Sabrina Pierre-Louis Deputy Executive Director

sabpie@lakewood.org

303-987-7599 t Fax: 303-987-7693

575 Union Blvd., Ste. 100 t Lakewood, CO 80228www.mwhsolutions.org

metrowestH O U S I N G S O L U T I O N S

metrowestH O U S I N G S O L U T I O N S

metrowestH O U S I N G S O L U T I O N S

Resource News Summer 2017

Sabrina Pierre-Louis Deputy Executive Director

sabpie@lakewood.org

303-987-7599 t Fax: 303-987-7693

575 Union Blvd., Ste. 100 t Lakewood, CO 80228www.mwhsolutions.org

metrowestH O U S I N G S O L U T I O N S

metrowestH O U S I N G S O L U T I O N S

metrowestH O U S I N G S O L U T I O N S

575 Union Blvd., Ste. 100Lakewood, CO 80228-1238

Alternative formats of this document are available upon request. Any citizen with a disability has the opportunity to request reasonable accom-modation at any time. Please contact Metro West Housing Solutions at 303-987-7580 Voice, 303-987-7599 TTY, for additional information. Equal Housing Opportunity.

This newsletter is published three times a year for families in Lakewood, Section 8. It includes success stories of families working toward self-sufficiency, information on various employment fields, education and training, and resources and activities in the community. If there is information you would like to see included in future issues of the Resource News, or if you have any questions or comments about articles, please call 303-987-7760.

Sabrina Pierre-Louis, Metro West Housing Solutions, Deputy Executive Director Editors: Daniela Dillon, Resident Services Supervisor, Rachel Gillette, Communications Specialist,

MWHS Resource news is a newsletter published by the Metro West Housing Solutions

575 Union Blvd., Ste. 100 Lakewood, CO 80228-1238

Metro West Housing Solutions does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in the provision of services. For disabled persons needing reasonable accommodations to attend or participate in a program, call 303-987-7580, or TTY (Teletypewriter for the Deaf) at 303-997-7599) as far in advance as possible. Alternative formats of this document are available upon request.

Community project provides colorful oasis

Many of Metro West Housing Solu-tions properties feature community gar-dens. Residents have the opportunity to grow produce and flowers throughout the summer season and enjoy a garden on-site where they live.

The gardeners range from novice to experienced, but no matter how expe-rienced, the benefits are unmistakable. Gardens provide healthy food, physical activity, cost savings, time in nature, and gardening can help reduce stress and de-pression.

Each garden has become its own unique amenity and features a variety of fun for the community such as: herb gar-

dens, pumpkin patches, potlucks, work days, memorial plots, garden clubs and more.

Most recently Maplewood Apart-ments transformed a normal fence into a fun and vibrant work of art. Lucky for them there was a local artist, Georges Loewenguth, who was excited and will-ing to help make the mural project possi-ble. Loewenguth designed and executed a community work day that was “paint by number” style. The residents and neighbors showed up to help makeover the space and Loewenguth went back over the mural to add more detail and and dug.org.shading. Now Maplewood residents are

enjoying the colorful outdoor space. Loewenguth recently graduated from

Metro State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an emphasis in Paint-ing. He is self-employed and does con-tract work as an Art Installer and works as a Scenic Painter/Muralist, you can find his work throughout the state of Colorado. His next step and big dream is to go to Italy to study Art Restoration at SOCI in Florence.

Community gardens are located throughout Lakewood. Garden information is available at Lakewood.org

Micro-loan ProgramSmall loans are available to MWHS

Section 8 participants for “self-sufficiency needs” such as car repair, tools or uni-forms for work. You must be employed

to qualify and be able to repay the loan within 12 months. Funds are limited and loans will only be approved for uses that promote self-sufficiency. Payments on the

loan will be due at the beginning of the month following the loan disbursement. For more information about the program, call 303-987-7760.

MWHS is offering a construction in-ternership to qualified applicants. The internship is paid and would be full time lasting up to 8 weeks. This is a great op-portunity to get hands on experience in the industry and for those with experi-ence a great way to enhance your skills. Interested candidates will need to have a current resume.

Requirements include:

• Participants must be a minimum of18 years of age.

• Experience in the construction field is preferred but not required.

• You must be available to work full time for the next 2 months.

• Must be physically capable of con-struction work, including, but not limited to: able to lift 50 lbs., work 8 hours a day outdoors in all weather conditions (e.g.

sun, heat, wind, rain, cold, snow, etc.), squat, reach, crawl, stand for long periods of time.

If you meet these requirements and think you would be a good candidate contact Daniela Dillon 303-987-7760 or dandil@mwhsolutions.org, space is lim-ited so call today!

Paid Construction Internship Available: Apply now!

ArtReach

Having access to the internet at home is critical in today’s world. It ensures that families and individuals have the resourc-es they need to search for jobs, complete homework assignments, access financial or government services, send and receive e-mail, stay connected with friends andfamily, and more. An internet connection at home gives individuals immediate ac-cess to information and the opportunities it can unlock.

Comcast is committed to expanding in-ternet access, and in 2011, the company launched Internet Essentials (www.Inter-netEssentials.com), a program that deliv-ers low-cost, high-speed internet service to eligible households. Internet Essentials offers:

• $9.95 per month (+tax) high-speedhome internet service;

• Free in-home WiFi;• The opportunity to buy a desktop or

laptop computer for $149.99 (+tax); the computer includes Microsoft Office, an-tivirus software, and a 90-day warranty;

• Access to free digital literacy trainingavailable in print, online and in person.You may be eligible if one of the follow-ing applies to you:

• Receive HUD housing assistancesuch as Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8 Vouchers) or Multi-family Assistance (such as Project-Based Section 8 and 202/811); or

• Have at least one child who is eligiblefor the National School Lunch Program; or

• Are a Pell Grant recipient enrolled at a 2-year community college.

Eligible households must:• Be located in an area where Comcast

internet service is available, but not have subscribed to it within the last 90 days; and

• Not have outstanding debt to Comcastthat is less than a year old – however, in-dividuals with outstanding debt more thanone year old may still be eligible.There is no credit check, no term con-tract to sign, and no activation or equip-ment fees.

In the five years since Internet Essentialswas introduced, nearly 33,000 families in Colorado, or nearly 132,000 individualColoradans, have signed up for the InternetEssentials program.

To learn more about the program, pleasecall 1-855-846-8379, for spanish 1-855-765-6995 or visit www.internetessentials.com/Getting-help/HousingAssistance.

TRIAD: Serving seniors in Gilpin and Jefferson County

WHAT IS ARTREACH?The ArtReach program distributes donated

(free) tickets to cultural, community, sports, and arts events to individuals and families. Metro West Housing Solutions actively participates in this program to offer these tickets to our residents.

HOW TO GET TICKETS:• Review the updated listing Mondays• Pick out events that fit with your schedule• Email /call in your request to Becky by 4:00pm on Mondays• Becky will contact you by Weds. with the results of your request.

• Note: Requests do not guarantee tickets!Tickets are free, but you are required to turn

in thank you notes for the opportunity to experi-ence your given event.

To learn more and request tickets, please speak with Becky Sanders and get on the email list 720-214-8134.

Internet Essentials Program

Your SNAP benefits can be used at farmers markets and more!

Mark Your CalendarsKIDS EAT FREE ALL SUMMER

The Summer Food Service Program helps schools and community-based sites offer free meals to kids up to 18 years old throughout the summer. Find locations convenient to you at kidsfoodfinder.org or call the Hunger Free Hot-line at 855-855-4626. Meals will be available at the following sites, dates, and times, Monday through Friday offered through August 11: Mountair Park: 5620 West 14th Avenue, Lake-wood, 11:00–11:30 a.m.Ray Ross Park: 680 South Harlan Street, Lake-wood, 11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.Morse Park: 8180 West 20th Avenue, Lake-wood, 12:30–1:00 p.m.Wheat Ridge Library: 5475 West 32nd Ave-nue, Wheat Ridge, 11:00–11:30 a.m.Lakewood Library: 10200 West 20th Avenue, Lakewood, 11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.Belmar Library: 555 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, 12:30–1:00 p.m.

Carnival of Safety for SeniorsWhen: July 22, 2017 1:30: PM - 3:30 PM

Where: DA's Office, 500 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden

Summer means sun, fun and carnival time! Come enjoy free hot dogs with all the trim-mings, and then have fun playing carnival games while learning about safety. Door prizes!

TRIAD Fall Prevention FairWhen: Tuesday, July 25th at 1:30pm

Where: 500 Jefferson County Parkway Enjoy hot dogs, burgers, brats, and the works,while learning about fall prevention. Browse info booths and listen to short talks. Talks in-clude “Home Assessment for Fall Prevention,” “Tools for Stability,” and “What Caused the Fall.”

Home Ownership Classes Learn the basics of becoming a homeowner, things to watch for, below market loans and special programs that may be available to you. Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) is a non-profit agency helping families buy homes for more than 30 years. When: August 16th, 5:30-9:30pm

Where: Metro West Housing Solutions located at 575 Union Blvd.

Register: Call 303-572-9445 or visit their web-site coloradohousingassistance.org. Classes are hosted every other month, check the CHAC website for more dates.

Get more fruits and vegetables when you use your SNAP (food stamps) benefits on eligible foods at the farmers market and grocery store. Once at the market, check in at the information booth before you shop.

Market staff is there to help. When you buy the snap-eligible foods they’ll match what you spend with Double Up Food Bucks - up to $20, every time you visit.

Use them right away or later on to buy

The First Judicial District TRIAD is a three-pronged partnership serving seniors in Jefferson and Gilpin counties. It is designed to help prevent the victimiza-tion of older adults while providing them with more and better law enforcement services. This partnership is comprised of members of the criminal justice sys-tem, community groups, and volunteer senior citizens.

The TRIAD meets on the fourth Tues-day, at 1:30 p.m., each month at the Dis-trict Attorney's Office. The purpose of a TRIAD is to develop and implement crime prevention and education programs for older adults, each month a different topic is covered. These meetings are open to the public and a great resource.

Most of the law enforcement agencies in Jefferson and Gilpin counties are mem-

bers of the TRIAD. In addition, 25 organi-zations that provide direct services to our senior population have also made com-mitments to the TRIAD. The list of ser-vice providers includes, but is not limited to, the Seniors’ Resource Center, North Jeffco Senior Center, Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Jefferson County Council on the Aging, home health care agencies, Jeffco Human Services, etc.

fresh Colorado grown fruits and vege-tables. For more information or a list of markets check Doubleupcolorado.org or call 720-573-3632.

National Night Out (NNO) is an annualcommunity event designed to build a healthier,safer city; to generate support for anti-crime programs; and to strengthen the police/com-munity relationship. In Lakewood, the night isa city coming together to celebrate year-long crime prevention efforts, to discuss currentchallenges within neighborhoods and to re-dedicate efforts to strengthen the community. The event provides opportunity for citizensand police to become acquainted, share com-mon goals and recommit to work together to ensure success. It is an occasion to celebrate past successes, get to know your neighbors andimprove the quality of life in our city. Neigh-borhoods /apartment communities celebrate ina variety of ways, ice cream socials, barbeques,

block parties and carnivals have all been done and are fun for the entire community.

Two Creeks Neighborhood Ice Cream SocialWhere: Surfside Spray Park, 5330 W. 9th Ave When: 5:30-7:30pm

Southern Gables Block PartyThere will be free food, inflatables, scienceexperiments, kids’ activities, and more! Where: Southern Gables Church parking lot 4001 S Wadsworth BlvdWhen: 4:30-7:30pm

For more information on NNO events or to register your event, visit: www.lakewood.org/nno. National Night Out is the largest event ofits kind in the nation.

National Night Out will be Tuesday, August 1

MWHS is offering a construction in-ternership to qualified applicants. Theinternship is paid and would be full time lasting up to 8 weeks. This is a great op-portunity to get hands on experience inthe industry and for those with experi-ence a great way to enhance your skills. Interested candidates will need to have a current resume.

Requirements include:

• Participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

• Experience in the construction field is preferred but not required.

• You must be available to work full time for the next 2 months.

• Must be physically capable of con-struction work, including, but not limited to: able to lift 50 lbs., work 8 hours a day outdoors in all weather conditions (e.g.

sun, heat, wind, rain, cold, snow, etc.),squat, reach, crawl, stand for long periodsof time.

If you meet these requirements andthink you would be a good candidatecontact Daniela Dillon 303-987-7760 or dandil@mwhsolutions.org, space is lim-ited so call today!

Paid Construction Internship Available: Apply now!

ArtReach

Having access to the internet at home is critical in today’s world. It ensures that families and individuals have the resourc-es they need to search for jobs, complete homework assignments, access financial or government services, send and receive e-mail, stay connected with friends and family, and more. An internet connection at home gives individuals immediate ac-cess to information and the opportunities it can unlock.

Comcast is committed to expanding in-ternet access, and in 2011, the company launched Internet Essentials (www.Inter-netEssentials.com), a program that deliv-ers low-cost, high-speed internet service to eligible households. Internet Essentials offers:

• $9.95 per month (+tax) high-speed home internet service;

• Free in-home WiFi;• The opportunity to buy a desktop or

laptop computer for $149.99 (+tax); the computer includes Microsoft Office, an-tivirus software, and a 90-day warranty;

• Access to free digital literacy training available in print, online and in person.You may be eligible if one of the follow-ing applies to you:

• Receive HUD housing assistance such as Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8 Vouchers) or Multi-family Assistance (such as Project-Based Section 8 and 202/811); or

• Have at least one child who is eligiblefor the National School Lunch Program; or

• Are a Pell Grant recipient enrolled ata 2-year community college.

Eligible households must:• Be located in an area where Comcast

internet service is available, but not have subscribed to it within the last 90 days; and

• Not have outstanding debt to Comcastthat is less than a year old – however, in-dividuals with outstanding debt more than one year old may still be eligible.There is no credit check, no term con-tract to sign, and no activation or equip-ment fees.

In the five years since Internet Essentials was introduced, nearly 33,000 families in Colorado, or nearly 132,000 individual

loradans, have signed up for the Internet Co Essentials program. To learn more about the program, please call 1-855-846-8376, for spanish 1-855- 765-6995 or visit www.internetessentials. com/Getting-help/HousingAssistance.

TRIAD: Serving seniors in Gilpin and Jefferson County

WHAT IS ARTREACH?The ArtReach program distributes donated

(free) tickets to cultural, community, sports, andarts events to individuals and families. Metro West Housing Solutions actively participatesin this program to offer these tickets to ourresidents.

HOW TO GET TICKETS:• Review the updated listing Mondays• Pick out events that fit with your schedule• Email /call in your request to Becky by 4:00pm on Mondays• Becky will contact you by Weds. with the results of your request.

• Note: Requests do not guarantee tickets!Tickets are free, but you are required to turn

in thank you notes for the opportunity to experi-ence your given event.

To learn more and request tickets, please speakwith Becky Sanders and get on the email list720-214-8134.

Internet Essentials Program

Your SNAP benefits can be used at farmers markets and more!

Mark Your CalendarsKIDS EAT FREE ALL SUMMER

The Summer Food Service Program helps schools and community-based sites offer free meals to kids up to 18 years old throughout the summer. Find locations convenient to you at kidsfoodfinder.org or call the Hunger Free Hot-line at 855-855-4626. Meals will be available at the following sites, dates, and times, Monday through Friday offered through August 11: Mountair Park: 5620 West 14th Avenue, Lake-wood, 11:00–11:30 a.m.Ray Ross Park: 680 South Harlan Street, Lake-wood, 11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.Morse Park: 8180 West 20th Avenue, Lake-wood, 12:30–1:00 p.m.Wheat Ridge Library: 5475 West 32nd Ave-nue, Wheat Ridge, 11:00–11:30 a.m.Lakewood Library: 10200 West 20th Avenue, Lakewood, 11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.Belmar Library: 555 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, 12:30–1:00 p.m.

Carnival of Safety for SeniorsWhen: July 22, 2014 1:30: PM - 3:30 PM

Where: DA's Office, 500 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden

Summer means sun, fun and carnival time! Come enjoy free hot dogs with all the trim-mings, and then have fun playing carnival games while learning about safety. Door prizes!

TRIAD Fall Prevention FairWhen: Tuesday, July 25th at 1:30pm

Where: 500 Jefferson County Parkway

Enjoy hot dogs, burgers, brats, and the works, while learning about fall prevention. Browse info booths and listen to short talks. Talks in-clude “Home Assessment for Fall Prevention,”“Tools for Stability,” and “What Caused the Fall.”

Home Ownership ClassesLearn the basics of becoming a homeowner, things to watch for, below market loans and special programs that may be available to you. Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) is a non-profit agency helping families buy homes for more than 30 years. When: August 16th, 5:30-9:30pm

Where: Metro West Housing Solutions located at 575 Union Blvd.

Register: Call 303-572-9445 or visit their web-site coloradohousingassistance.org. Classes are hosted every other month, check the CHAC website for more dates.

Get more fruits and vegetables whenyou use your SNAP (food stamps) benefitson eligible foods at the farmers market andgrocery store. Once at the market, check inat the information booth before you shop.

Market staff is there to help. When you buy the snap-eligible foods they’ll match what you spend with Double Up FoodBucks - up to $20, every time you visit.

Use them right away or later on to buy

The First Judicial District TRIAD is a three-pronged partnership serving seniorsin Jefferson and Gilpin counties. It isdesigned to help prevent the victimiza-tion of older adults while providing themwith more and better law enforcementservices. This partnership is comprised of members of the criminal justice sys-tem, community groups, and volunteer senior citizens.

The TRIAD meets on the fourth Tues-day, at 1:30 p.m., each month at the Dis-trict Attorney's Office. The purpose ofa TRIAD is to develop and implementcrime prevention and education programsfor older adults, each month a different topic is covered. These meetings are opento the public and a great resource.

Most of the law enforcement agencies in Jefferson and Gilpin counties are mem-

bers of the TRIAD. In addition, 25 organi-zations that provide direct services to oursenior population have also made com-mitments to the TRIAD. The list of ser-vice providers includes, but is not limitedto, the Seniors’ Resource Center, North Jeffco Senior Center, Jefferson Center forMental Health, Jefferson County Councilon the Aging, home health care agencies,Jeffco Human Services, etc.

fresh Colorado grown fruits and vege-tables. For more information or a list of markets check Doubleupcolorado.org or call 720-573-3632.

National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community event designed to build a healthier, safer city; to generate support for anti-crime programs; and to strengthen the police/com-munity relationship. In Lakewood, the night is a city coming together to celebrate year-long crime prevention efforts, to discuss current challenges within neighborhoods and to re-dedicate efforts to strengthen the community.The event provides opportunity for citizens and police to become acquainted, share com-mon goals and recommit to work together to ensure success. It is an occasion to celebrate past successes, get to know your neighbors and improve the quality of life in our city. Neigh-borhoods /apartment communities celebrate in a variety of ways, ice cream socials, barbeques,

block parties and carnivals have all been done and are fun for the entire community.

Two Creeks Neighborhood Ice Cream Social Where: Surfside Spray Park, 5330 W. 9th Ave When: 5:30-7:30pm

Southern Gables Block PartyThere will be free food, inflatables, science experiments, kids’ activities, and more! Where: Southern Gables Church parking lot 4001 S Wadsworth BlvdWhen: 4:30-7:30pm

For more information on NNO events or to register your event, visit: www.lakewood.org/nno. National Night Out is the largest event of its kind in the nation.

National Night Out will be Tuesday, August 1