AtlantaHousingAuthority

Leverage the Learning

On September 25, 2003, AHA and HUD executed AHA's Moving to Work agreement. The agreement allows AHA to replace federal rules with policies and a business plan tailored specifically to address long-standing problems in Atlanta's public housing based on lessons learned and best practices developed during the last decade.

The plan has been strengthened through extensive consultation with AHA customers, the private and business sectors, and other stakeholders and through the approval process of AHA's Board of Commissioners.

CATALYSTRaising standards and expectations

AHA accepts as true that every person has unlimited promise and that, to be successful, each person must apply his/her potential. We also believe that “environment matters” and that an environment is shaped by both the quality of the housing product and the conduct of its residents.

We firmly accept that our expectations and standards must be high and that they must be consistently enforced. We believe our customers can meet and, in most cases, exceed our standards. We have confidence in our customers to achieve the American Dream and to be successful, contributing members of society.

AHA has implemented new policies that reflect these beliefs. Examples of these policy changes include:

  • Effective October 1, 2004, all adults 18 to 61 years of age must work and continue working. Seniors 62 or older and disabled family members are exempt from this requirement.
  • Families must maintain a clean and safe environment in and around their homes.
  • Effective October 1, 2004, anyone referred by AHA to an employment skills training program must participate.

In addition, AHA has established policies to:

  • Increase minimum rent, effective October 1, 2004, from $25 to $125 monthly. Seniors and disabled households on fixed incomes are exempt.
  • Establish an Individual Development Account program to leverage household savings from earned income.
  • Improve screening policies, procedures, and processes to create healthy and safer communities for families.
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