Resource Center: Anonymous Drop Box -- You're Suggestions Answered

Resident Council has received several suggestions/comments in the anonymous drop box. The council presented them to HRS management. Here they are, along with HRS responses in black.

• Drink machines at community rooms such as Monterey. These require time to manage – maintaining and accounting. Plus, they are often damaged. There are businesses within short distances of all of our housing sites that either sell these products or have drink machines.

• Turn the old park into a pool. We agree, pools are a lot of fun. However, they are not an allowable housing expense. We encourage everyone to utilize any public pools or water parks in their area.

• Get rid of the drugs. Mandatory drug testing. Suspicious activity at an apartment. A woman has a lot of boyfriends who stay over. HRS would like to see all illegal drug activity eradicated. We work closely with groups such as Power of Putnam and local law enforcement to educate our residents on drug abuse. Illegal drug use is a criminal activity that should be reported to the local police by the person who witnesses the activity. Public housing does not have the legal authority to drug test residents. As far as suspicious activity, the witness would need to contact the office so we would know what the activity is. Please review your Resident Handbook regarding our guest policy. Specific issues regarding “traffic or guests” should be called in to the main office.

• Do more for Baxter kids. Our resident services department provides the following activities on a yearly basis to children in Baxter, Cookeville/Algood, Monterey, Gainesboro and Celina: “What Home Means to Me” poster contest, Fall FunDay and the Easter egg hunt. Churches and other community groups are encouraged to sponsor block parties or youth day events in these areas. We encourage all residents to send their children to these activities, which will show the needs and desires exist. We constantly look for new opportunities, funding, etc., to support expanding programs for youth in all our developments.

• We need to put a stop to kids riding in other people’s backyards. Also, kids ride their bikes and play in the streets without watching for cars, and it really is not good for their safety. Children do play outside. If a resident is having a particular issue, they would need to call the main office. HRS encourages all parents to be mindful of their child’s safety, not only at home, but everywhere.

• Be able to pay (rent, charges, etc) with debit card or online. Residents have inquired about the use of credit cards/debit cards. We agree this would be a convenient method of payment. Unfortunately, these payment methods generally have fees or charges that are charged to HRS. Because of that, we can only accept cash, checks or money orders at this time. Payments can be made in person or by mail.

• New faucets, please. Air vents cleaned at least every five years. These are all maintenance issues/comments. HRS will be happy to look at your maintenance/ repair needs. Please review the work order request policy in your lease or Resident Handbook. Then contact the main office at (931) 526-9793, ext. 210, to place a work order. We need to know who you are to help you. If you feel the results did not meet your needs, please contact the main office again to request a review. HRS strives to ensure all our residents’ homes are safe and in good order.

• Stop maintenance men from playing loud music when they clean empty apartments. 7:30 is when it all starts up. “Make maintenance men pass inspection in their homes.” If you need help with a particular staff person or department, please call the main office so this can be addressed properly.

• I feel this council has gone above and beyond when it was first started four years ago. Glad to see it moving forward! Thank you! As always, we love positive comments.