RHA releases annual plan

The Rockford Housing Authority releases its annual plan. The plan has many goals for the coming years ahead, having to do with peace of mind for residents, all while keeping its mantra of move in, move up and move on. Executive Director Ron Clewer says if a resident is caught committing a crime, they will be evicted no questions asked. But, if someone is having trouble paying rent, the staff at RHA will guide them, giving tips they can take with them after they move on. “If we can hold on long enough to build the necessary skills, when you move on, you are now moving on into a more productive role in our community as opposed to a role that may be more of a liability,” Clewer says. A long-term goal Clewer has is video surveillance around the communities. Within five years, he says residents will have a key code to get in their homes. The devices can also track gunfire. Even though it will cost the city 3.5 million dollars, residents like Donald Johnson like the idea. He says it will give mothers comfort while watching TV with their kids. “It’s a shame when a child has to grow up and become immune to a gun shot. That’s scary,” Johnson, a Park Terrace resident, says. He also says giving people these skills to use in their future could only help the situation. “When it’s all said and done this is about people,” he added. “Help them, pull them along. And I bet you, once they see, once they see the light and see that okay, I can make it. Somebody’s really taking a chance on me. Somebody’s pushing me. Somebody believes that I can be something. That’s helpful.” Read the full WREX 13 article here: http://www.wrex.com/story/25756468/2014/06/11/rockford-housing-authority-releases-annual-plan