THE SECTION 8/HCV WAITING LIST IS CURRENTLY CLOSED
Statement of Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
It is the policy of the BHA to fully comply with all Federal, State and local nondiscrimination laws. The Americans with Disabilities Act and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations governing Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. BHA shall affirmatively further fair housing in the administration of its public housing program.
No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, familial status, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under BHA programs.
BHA will assist any family that believes they have suffered illegal discrimination by providing copies of the appropriate housing discrimination forms. BHA will also assist them in completing the forms if requested, and will provide them with the address of the nearest HUD office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
The BHA Mission
To create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for individuals and families while promoting self sufficiency. We seek to provide housing opportunities, bolster the economy and protect consumers. We are committed to meeting the needs of our citizens and utilizing housing as a platform for improving their quality of life. Our effort shall encourage empowerment, enrich lives and energize the community of Bristol, Rhode Island. Applications may be obtained at 1014 Hope St Bristol, RI 02809.
Local Economic Impact – FY 2015 (Information provided from BHA 2015 Annual Report)
Town of Bristol (PILOT) $58,103
Payroll & Benefits $614,138
Maintenance Supplies & Contracts $190,568
Utilities (water, sewer and electric) $367,962
Housing Assistance Payments (HCV/Sec 8) $1,176,698 (including portables)
Capital Improvements $105,704
From the Executive Director —M. Candace Pansa, Executive Director
The past few years have brought challenging obstacles for the Bristol Housing Authority, —aging buildings (40+ years old), snow storms, power outages, and tropical storms just to name a few. The staff and commissioners here at the Bristol Housing Authority have worked together to be sure that all of our residents are safe and well cared for. As an independent living facility, we strive to provide housing, that is well beyond the HUD mandate of “decent, safe and affordable”. We provide a secure and compassionate atmosphere for all of our Benjamin Church Manor residents.
In spite of budget cuts, we have replaced the electrical wiring in 153 units which are housed in nine buildings. In 2015 we will be replacing our fire alarms system with a state of the art wireless fire alarms system to meet local and state codes. This project will cost between $350,000 and $400,000.
We not only provide housing assistance to extremely-low and very-low income families, but we also support the residents and businesses in the community financially. During fiscal year 2014, the Bristol Housing Authority funded $1,274,754 in rental assistance payments through the Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Program to landlords in Bristol and surrounding communities.
We may face challenges as 2015 approaches, but the Bristol Housing Authority staff and commissioners are a team; and we are up to the challenge. We extend a thank you to the Town Council and Town Administrator. We are confident that Bristol Housing Authority is a source of pride in the community.
“Everyone needs a place to call home.” Candace Pansa, Executive Director, quoted in an article published by the Bristol Phoenix announcing the opening of the HCV/Section 8 Waiting List in April, 2014.