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Kingston Housing Authority wins national recognition.
09/20/2004 - Named as a “Most Improved PHA” by Housing Authority Insurance Group
Kingston, NY -- September 20, 2004 -- The Kingston Housing Authority (KHA) was named this week as one of the top three public housing authorities across the United States in reducing the number and severity of accidents on its properties according to Jeffrey D. Weslow of the Housing Authority Insurance Group. For the years 2000, 2001 and 2002, the local authority’s loss history had a greater decline than all but one other housing authority in its size category. KHA was the only housing authority in New York State so honored for its record of safety.
KHA Executive Director, Steven Fischer, credited his staff with making the honor possible. “Safety of residents is a top priority around here,” said Fischer. “The staff is collectively, a really vigilant group, and when they see a hazard that could cause an accident, they act immediately to eliminate the dangerous condition.” Fischer went on to note that the award is even more remarkable because of the fact that so many of those served by KHA are senior citizens. “This is a population that is more vulnerable than most, and more susceptible to accidents, particularly falls. To achieve a record like this requires constant attention to the environment in and around our properties, and great consideration of both large issues and small details,” Fischer added. “That’s exactly what Terry Bell and our housing managers do every day. I’m really proud of this honor and look forward to continuing our vigilance for the safety of our residents.”
Fischer said that Maintenance Chief, Mike Dougherty and his crews also play a huge role in on-premise safety. Keeping sidewalks smooth and in good repair during summer and clear of snow and ice in the winter were among the efforts Dougherty and his crew improved. Railings near steps and steep embankments, convenient facilities for doing laundry and disposing of refuse, and well maintained floors and appliances in common rooms were also important in reducing accidents. “We’re sometimes come off as annoying to residents, staff and visitors,” Fischer said. “But if that’s what it takes to create the safest possible environment for our people, then that’s what we’re going to do.” Fischer also credited residents themselves with making a difference in their own community. “They hold us to a pretty high standard and don’t hesitate to tell us if they think we’ve missed something,” said Fischer.
According to the Housing Authority Insurance Group, the housing authority of Long Branch, New Jersey finished first in the running ahead of KHA and the Trenton, New Jersey authority finished third behind the local agency. The category included housing authorities managing between 500 and 2,500 units. Authorities in Jersey City, Richmond, and Los Angeles finished first through third, respectively, among housing authorities managing more than 2,500 units and just one small authority, that in Chelsea, MA was so honored.
KHA is among the Hudson River Valley’s leaders in development and management of affordable housing and business property maintenance. It operates or administers seven different affordable housing properties in the area, serving more than 1,500 individuals in nearly 600 housing units. Founded in 1948, its mission includes not just housing but education and outreach to improve the lives and enhance the self-sufficiency of residents.
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