call us at 256- 547-2501 for more information or assistance.We are still going strong with our monthly food box distribution. Every 1 Tuesday of each month. There will be one change in November. The pick-up day will be Thursday, November 5, 2026. stCommunity and SustanabilityMonthly Food Distribution GGHA SUMMERGGHA SUMMER SIZZLINGSIZZLING GGHA SUMMER SIZZLINGJUNE-SEPTEMBER 2026JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2026JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2026JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2026JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2026 HAPPENINGSHAPPENINGSHAPPENINGS Thankful for our Community Relationships!The GGHA Love Our Residents! (PAST & FUTURES)(PAST & FUTURES)Glover regularly attends his community's resident meetings. His participation led to him winning a beach setup in a drawing for attending the monthly meeting and the GGHA Strong Families Day. VOLVOL 2323 VOL 23 NO 3NO 3 20262026 NO 3 2026
HAPPENINGS JULY-SEPTEMBER2026 ACCESS Hour Who Are We? FALL YARD SALESGGHA ACCESS Hours is an outreach initiative by the Greater Gadsden Housing Authority aimed at providing staff, information, and support directly to residents in its seven communities. Known as ACCESS—All-Community Connections, Engagement, Support, and Services—it occurs monthly before each community's Resident Association meeting, allowing residents to meet with staff conveniently and face-to-face. ACCESS Hour takes place one hour before the Resident Meeting in every community. REMEMBER! Rent is due on the 1st of each month, with a grace period until the 10th. A $25 late fee applies if not paid by the 10th. A second $25 fee is added if not paid by the 21st. Court filing occurs if unpaid by the month's last business day.
3. HappeningsHappeningsHappenings G.G.H.A.G.G.H.A.G.G.H.A.
EmployeeEmployeeCALLJulyIndependence DayDo you need maintenance assistance?Call 256-547-2505 for maintenance work orders. Only EMERGENCY calls will result in maintenance staff call-outs after-hours.GGHA SEASONAL CLOSINGS & CONTACT INFORMATIONThe GGHA will be closed in observance of Independence Day, Thursday. July 2, 2026SeptMemorial DayThe GGHA will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, Monday. September 7, 2026ScottScott MayoMayo Scott MayoMAINTENANCEGGHAGGHAGGHADIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE & MODERNIZATION2026 UpdatesUpdatesUpdates # Important Maintenance and Safety Information *Smoke Detector Policy** Removing, disconnecting, or unplugging your smoke detectors is a breach of your lease agreement. You will incur a charge for the installation of the smoke detector, and if it is missing, you will be billed for the cost of replacement. If your smoke detector is chirping, please reach out to the Maintenance Department for assistance. *Extreme Heat Precautions** We kindly remind you to keep your doors and windows closed during this extreme heat. If you need to lower the temperature on your thermostat, please adjust it by only 2-3 degrees at a time. This gradual change allows the AC unit to adapt to the new setting. A sudden shift of 4-6 degrees may cause the AC unit to shut down. *After-Hours AC Issues** We will address after-hours calls for AC issues; however, responses will only occur until 8:00 PM and only if the outside temperature is 88 degrees or higher. If you contact us after 8:00 PM, we will respond the following morning if the forecasted temperature is expected to exceed 88 degrees. Hello Everyone, I hope all residents are enjoying a wonderful summer. With the season in full swing and children out of school, I would like to remind everyone of their responsibility to ensure that their children's toys, bicycles, and similar items are picked up and stored away daily. Please remember that leaving indoor furniture or BBQ grills in front of your unit, on porches, or in yard areas is not allowed. All grease and cooking oils must be poured into a container after they have cooled, ensuring the container will not melt. Charcoal should be wrapped in foil once it has cooled and disposed of properly. **Important:** Do not place hot charcoal in the trash containers. To avoid incurring charges for grease or charcoal disposal, please refrain from emptying grease or charcoal into the kitchen sink, around the front or back porches, near power poles, fence lines, or any GGHA properties. Dumping grease in trash containers or sink drains will result in charges from either the GGHA or the City of Gadsden Public Works. Thank you, and God bless!
THE REACH NEWSLETTER Do you have GOOD news to share or would like to advertise in the REACH? Please EMAIL The GGHA Resident Initiatives Coordinator, Mrs. Towanna Wilson at twilson@ggha.org or leave a message at 256-547-2501 ext. 107. GGHA Resident Association Meetings & Property InformationGGHA Resident Association Meetings & Property InformationEmma Sansom Homes President: Tera Coleman Date: 2nd Tuesday of each month Time: 3:00 p.m. Manager: Andrea Hawkins Place: 220 North 22nd Street Rental Office: (256) 547-1521 Fax: (256) 467-7354Carver Village President: Valerie Dudley Date: 2nd Wednesday of each month Time: 2:00 p.m. Manager: Cindy Lopez Place: 1109 Jacksonville Ct. Rental Office: (256) 546-3052 Fax: (256) 467-7353Colley/ Northside Homes President: Joy Lewis Date: 2nd Thursday of each month Time: 2:00 p.m. Manager: Sheree Fomby Place: 422 North 6th Street (Former Poolhouse) Rental Office: (256) 547-1471 Fax: (256) 467-7352Starnes Park President: Camilla Scott Date: 3rd Wednesday of each month Time: 2:00 p.m. Manager: Julie Lester Place: 601 Starnes Park Rental Office: (256) 492-1060 Fax: (256) 467-7357Campbell Court President: Teresa Clanton Date: 3rd Wednesday of each month Time: 1:30 p.m Manager: Julie Lester Place: 100 Campbell Court Rental Office: (256) 492-3961 Fax: (256) 467-7356Gateway Village: President: Vacant Date: 4th Tuesday of each month Time: 2:00 p.m. Manager: Drea Ledford Place: 1319 Walnut Street Rental Office: (256) 546-1072 Fax (256) 467-7355River Hill Estates President: Jacob Cleveland Date: 4th Wednesday of each month Time: 3:00 p.m. Manager: Drea Ledford Place: 720 Ewing Avenue Rental Office: (256) 547-2912GGHA Office Hours: CENTRAL & MAINTENANCE OFFICES: MON-THUR: 7:30a.m.-12:00p.m. (Closed for lunch 12-12:30p.m.) 12:30p.m.-5:00p.m. *Community Office Hours are for the 1st-10th of each month; then, only Mon. & Thur., the 21st, & last business day of the month. COLLEY, CARVER, EMMA OFFICES & RIVERHILLS : MON-THUR: 7:30a.m.-12:00p.m. (Closed for lunch 12-12:30p.m.) 12:30p.m.-5:00p.m. CAMPBELL COURT & RIVER HILL ESTATES: MON-THUR: 7:30a.m.-12:00p.m. GATEWAY & STARNES OFFICES : MON-THUR: 12:30p.m.-5:00p.m.Terra Guyton