Residents / Program Participants
Find resident resources, safety information, scholarship opportunities, and important program information.
Domestic Violence Protections / VAWA
The Violence Against Women Act ("VAWA") protects applicants, tenants, and program participants in certain HUD programs from being evicted, denied housing assistance, or terminated from housing assistance based on acts of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against them. Despite the name of this law, VAWA protection is available to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
For additional information, please visit Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Resources for Multifamily Assisted Housing (opens in a new tab) .
Fire Safety
How can I protect my home and family from a fire?
Most apartment fires are caused by grease on stoves, unsupervised children, or careless smoking. Tragedy can be prevented by practicing these home fire safety tips every day:
- Clean grease off of your stove so it can't catch fire while you are cooking.
- Don't leave food cooking if you can't be there to watch it.
- Never store flammable or combustible products in your unit.
- Never smoke a cigarette, pipe, or cigar in bed.
How do I avoid hidden fire dangers around my home?
Fires can be prevented by spotting dangerous items around your housing unit and taking action to make it safe. Here are a few suggestions about common hazards:
- Keep your TV set, stereo, kitchen appliances, switches, and electrical outlets in a safe condition. Replace frayed or broken plugs and cords.
- Don't run electrical cords under your rugs or where people walk.
- Move rags, paper, trash, and other materials which burn easily away from stoves, room heaters, water heaters, TV sets, and other appliances which get hot.
- Avoid leaving children alone at home where they can start fires by playing with matches, lighters, and candles.
- Don't overload electrical outlets. Each outlet is designed to safely handle only one lamp or appliance at a time. Overloaded circuits sometimes cause fires.
- Do not store anything in the water heater or furnace closets.
- Do not block access to the water heater or furnace closets.
How do I get out of my unit in case of a fire?
All exits must be clear so you can get out in case of a fire. The sliding side of bedroom windows must not be blocked by any furniture or obstruction that cannot be moved easily.
How does the smoke detector help protect my family?
All housing units have smoke detectors and are inspected at least annually for fire hazards. The alarm sometimes makes a loud, annoying noise during cooking or other normal activities. If this happens, open your windows and doors to let in the fresh air. Do not disconnect the smoke detector - this is grounds for termination of your lease!!
Human Trafficking Prevention
Safety Precautions and Tips on Human Trafficking and Abduction
- Stay away from strangers. Explain to children what makes a person a stranger. Note that even someone with a familiar face is a stranger if you do not know him or her well.
- If you are scared of someone, run to safety.
- Run and scream if someone tries to force you to go somewhere with them or tries to push you into a car.
- Teach your child their full name, address and phone numbers.
- Memorize a secret code word. Tell your child not to go with anyone under any circumstances unless that person also knows this code word.
- Have a "Call List" of emergency contacts and make sure your child knows the numbers for who to call if they can't reach you.
- Adults shouldn't ask children for help. For example, a child shouldn't trust grown-ups who ask kids for directions or for help finding a puppy or kitten. A child who is approached in this way should tell the person, "Wait here and I'll check with my mom or dad," and then find his or her parents right away.
- Always ask for permission before going anywhere with anybody. Ask a parent or the grown-up in charge before leaving the yard or play area, or before going into someone's home. Do not accept any unplanned offers for a ride-from someone known or unknown.
- Always tell a parent where you are going, how you will get there, who is going with you, and when you will be back. Be home at the agreed-upon time or else find a way to contact home directly.
- Avoid shortcuts when you are walking from one place to another. Avoid walking between parked vehicles.
Work hard to establish trust and communication with your children from day one!
- Don't ever leave children unattended in a vehicle, whether it is running or not. Don't let children go to the bus stop or wait alone.
- Make sure you know how to find or contact your children at all times.
- Take an active role in your children's activities.
- As tired as you may be, take the time to listen intently to your children when they tell you they had a bad dream. There could be a reason. Trust your instincts.
- Talk to your children about inappropriate incidences you hear on the news and get their perspective.
- Question and monitor anyone who takes an unusual interest in your children.
- Teach your children that they can be rude to an adult if they feel threatened in any way. They need to hear it from you directly because this message often contradicts everything they have heard before.
- Teach children the difference between an "OK" secret and a "NOT OK" secret. Assure your child that you would never want him/her to feel like they had to keep a "NOT OK" secret from you.
- Have your children practice their most annoying scream. They may need to use it someday.
- Check websites for registered offenders in your neighborhood. Talk to your children about why these people should be avoided.
- Keep your family computer in a central location that is easily monitored and avoid letting your children have internet access in unsupervised areas (i.e. computers in their bedrooms, etc.).
- Most importantly, practice, review and reinforce all of these tips in a manner that will not scare your children.
The goal is to make them smart. And keep them safe.
Report Fraud
Victoria Housing Authority is committed to protecting the integrity of the Housing Programs it administers. As such, Victoria HA encourages the public to report any fraudulent activity related to Victoria HA's Public Housing.
If you would like to Report Fraud, please contact us and briefly explain. All information given will remain confidential.
What is fraud?
Fraud involves false statements, omissions, or actions made with the intent to deceive or mislead, resulting in funds being misused or program rules violated or circumvented.
Examples of owner fraud include:
- Offering bribes to Housing Authority employees.
- Accepting housing assistance payments for properties that one does not own or represent as the legal agent.
- Accepting housing assistance payments for properties that one does not own or represent as the legal agent.
- Requesting rent payments from tenants in excess of the amount stated in the lease.
- Renting to relatives without prior approval from the Housing Authority.
Examples of tenant actions of fraud include:
- Not reporting income or total amount of income.
- Subletting a subsidized apartment/home.
- Having a voucher issued by the Housing Authority and another agency/owner.
Should you become aware of any fraudulent activity by a Victoria HA employee, HCV Voucher holder, HCV participant or participating Property owner/manager, please report it to the Victoria HA at 361-575-3682. All reports are kept confidential.
Resources
Food, Rent, Utilities, & Clothes
Victoria, Texas 77901
Victoria, Texas 77901
Victoria, Texas 77901
Victoria, Texas 77901
Victoria, Texas 77901
Other Resources
Victoria, Texas 77901
2200 East Red River Street
Victoria, Texas 77901
Victoria, Texas 77901
Victoria, Texas 77901
National Senior Citizen Resources
Scholarships
Each year Texas NAHRO offers scholarships to residents receiving assistance from member agencies.
For applications or more details on the Texas NAHRO Scholarship Program, please visit hshousing.org.
For questions or more information about the Texas NAHRO Scholarship Program, please contact Shelli Scrogum or call 940.521.9982.
The Scholarship Application with accompanying documentation and information must be submitted directly to:
Shelli Scrogum - Service Officer12246 FM 1769
Graham, TX 76450
Phone: 940.521.9982
Fax: 866.234.4018
Email Texas NAHRO
Visit Texas NAHRO Website (opens in a new tab)
Application Deadline: March 18, 2023
The NAHRO Merit College Scholarship Program awards a one-time payment of $1,000 each to eight scholars, one from each NAHRO region, who are pursuing their first post-secondary degree (scholars applying for a master's or a Ph.D. are not eligible). Each NAHRO region submits an applicant of their choice from their own scholarship program. If no regional scholarship program is in place, the region will select one eligible applicant to complete the NAHRO Merit College Scholarship application.
Three NAHRO Merit Scholarship program winners will be selected by the NAHRO Scholarship Committee to become a part of the NAHRO-LDG Scholars program.
The NAHRO-LDG Scholars Program is a 10-year venture that will provide $1 million in scholarships and internship opportunities to low-income students from around the country and is funded by the award-winning multi-family housing developer, LDG Development.
In addition to the one-time scholarship provided through the NAHRO Merit College Scholarship, NAHRO-LDG Scholars will receive:
- A $12,000 scholarship distributed over four years to assist with tuition and university-affiliated housing expenses
- An opportunity to earn up to $9,000 in stipends for summer internships and other approved activities that support the student's academic matriculation
- Networking opportunities with business and community leaders
For questions or more information about the NAHRO Merit and NAHRO-LDG Scholarship Programs, please contact Catherine Berry.
Application Deadline: Please Contact Regional Representative (opens in a new tab)
In order to encourage academic excellence and community responsibility among high school students, PHADA has implemented a scholarship program for graduating seniors who are preparing to enter college. PHADA will award three scholarships to deserving youth currently residing in a PHADA member agency.
Stephen J. Bollinger Memorial Scholarship ($10,000) - Created to memorialize Stephen J. Bollinger and will be awarded at the PHADA Annual Convention and Exhibition. The winner will also receive a trip for him/herself and one parent/guardian to attend the convention.
Civil Rights and Social Justice Scholarship ($5000) - Created to honor the work of Rosa Parks and the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement. Students must submit a personal essay (350-500 words) demonstrating their efforts and achievements in furthering the values of the civil rights movement.
Nan McKay Pathway to Achievement Scholarship ($5000) - Created to appreciate Nan McKay's significant financial support to PHADA's Scholarship Program. PHADA appreciates the commitment to serving the needs of public housing residents and the community. The scholarship fund will be administered by the PHADA Scholarship Committee. The money will go directly to the school that the recipient will be attending. The school will deposit the money into the student's account. The money may only be used to pay for tuition, books, and activities directly related to the student's education. If the student discontinues his or her education, the unused portion of the scholarship will be returned to PHADA.
For more information about the PHADA Scholarship Program, please call PHADA at 202-546-5445.
Application Deadline: January Annually
The Southwest Regional Council NAHRO Scholarship Program provides scholarship opportunities to families that reside in, work with, or who otherwise receive housing benefits from one of the member agencies of the Council. The SWRC NAHRO annually awards scholarships totaling more than $10,000.00. Scholarship awards are available to public housing residents, participants in rental assistance or similar programs, both heads of household and other family members, and children of staff working for a member agency.
The program is competitive, and awards are based on academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, family need, and community involvement.
The Scholarship Application with accompanying documentation and information must be submitted directly to:
Southwest NAHRO Scholarship Program12246 FM 1769
Graham, TX 76450
Email Southwest NAHRO
Visit Southwest NAHRO Website (opens in a new tab)
For questions or more information about the Southwest NAHRO Scholarship Program, please contact Milet Hopping or call 254.752.0324 (Ext 280).
Severe Weather Preparedness
Extreme cold may be considered any temperature below freezing (32 degrees F). During an extreme cold event, your body must work extra hard to regulate a normal body temperature and that could lead to illness or death, especially in vulnerable populations.
Staying Safe During Extreme Cold
- Minimize travel.
- Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
- Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel.
- Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.
- Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
- Check on the elderly.
- Bring pets inside.
How Should I Dress?
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.
- Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
- Humidity increases the feeling of heat.
Preparing for Extreme Heat
- Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool such as libraries and shopping malls or contact your local health department to find a cooling center in your area.
- Cover windows with drapes or shades.
- Weather-strip doors and windows.
- Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside.
- If you are unable to afford your cooling costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.
Floods may:
- Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows of dams and other water systems.
- Develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can come with no warning.
- Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings and create landslides.
If you are under a flood warning:
- Find safe shelter right away.
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don't Drown!
- Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
- Depending on the type of flooding:
- Evacuate if told to do so.
- Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
- Stay where you are.
You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, but it could take days.
Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, a week, or even longer. Or you may have to evacuate at a moment's notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need.
A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household may need in the event of a disaster.
Kit Locations
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicles.
- Home: Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days. Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept and can lift and carry the kit. Additionally, you may want to consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks, and plan for possible power outages at home.
- Work: This kit should be in one container, and ready to "grab and go" in case you are evacuated from your workplace. Make sure you have food and water in the kit. Also, be sure to have comfortable walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.
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Car:
In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. This kit should contain:
- Maps
- Food
- Water
- Manual Can Opener
- First Aid Kit and Manual
- Flares
- Jumper Cables
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries
- Fire Extinguisher (5lb., A-B-C type)
- Blanket
- Rain Gear
- Seasonal Supplies
Water
How much water do I need? You should store at least one gallon of water per person, per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking. In determining adequate quantities, take the following into account:
- Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.
- Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
- Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
- A medical emergency might require additional water.
- Water is used for sanitation needs as well as for drinking.
How should I store water? To prepare the safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended that you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it. Be sure to observe the expiration or "use by" date.
If you are preparing your own containers of water: It is recommended that you purchase food-grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supplies stores to use for water storage. Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Follow directions below on filling the container with water.
If you choose to use your own storage containers, choose two-liter plastic soft drink bottles - not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers because they can break and are heavy.
If storing water in plastic soda bottles, follow these steps: Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Sanitize the bottles by adding one teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.
Filling water containers: Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water. Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of the container so that you know when you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place. Replace the water every six months if not using commercially bottled water.
Food
The following are things to consider when putting together your food supplies:
- Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content
- Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. You may already have many of these on hand. (Note: be sure to include a manual can opener.)
- Include special dietary needs.
Maintaining Your Kit
Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintain them so they are safe to use when needed.
Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition:
- Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
- Throw out any can that become swollen, dented, or corroded.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
- Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh supplies.
- Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.
- Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family's needs change.
Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.
More information to build your Family Emergency Plan (opens in a new tab)Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include Lightning and can create or cause:
- Powerful winds over 50 mph
- Hail
- Flash flooding and/or tornadoes
Prepare for Thunderstorms & Lightning
- Know Your Risk: Know your area's risk for thunderstorms. In most places, they can occur year-round and at any hour. Sign up for your community's warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Strengthen Your Home: Consider buying surge protectors or other supplies in the event of a power outage
- Make an Emergency Plan: Create an emergency plan so that you and your family know what to do, where to go and what you will need to protect yourselves from the effects of a thunderstorm. Identify sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study and play.