Fulton Housing, Fulton, Kentucky
Hosts: Cindy, Lisa & Beth
I arrived at Fulton Housing to be greated by 3 lovely ladies who had generc jobs within their organisation. Fulton Housing is a Welfare Housing Organisation that only has a stock of 207 units. The approximate population of Fulton is 5000, predominantly a lower to middle class area with two pockets of low income households. One mainly for the elderly & the other is for general needs (as we know it).
I was taken on a small tour of the general needs units which were single storey bungalow type dwellings, having 2 or 3 bedrooms. These properties are always supplied with a fridge / freezer & a cooker (stove). The units are quite small and dark on the inside, but have very attractive exteriors. Fulton housing is crrently carrying out a project to improve the area and is having ballastrades fitted to all the porches of the properties.
It appears with regards to rent arrears that they have a much easier process for people who continue to breach their tenancy (lease). Rental is paid monthly and has to be paid within 5 days of the 1st each month. If this is not paid by day 5 then a letter will be sent out or a home visit may take place. Should the tenant not go to the office to set up a repayemnt plan, then proceedings commence immediately. Fulton Housing, like the UK, would serve a notice of seeking possession (Notice of intention to evict) which only has a 14 day epirey date, and after 14 days if the rent is not paid or an agreement is set up, then automatic court action will follow, which is very simple; you just apply to the court for an aviction and this is granted and effected with a further 14 days.
I have to say, the rent arrears in Fulton Housing (although a small organisation) are nominal compared to that of the UK generally.However I havre been advised that in other areas of the USA this is not the case, such places like Detroit. Although, South West Kentucky does have many low income families, a high immigrant issue and over 10% of unemployemnt.
Anti social behaviour is also prevalent in Fulton, but the mains issues seem to be dogs barking, and noisy kids. This area does have its issues with drig use and alcohol problems, but not around the welfare housing that I have seen.
The morning also saw a very in depth discussion of what both we do at Trent & Dove Housing with regards to rents arrears & anti social bahaviour and that of Fulton Housing. Interestingly, Fulton Housing have a pet policy, which is very specific that you are only allowed 1 dog, or 1 cat, or 1 caged animal, such as a bird or hamster. If you exceed this, then they will look at taking necessary action.
There were so many things that were discussed, and I could have spent the whole week there and learnt so many things. But sadly a morning was all I had, and the time wittled away so quickly, but I have the contacts of these 3 ladies, and will be emailing them many more questions as they arise & as internet access permits.
A very informative & interesting morning, which has given me a great insight into SWelfare Housing in the United States.
Pam Bowley
No comments:
Post a Comment