A message from the CEO | Executive Director
Dear Residents and Community Members,
I am beyond excited to introduce the very first issue of our new Central Falls Housing Authority Monthly Newsletter!
At CFHA, we are always looking for ways to improve communication and keep our residents informed about everything happening in our community. This newsletter will serve as your go-to source for important updates, ongoing projects, community events, and helpful resources—all in one convenient place.
Each month, we’ll share the latest news about improvements to our buildings and facilities, upcoming programs, resident resources, and stories that highlight the amazing people who make our community so special. We want you to feel informed, connected, and empowered to take full advantage of all the opportunities available to you.
Bridgett M. Duquette
CEO | Executive Director
Facilities Director’s Update: Keeping Our Community Safe & Well-Maintained
Hello Residents,
Our maintenance team is hard at work to improve our facilities and ensure a safe, comfortable environment for everyone. Below are some important updates on ongoing projects, community guidelines, and reminders to help keep our shared spaces clean and functional.
🚧 Ongoing Projects: Improving Your Living Space
We are continuously making upgrades to enhance the quality of life for all residents. Here’s what’s currently happening:
✔ Lighting Enhancements – We are continuing the installation of new, energy-efficient lights on the Forand side of the building to improve visibility and safety in common areas.
✔ A/C Grate Replacements – To improve airflow and efficiency, all apartments will receive new A/C grates. Our team will be working unit by unit to complete these installations.
✔ Annex Renovations – We will begin replacing ceiling tiles and upgrading lighting on the annex side of the building. These changes will brighten up the space and create a more welcoming environment.
Please be patient as we complete these upgrades. We appreciate your cooperation and will do our best to minimize disruptions. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Housing
🚮 Trash Disposal Reminder: Keep Our Community Clean
Maintaining a clean and well-kept property is a shared responsibility. We kindly remind all residents that large furniture items such as couches, chairs, and mattresses should NEVER be left by the dumpsters or anywhere else on the property.
❗ What to Do If You Need to Dispose of Large Items:
If you have furniture or other bulky items that need to be removed from your apartment, please contact Housing. There is a removal service available for a fee to properly dispose of these items. Leaving them outside is not permitted and may result in a violation notice.
Let’s work together to keep our community spaces clean and safe for everyone!
🐾 Pet Waste Policy: Be a Responsible Pet Owner
We love seeing pets as part of our community, but it is every pet owner’s responsibility to clean up after their animals. Unfortunately, we have noticed an increase in pet waste being left on sidewalks, grassy areas, and near entrances.
💡 A Reminder for All Pet Owners:
✔ Always carry a waste bag when walking your pet.
✔ Immediately clean up and properly dispose of pet waste.
✔ Be mindful of shared spaces and common areas.
We understand that winter weather can make cleanup less convenient, but it remains a policy requirement to pick up after your pets, regardless of the season. Keeping our property clean benefits everyone, and we appreciate your cooperation.
⚠️ Work Orders: True Emergencies Only After Hours
We understand that maintenance issues can arise unexpectedly, and we are always here to help. However, we have seen a significant increase in non-emergency work orders being submitted after business hours.
To ensure that emergency requests are handled promptly and efficiently, we ask that residents only submit urgent maintenance issues outside of regular hours.
What Qualifies as an After-Hours Emergency?
✅ Severe leaks or flooding
✅ No heat in extreme cold temperatures
✅ Electrical outages affecting an entire unit
✅ Fire hazards or gas leaks
🚨 If you are experiencing a true emergency, please contact the emergency maintenance line immediately, and if necessary, call 911.
For all non-urgent maintenance requests (such as minor plumbing issues, appliance concerns, or general repairs), please submit your work order during our regular business hours:
📅 Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Your cooperation helps us prioritize urgent cases and ensures that resources are used efficiently. Thank you!
Thank You for Your Support!
Your help and cooperation make all the difference in keeping our community safe, clean, and comfortable for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns regarding maintenance, trash disposal, or pet policies, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Housing office.
Let’s continue working together to make The Central Falls Housing Authority a great place to live!
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Updates
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), also known as Section 8, is an essential resource for residents and landlords. Below are important updates, new regulations, and opportunities related to the program that you should be aware of.
🚨 Important Safety Update: New NFPA Standards for Smoke Alarms
Effective December 29, 2024, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards will change, requiring all smoke alarms to be either hardwired or sealed, 10-year battery devices. This is a critical safety measure that all property owners must comply with to ensure the safety of residents.
What This Means for You:
✔ If you are a landlord, ensure that your rental units meet these updated fire safety standards before the deadline.
✔ Tenants should check with their landlords about upcoming compliance upgrades.
🛑 Lead Mitigation & New Housing Laws Starting January 1, 2025
With the new year comes several changes in laws that affect both landlords and tenants. Please take note of the following updates:
Lead Mitigation Certificate Tracking
The Central Falls Housing Authority (CFHA) will maintain a separate database for subsidized rental units that tracks the expiration dates of Lead Mitigation Certificates. This ensures that rental units remain compliant with Rhode Island’s lead safety laws.
📜 New Legal Requirements for Landlords & Tenants
Starting January 1, 2025, the following laws go into effect:
✔ No Rental Application Fees: Owners cannot charge prospective tenants an application fee when applying for housing.
✔ Required Rent Increase Notices:
- Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ notice for any rent increases.
- Month-to-month tenants over 62 years old must receive 120 days’ notice before a rent increase.
✔ Rental Registry Law – Property owners must comply with the new Rental Registry Law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-58). More details can be found at:
🔗 www.rentalregistry.ri.gov
✔ Lead Conformance Certificate Required – Property owners must attach a Lead Conformance Certificate when leasing a rental unit under the HCV program.
These updates are designed to increase tenant protections and ensure fair housing practices. Landlords and tenants should review these changes carefully to stay informed and compliant.
📣 Join the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program!
The Central Falls Housing Authority is currently recruiting participants for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, available to those in the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program.
What is the FSS Program?
This program helps participants increase their household income through education, job training, job placement, and supportive services. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work toward financial independence while still receiving housing assistance.
How Can It Help You?
By joining, you can work toward personal financial goals, including:
✔ Paying off debt
✔ Improving your credit score
✔ Buying your own home
✔ Starting a business
✔ Returning to school or pursuing job training
💡 Your rent payments could contribute toward your financial future! If you are interested in learning more, contact CFHA to see how you can enroll and start working toward your long-term goals.
📞 Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
For more information on any of these updates or to enroll in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, please contact the Central Falls Housing Authority.
RESIDENT SERVICES
At CFHA, we’re committed to providing residents with valuable resources, services, and opportunities to stay informed, engaged, and supported. Below are some important updates, upcoming events, and helpful reminders for this month!
📅 February 2025 Resident Services Calendar
📌 Tuesday, 2/4 | 5 PM – Mayor’s Valentine’s Bash at Forand
📌 Wednesday, 2/5 | 12:30 – 1:30 PM – Senior Food Box Distributions at Wilfrid Manor (Bring your ID)
📌 Thursday, 2/6 | 1:30 – 2:30 PM – Senior Food Box Distributions at Forand Manor (Bring your ID)
📌 Friday, 2/7 | 10 AM – Healthy Bite Cooking Demo at Wilfrid
📌 Monday, 2/10 | 10 AM – Vaccine Clinic at Wilfrid (Flu & COVID)
📌 Tuesday, 2/11 | 2 PM – Mayor’s Valentine’s Bash at Wilfrid
📌 Thursday, 2/13 | 10 AM – Vaccine Clinic at Forand (Flu & COVID)
📌 Friday, 2/14 | 11 AM – 2 PM – Valentine’s Day Bake Sale at Forand
📌 Wednesday, 2/19 | 10 AM – Healthy Bite Cooking Demo at Forand
📌 Thursday, 2/20 | 4 – 7 PM – City Hall Extended Hours (Social services, bill payments, notarizations, and more!)
✨ Don’t forget: Participation in community events is a great way to stay connected, learn something new, and access essential resources!
Important Data Breach Alert: Protect Your Personal Information
On Friday, January 10, 2025, notification letters were mailed to individuals impacted by the RIBridges data breach. These letters contain important details on how to protect your personal information.
Steps to Take if You Receive a Letter:
✔ Read the instructions carefully.
✔ Sign up for free credit monitoring through Experian by April 30, 2025 (activation code required).
✔ Verify your identity (name, Social Security number, address, etc.) when enrolling.
🔗 Find instructions and resources at cyberalert.ri.gov
📞 RIBridges Data Breach Hotline: 833-918-6603
🕘 Hotline Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
⚠️ Reminder: If you did not receive a letter, the hotline cannot confirm whether you were impacted. Please ensure your contact information is up to date in the RIBridges system.
Sign up to our newsletter!
Quick Links
Main Office
30 Washington St, Central Falls, RI 02863
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 08:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- [email protected]
- (401) 727-9090
