The Resident Times Quarterly Newsletter--July-September 2025
The Resident Times Quarterly Newsletter--July-September 2025
The Resident Times Quarterly Newsletter
July-September
The NSBHA Resident Times Newsletter is your place to find information about local events, community resources, affordable and public housing, and more!
Click here to view the complete version of the newsletter:
2025 Third Quarterly Resident Times--Complete Web Version
Click here to view a printable version of the complete newsletter:
2025 Third Quarterly Resident Times--Complete Printable Version
Please check out our website and follow us on Facebook to stay even more up to date!
Websites:
New Smyrna Beach Housing Authority Website
Greenlawn Manor Senior Living WebsiteFacebook:
The Housing Authority of the City of New Smyrna Beach
What's Inside:
2025 Quarterly Calendar and Events
Happy July.
Summer is upon us and so is the temperatures. We are excited that this is our 75th anniversary of the Housing Authority created in 1950.Ms. Channequa worked with our agency for over 5 years and has left to pursue another opportunity. Thank you for your service to our community over the years Ms. Channequa. We wish you the best in all you do moving into your next chapter.
Ms. Michelle is our Housing Choice Voucher Case Worker and Ms. Josephine is our Housing Choice Voucher Assistant.
Ms. Debbie has joined our team as the Public Housing Assistant with Ms. Crystal the Director of Operations and Public Housing Manager.
As we start into our busy hurricane season, please prepare your home and supplies now. Be sure you are ready in case of an evacuation.
To give an update on the boarded-up units on Milford Place (Live Oak Homes Public Housing Development), this development has 40 units that were flooded during Hurricane Ian. The agency is working with insurance adjusters, FEMA, and developers to demolish the units and build new attainable and affordable housing for families. Our new development will be Landings at Live Oak.
Greenlawn Manor has been open and occupied for one year. It's a beautiful affordable senior housing development located at 911 Oleander St. If you haven't already seen it, you may want to drive by. This property is managed by a third-party management company and not the Housing Authority. The first Affordable Senior Tax Credit Property in New Smyrna Beach history. You may visit their website by clicking the link Your paragraph text
Our Housing Authority also has a Not-for-Profit Development Corporation (New Smyrna Beach Housing Development Corporation). We have 22 units of affordable market rate units available in New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater. These are units we build, purchase, and rehab for affordable housing purposes.
In partnership with Southeast Volusia Habitat for Humanity our agencies have housed over a dozen families in the last 7 years into affordable homeownership from either the Public Housing or Housing Choice Voucher program. Ms. June and Ms. Aidan work with our clients in a Family Self Sufficiency program to get them to their goals in 5 years which could place them in homeownership with Habitat for Humanity.
We are preparing for this year's partnership with the City of New Smyrna Beach for the Back to School Bash on July 26. If you or any businesses would like to be a sponsor or set up a table, please reach out to Michelle at 386-428-8171 x 5 or Aidan at 386-690-0245. This year we will have a teacher table for teacher supplies so if anyone wants to help the teachers it would be greatly appreciated.
Lots of fun things happing in New Smyrna Beach this year. Stay tuned and have a blessed summer.
Main Office:
Address:
1101 S Dixie Fwy, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168Phone: 386.428.8171
Fax: 386.427.3429
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Friday: Closed to the PublicCommunity Resource Center (CRC):
Address:
1106 S Orange St. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168Phone: 386.690.0245
Email: assistant@newsmyrnahousing.com
Hours:
Tuesday: 8:00am-1:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am-2:00pm
Food stamp assistance on Thursdays BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.Emergency Maintenance
AFTER HOURS ONLY: 386.847.3007
July-1st Rent Due, 4th Independence Day NSBHA Offices Closed, 5th Last Day to Pay Rent, 26th-Back to School Backpack Bash
August-1st Rent Due, 5th Last Day to Pay Rent, 11th First Day of School
September-1st Rent Due and Labor Day NSBHA Offices Closed, 5th Last Day to Pay RentLow-Income Seniors Can Apply for Emergency Energy Assistance
Volusia County Florida has announced that low-income seniors who are dealing with past-due energy bills or shut-off notices can get a helping hand through the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP).
This is a federally funded program and there are maximum income limits for the assistance. To apply for EHEAP assistance, households may visit any Volusia County Assistance office or through a virtual phone appointment. For more information, please call 386.736.5956.
2025 Back to School Backpack Bash
On July 26th, NSBHA will be hosting our annual Back to School Backpack Bash in partnership with The City of New Smyrna Beach, Advent Health, Coronado Community Methodist Church, and more amazing sponsors from the community. The event will be held at the Babe James Community Center from 12pm until 2pm.
If you need a backpack for your child's 2025 school year, please join us for a day of fun and community togetherness. There will be backpacks full of school supplies, free food, entertainment, games, and more.
If you would like to donate, be a vendor at the event, or volunteer, please contact Aidan at 386.690.0245 or Michelle at 386.428.8171 x 5. You can also email assistant@newsmyrnahousing.com or hcvp@newsmyrnahousing.com.
Babe James Community Center
201 Myrtle Ave.
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168We can't wait to see you there!
Back to School Health and Wellness
Make sure your children are getting back into their routines before school starts.
Keep Kids Strong from the Inside Out
Your child's overall good health can be fostered through eating nutritious foods, getting regular physical activity, and maintaining good sleep habits.
Healthy Eating--Proper nutrition is essential for children to grow and develop. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and protein. Limit sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods.
Regular Exercise--Encourage your children to be physically active for 60 minutes or more each day, like active play at the park or organized sports.
Getting Enough Sleep--Sleep is just as important to your children's development as nutrition and physical activity. For children 3-5 years of age, it is recommended they get 10-13 hours of sleep per night. For children ages 6-12, it is recommended they get 9-12 hours of sleep per night. For children 13-18 years of age, 8-10 hours of sleep per night is recommended.County Health Departments Support the Community
Contact your health care provider or local county health department about back-to-school health and wellness to get your children ready for successful school year, inside and out. County health departments provide year-round services, including: Wellness Checkups, Disease Screenings, and Birth Certificates.In anticipation of the new school year, your local county health department will offer extending clinic hours.
Tuesday, August 5th:
8am to 7pm in New Smyrna Beach, 717 W. Canal St.Wednesday-Friday, August 6th-8th:
8am to 7pm in Daytona Beach, 1845 Holsonback Dr.,
and in Orange City, 775 Harley Strickland Blvd.Appointments are available by calling 386-274-0500.
For more information, please visit Volusia.FloridaHealth.gov
The CRC is here for you to connect you to local resources, assist with the food stamp application process, provide homeless ID's, provide senior and homeless food bags, and more.
Hours:
Tuesday: 8:00AM-1:00Pm
Thursday: 10:00am-2:00pm
Food stamp assistance on Thursdays BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
HMIS ID's distributed on the third Thursday of each month.Email: assistant@newsmyrnahousing.com
Phone: (386) 690-0245On Tuesday:
- Our Lady Star of the Sea Church gift cards available for the first 20 individuals in need. Can only be received once every 30 days
- Senior food bags and homeless food bags distributed
- Frozen meat distributed every other week
On Thursday:
- God's bathhouse provides showers and other resources at 10:45 am in front of the CRC
- Senior food bags and homeless food bags distributed
- Frozen meat distributed every other week
- HMIS homeless IDs on the third Thursday of each month
- Food stamp application assistance by appointment only
Would you like to donate to the homeless and low-income families and individuals in your area?
At the CRC, we provide many resources for those in-need living in our community. Food, hygiene supplies, and water are just a few items that are always needed. WE DO NOT ACCEPT CLOTHING AND BEDDING.
If you are interested in making a donation, or if you are in need of resources yourself, please visit us at the CRC on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
We are extremely grateful to all of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, partners, and supporters.
NSBHA Celebrates 75 Years
2025 is a special year for the New Smyrna Beach Housing Authority. For the last 75 years, NSBHA has been striving to make the community and the world a better place. By offering housing assistance, food services, resource location, and more--NSBHA has made a lasting impact on the residents of this small, beach town. NSBHA provides services to seniors, low-income families, at-risk youth, and the homeless. They go above and beyond for their community and have for decades made a difference in countless lives. join us in celebrating the last 75 years of housing and assisting those who need help the most.
Here's to another 75 years!
We are currently accepting applications for our Open Market and Development Corp units. These are 2 and 3-bedroom units that are not income-based. The security deposit is $500, and the family must be income qualified. The rent for the 2-bedroom is $1,000/month and the rent for the 3-bedroom is $1,250/month. The family must make three times the rent for six months prior to applying.
For more information or to request an application, please contact Aidan at 386.690.0245 or assistant@newsmyrnahousing.com.
CRC Shopping Trip
NSBHA Staff recent food order for seniors and homeless.
Though this may seem like an abundance of food, there are many who are in need in our community and food bags go quickly. If you are interested in donating food, plastic cutlery, sunscreen, etc., please Contact us at: assistant@newsmyrnahousing.com
County Approves Funding for Construction of Low-Income Housing
Great news for New Smyrna Beach and Volusia County!
Many of us experienced first-hand the destruction Hurricane Ian caused to our homes, neighborhoods, and communities. The tragic loss of the Live Oaks Homes public housing community displaced many low-income individuals and families.
New Smyrna Beach was not the only Housing Authority affected, either. Collectively, nearly $20 million was lost by three of the county's Housing Authorities due to Hurricane Ian. This disaster only increased the extreme need for local affordable housing.
In response to this need, the county Has approved the use of $10.4 million of Hurricane Ian recovery money for the construction of 280 affordable housing units. This is incredible news for the County and New Smyrna Beach.
$3.6 million will be used to build 60 new affordable units right here in New Smyrna Beach where the old Live Oaks Homes community was before the storm. This new development will house many of the low and very low-income individuals and families in our area who are in need of stable, safe, and affordable housing.For more Information, see the full article in the Daytona Beach News Journal.
- Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
- Eat light, nutritious meals. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals.
- Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, hot and spicy foods, and sugary drinks.
- Make sure to get enough rest.
- Use an umbrella or wear a hat to create shade from the sun.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Use sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn. Limit your time in the sun if possible.
- Take advantage of air conditioners and fans when possible.
Hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 30th, but storms CAN occur outside of this timeline!
Hurricane Watch-
A Hurricane Watch is issued when a hurricane poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. The watch means that these conditions are possible for the watch area.Hurricane Warning-
A Hurricane Warning is issued when a hurricane is expected in 36 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating scale used to categorize hurricanes. The ratings are determined strictly by the sustained wind speed of a hurricane. Hurricanes are categorized using this scale as an estimate of its potential for significant property damage and the possibility of lives lost.
Residents can prepare for a hurricane or large storm in the following ways:
-Identify where you plan to go if evacuation is necessary
-Ensure your vehicle is filled with gas
-Identify transportation options if car is not available: local emergency pickup services, bus stops, friends, or relatives
-Gather essential items in case of evacuation:
-Medicine, medical supplies and equipment
-Important documents, i.e., identification, social security cards, medical cards
-Insurance documents
-Contact information for doctors, service providers
-Provisions for petsIf sheltering in place:
-Ensure essential items available:
-Canned food
-Water
-Baby supplies
-Battery powered light, fan
-Phone charger
-WhistleSpecial Needs Registry
If you or someone in your family has a disability, special needs, medical equipment that uses electricity, need assistance taking medications, or require transportation for medical reasons Volusia County Emergency Management urges you to register on the State's Special Needs Registry.
The special needs registry is for Volusia County residents who may need special assistance or support during a disaster such as a hurricane. The information you provide will be accessed by first responders so that they may better prepare and assist during disasters and emergencies.
The Florida Department of Health assures your information will be private and protected.
To register for the Special Needs Registry, please visit www.floridadisaster.org/snr
For individuals who do not have access to the internet or need additional assistance, please call 386-254-1500.
If you are registered for the Special Needs Registry, ensure that your information is current and up to date.
Individuals requiring 24-hour care such as hospitals or ventilators should consult their health care provider in advance to prepare arrangements for hurricane season.
Trash days are Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please remember to take out your trash on these days.
Please do not leave trash cans on the side of the road.
After garbage is collected on Tuesday and Thursday, please retrieve your garbage can and remove it from the side of the road.
Please keep your yard and property free of trash and debris.Please ensure that children outside of the home are under adult supervision.
Unsupervised children do not have permission to be on the grounds of Greenlawn Manor Senior Living.
No fishing.
Fishing is not allowed in the pond at Greenlawn Manor. If you are found fishing from the pond, you risk being trespassed from the property.Check in with FSS coordinators often!
The NSBHA is now a MTW organization. Individuals and families on Section 8 or in Public Housing are required to work a minimum of fifteen hours per week (unless exempt) and enroll in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.
FSS Information
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program can help you save money, continue your education, and connect you to other resources to enhance the self-sufficiency of you and your family. If you have any questions or are interested in the FSS program, please visit the main office or contact June Anderson.
June Anderson
Phone: (386) 331-2743
Email: junen@newsmyrnahousing.comThe Family Self-Sufficiency program is mandatory!
FSS can help you and your family succeed.
defeat generational poverty with the help of FSS.
If you have not yet signed up for FSS, your subsidy/voucher may be in danger of termination.
To avoid termination and eviction, please contact June Anderson immediately to schedule an FSS orientation appointment.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 62 you are required to work 15 hours a week and enroll in FSS.
If you are medically exempt, please contact June with documentation.FSS Facebook Group
NSBHA Family Sufficiency Program Facebook Group
NSBHA has created a private Facebook group for only those enrolled in FSS through NSBHA. This Facebook group is a great resource for communicating with other people who know exactly what you are experiencing. Communicate about job openings or ask for help job searching, sign up for financial literacy courses, stay updated on FSS changes and/or events, and build a trusting community.
We truly are all in this together and with this resource we hope you are able to build connections on a deeper level, reach out for help, and discover resources you may not even know exist.
As a community, we can accomplish so much more than we ever could on our own. The FSS team at NSBHA wants you to succeed and we are here to help.
This Facebook Group is private and only those enrolled in FSS through NSBHA Will be accepted.
Sonia Sierra Torres, Director of Finance
Meet Sonia Sierra Torres, our Director of Finance here at NSBHA. Sonia handles everything from making sure landlords and staff are paid, ensuring escrow funds for FSS participants are correct and paid, paying vendors, and so much more. She truly is a genius when it comes to mathematics and accounting. When she is not crunching numbers in the office, Sonia enjoys spending time with her family on the beaches of Puerto Rico. She has lived in the United States for fourteen years but still travels often to see her loved ones and the place she grew up and received her master's degree. Once a professor at a Puerto Rican University, we are lucky to have Sonia on our team with us now. Join us in celebrating Sonia this quarter! Thank you for all you do!
FSS Graduate, Joy Moore
For the last five years, Joy has been working hard with the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program at New Smyrna Beach Housing Authority (NSBHA). She began the program as a dietary employee at Advent Health but had goals to increase her income by earning a certification or degree. Joy says, "Ms. June is helpful [and] definitely pushes you towards your goals."
Joy is now working as an anesthesia tech with Advent Health and has increased her income exponentially. But that is not all! She has also started a checking and savings account and has begun saving money for her goal of purchasing a home.
In FSS, Joy learned how to improve her credit by disputing credit charges and making payments. She was able to learn how to better manage her money by attending June's financial literacy courses via Zoom.
Joy even took the initiative to take a homeownership course to teach her how to prepare to own her own home. In addition to her savings from the last five years, Joy will also be receiving her escrow earned through FSS to put towards a new home.
Joy is excited to be done with FSS and is ready to leave HUD assisted housing. She looks forward to spending time with her family, continuing to save, and eventually buying her dream home.
She leaves this advice for anyone in FSS or considering joining the program, "My advice is never give up and keep going. It may seem frustrating...keep up, keep pushing...it's worth it."