D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14, r. 14-6212

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 14-6212 - NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR INITIATIVE

6212.1

The Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative is intended to assist public housing residents in improving their economic and social well-being and to give residents a greater stake in their communities. The Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative allows residents the opportunity to give back to their communities and facilitates upward mobility. Through the performance of voluntary work or duties that provide a community benefit to their neighbors, residents are able, on an individual basis, to improve the quality of their lives, enhance their level of self-sufficiency, and increase self-responsibility in their communities.

6212.2

DCHA as part of a demonstration program called Moving to Work (MTW) is permitted under the terms of that certain MTW Agreement by and between DCHA and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, dated July 25, 2003, is permitted to adopt local program rules and policies suited to the needs of DCHA's residents and their communities. The DCHA has designed the Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative as a voluntary community service initiative in lieu of the community service requirements mandated by the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998.

6212.3

DCHA encourages its public housing residents to engage in active service to their neighbors and public housing communities through:

(a) Active participation in their Resident Council;

(b) Active participation in Resident Council activities, including outreach programs and events which provide services to residents;

(c) Attending training developed and offered by DCHA in support of the Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative, such as a Model Resident Council, peer training classes, or best practices instruction;

(d) Running for leadership positions in the Resident Councils, District of Columbia City-Wide Advisory Board and the Board of Commissioners; and

(e) Participating in DCHA-sponsored programs, such as Orange Hat Patrols, building playgrounds and landscaping events.

6212.4

DCHA will support residents seeking to provide service to their neighbors in the greater community through community service opportunities such as, but not limited to:

(a) Active volunteering at schools;

(b) Outreach programs based at community churches; and

(c) Civic and public interest organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, AmeriCorps, and Vista.

6212.5

DCHA will publicize notice of community service opportunities in the following manner:

(a) Periodic publication in the DCHA resident newsletter;

(b) Providing information to each Resident Council and the District of Columbia City-Wide Advisory Board; and

(c) Letters from the Executive Director to residents.

6212.6

The variety of actions undertaken to support resident voluntary participation as part of the Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative will be documented in DCHA's Annual Report to the DCHA Board of Commissioners.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14, r. 14-6212

Final Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 8106 (August 20, 2004); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 52 DCR 4214 (April 29, 2005)