2011 HOUSING SERVICES CONFERENCE:
Quick
Connections
An electronic news service of the PHFA Housing Services Department – April 2011
2011 HOUSING SERVICES CONFERENCE:
Healthy Housing/Healthy Communities
June 21, 22, 23 – State College, PA
Registration has begun for the 2011 Housing Services Conference! Go online now and qualify for the early bird registration through April 30. We have 36 great breakout sessions, 4 keynote addresses, the Certificate in Elder Service Coordination, display of the Common Thread Quilt Project that YOU generated, a Marketplace of Vendors, an evening reception and wine tasting, AND the Pennsylvania Supportive Housing Award presentation! Don’t miss this jam-packed event! Our online brochure has all the details about the conference schedule, registration and hotel. Access the brochure here. Click here to register online and pay by credit card or check. We are looking forward to your attendance and involvement to make the conference a success. We hope to see you in June in State College!
2011 Pennsylvania Supportive Housing Award
to be given at Housing Services Conference
Nominations Due By April 22
There is still time to nominate a deserving individual or organization for the 2011 Pennsylvania Supportive Housing Award. Sponsored by the Departments of Public Welfare and Aging and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the award recognizes significant efforts to increase the availability of supportive housing in Pennsylvania. Visit here for more information. For nominating instructions: click here. It’s an honor to be nominated for this award that is open to any individual or organization, public or private, including builders, architects, planners, public housing authorities, municipal governments, financial institutions and non-profits. Honor that individual or organization that is most deserving of this recognition by submitting a nomination by April 22!
PAHousingSearch.com is up and running!
Good news! PAHousingSearch.com is now available to search for housing! The Pennsylvania Apartment Locator has been updated and expanded to become PAHousingSearch.com. This enhanced housing locator service still lets you search for affordable apartments but it’s now much more powerful. People looking for apartments will find it easier to use and will have an even larger number of listings – and eventually even single-family homes. More than 60,000 units are now listed, with more coming on-line every day. Don’t be left behind. Make sure YOUR units are listed. For assistance searching the site, or listing affordable rental units, please call 877.428.8844.
PHFA Information and Trainings
PHFA Regional Housing Services Forums
· Western Regional Forum, April 13, at Mountview Manor, Cresson, Cambria Co., 10-2PM
· NW Regional Forum, April 15, at Grandview Manor in Erie, from 10-2PM
o Contact Steve Chopek at schopek@phfa.org or 412.429.2843 for details on either of these events.
Join the Common Thread Quilt Project – There is Still Time
Don’t miss your last chance to be part of this great event that highlights the talents and efforts of residents at properties throughout the state. The completed quilts will be on display at the 2011 Conference in State College, June 21-23, 2011. Get details by visiting here. All completed quilt squares must be received by April 20.
2011 Housing Services Conference Call for Marketplace Vendors
Reserve your spot to market your product or service to developers, housing management staff and service providers in State College on June 21. Deadline for application is April 30. Use the RFP posted at: www.phfa.org/forms/conferences/housing_services/2011_call_fr_vendors.pdf.
Certificate in Elder Service Coordination Program
Register now! Registration for the Certificate in Elder Service Coordination Program (CESC) is taking place now through June 10. If you are interested in registering for this program or if you have questions about the program, please contact Alicia Spencer at aspencer@phfa.org. Don’t miss out on this training opportunity!
2011 PHFA Commonwealth Housing Forum – Register Online Now
The 2011 PHFA Commonwealth Housing Forum, Rebuilding the Dream, is scheduled for May 5 and 6 at the Hilton Harrisburg. For details or to register online, go to: http://housingforum.phfa.org/default.aspx.
Other Trainings and Conferences
PA Behavioral Health & Aging Coalition Offers Multiple Training Opportunities
· Understanding Depression, Anxiety and Suicide Prevention in Older Adults” will be presented on the following dates and locations- April 6, Montgomery County, May 11, Jefferson County. Cost is $75 per session. For information on all events, go to: www.olderpa.org or call 717.541.4219.
· Understanding and Accessing Medicare Services for Mental Health Consumers”, Working with Behavioral Health Issues in Older Adults”, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) A Suicide Prevention Training” a free one day training on April 13, Pittsburgh, and May 23, Chambersburg. Register online at www.olderpa.org/bhc.
Apr 4 2011 Southeastern Pennsylvania Annual Dementia Conference
2011 Southeastern Pennsylvania Annual Dementia Conference (Alzheimer’s Association) – April 4, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, King of Prussia. For information and registration visit here.
Apr 6 The RHC Housing Summit
The Regional Housing Coordinators are sponsoring a one day event focused on the housing needs of people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians on April 6 at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel, Harrisburg. For information contact Mary@sdhp.org or to register click here.
Apr 11-12 2011 PEAL Conference Pittsburgh Area
Join The Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership Center (PEAL) Center for the 2011 Conference on Discovering Genuine Relationships at the Radisson Hotel Greentree, southwest of Pittsburgh. Click here to review the conference brochure and register. For more information: contact Rose Huber at rhuber@pealcenter.org or 412.281.4404, ext. 11.
Apr 13 YouthLINK PA CarrerLink, YouthWorks & Urban Youth Action CAREER FAIR
Held at the Marriott Pittsburgh City Center Hotel from 12:30-4PM; High School Juniors and Seniors, along with Freshmen and Sophomore College students are encouraged to attend! Call 412.632.1742 for more information or with questions.
Apr 19-20 Moms & Cops Training Conference to Help Keep Children and Families Safe
To be offered for FREE at the Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh. For registration please contact Nancy Mundy at mundynl@upmc.edu Call Sharon Grace at 412.323.7858 for information regarding how you can join the Moms and Cops Collaborative.
Apr 20 PA Behavioral Health & Aging Integrative Case Conference Series
ICCS is a monthly video/audio conference series targeting ideas and solutions for working with older adults with behavioral health issues. The series serves as a forum to discuss complicated cases with cross-system needs. Calls are held from 12:30 PM-2:00 PM The last call will be held on April 20. A Case Review Form is completed by anyone wishing to discuss their case or contact Linda Shumaker.
Apr 30 Embracing Diversity-Pittsburgh Airport Marriott
The NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania 2011 Regional Education Conference will address cultural diversity and mental illness. Through inspiring presentations, an interactive panel discussion and a variety of workshops, the conference will explore how people from different cultural backgrounds perceive and experience serious mental illness. The conference will demonstrate how respect and acceptance are essential in creating a more inclusive – and more effective – behavioral health system. www.namiswpa.org
May 2 One Great Lunch with 8 Great Chefs-Harrisburg
Enjoy a 4-course lunch (noon) prepared by eight of the Harrisburg area’s best chefs while also supporting the PA Hunger Action Center. Order tickets or for more info visit www.pahunger.org.
May 2-3 Building Safe Communities for Children-Grantville
PA Department of Health, in partnership with Safe Kids PA, is hosting the PA Childhood Injury Prevention Conference: Building Safe Communities for Children. Attendance recommended for all who work to prevent injuries to children. Conference in Grantville. Registration: click here.
May 5 “Where to Turn Resource Fair” – Pittsburgh
You are invited to the Where to Turn Resource Fair. It is Thursday, May 5, 2011 from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm at the Duquesne University Power Center Ballroom in Downtown Pittsburgh. The event is free to attendees and lunch will be provided. Service Coordinators, Social Workers, Discharge Planners, Nurses are all welcome to attend. This will be an opportunity to meet businesses and service agencies that serve both seniors and families. The exhibitor fair will include organizations who will be available to answer questions and provide take away information. Contact Erin Hart at 412.657.3028 or ehart@american-healthcare.net for more information.
May 7 Disability Awareness Celebration at PNC Park
This year’s event will take place prior to the game on Saturday starting at 4:30PM. For more information contact Chaz Kellem at 412.325.4731 or chaz.kellem@pirates.com
May 12 2011 Nonprofit Summit
Hosted by Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership at the Westin Convention Center, more information is available at: http://2011nonprofitsummit.eventbrite.com
Resources/News – General
Apr 18 Filing Deadline for 2010 Federal Tax Returns
If you still need to prepare your 2010 federal tax return, April 18 is the deadline. Here are a few resources to help you with your taxes: Tax Changes — View a list of tax changes. FreeFile — Everyone is eligible for FreeFile. Check Refund Status — If you’ve already filed your 2010 federal tax return, use this online tool to look up the status of your refund. More Resources from IRS.gov.
April is Fair Housing Month – Events & Resources
For information on the PA Human Relations Commission and its resources related to Housing and Commercial Property Discrimination, click here for details.
Western PA Fair Housing Activities
· April 15 – Fair Housing Training for Maintenance Staff – www.pahma.org
· April 21 –5th Annual Fair Housing Poetry Slam presented by the Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh- www.pittsburghfairhousing.org
· April 27 – Fair Housing Training for Management and Service Coordinators – www.pahma.org
· May 10 – Fair Housing in Erie presented by: Erie County Human Relations Commission 814.451.7021.
Apr 30 Second National Drug Take Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Second National Drug Take Back Day – April 30, 2011. The purpose of this National Take Back Day was to provide a venue for persons who wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. More info here.
Deadline June 15, 2011 10,00 Friends of PA 2011 Commonwealth Awards
The 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania 2011 Commonwealth Awards are now accepting entries. Click here for more information. Entry deadline is June 15. The Commonwealth Awards help 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania put smart land use, smart design, and smart growth in the spotlight.
Due Apr 8 Comments on Fair Market Rents
HUD is currently accepting comments on proposed changes to how these rents are calculated. Click here to read this and make any comments that you feel may help to make those rents more accurate here. Due Apr 8.
Energy Saver’s Blog
Visit the Energy Savers Blog to get tips or post comments on saving energy and money at home, on the road, and in your workplace. Go to: http://www.eereblogs.energy.gov/energysavers/.
How to Start a Community Garden
Below are the phases of starting a Community Garden at your property: Phase 1 – Basic Planning
Phase 2 – Starting a Garden, Phase 3 – Sustainability , Tool Checklist, Download Tool Kit (PDF version).
LIHEAP Application Deadline Extended to April 15
It was announced that Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), will be extended more than two weeks, giving eligible households extra time to seek help paying their winter heating bills. The program has been extended through April 15. Visit here for details.
Live Interpreter Service Via Cell Phone App
Codetalker, http://codetalkerinc.com/ is a new cell phone application that connects users to a live interpreter for a three-way conversation. This is a fee based program with annual memberships or pay-as-you go plans. If your property has non-English speaking residents or applicants, it would be a good idea to check this site out.
May 1 New Federal Benefits Applicants
Anyone applying for Federal benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will receive their payments electronically, while those already receiving paper checks will need to switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013. Details at http://fms.treas.gov/news/press/electronic_benefits_rule.html.
Two New Nutrition Program Resources Offered Through USDA
Find information on U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) programs at http://www.fns.usda.gov/cga/Publications/food_help.htm.
Resources/News – Senior Sites
FinCEN Advisory Warns of Elder Financial Exploitation
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently released a new advisory to help financial institutions spot and report on activities involving elder financial exploitation. To read the Advisory go to: http://www.fincen.gov/statutes_regs/guidance/html/fin-2011-a003.html To learn more about FinCen, go to http://www.fincen.gov/.
Get a Toolkit on Vision and Aging
The National Eye Health Education Program is offering a new online toolkit called See Well for a Lifetime. The toolkit was developed for professionals who work with older adults. To access: http://www.nei.nih.gov/nehep/programs/visionandaging/whatis.asp.
WATCH for Senior Malnutrition
WATCH stands for:
· Watch for physical problems. Look for bruising, dental difficulties, or sudden or sustained weight gain or weight loss.
· Ask seniors about their eating habits. How have their tastes or preferences changed?
· Talk to a doctor or registered dietitian. Discuss nutritional needs or problems specific to the loved ones’ unique needs or management of diseases.
· Check with a pharmacist. They can warn you of the potential for drug-food interactions.
· Have your visits during mealtime. This is the best time to observe eating habits first-hand
http://www.comfortkeepers.com/information-center/news-and-highlights/malnutrition-watch
Resources/News – Family Sites
Deadline Apr 18 “Fight the Bite” Poster Contest
CDC and the DEET Education Program are sponsoring the third annual “Fight the Bite” Poster Contest, open to any child in grades 5 or 6. Create a poster showing people how to fight the bite of mosquitoes and ticks and enter it in the contest. Contest rules and an entry form are available online at http://www.fightthebitecontest.org/.
