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Winter 2025-2026 New Year's Edition

Your Rocky Mount Housing Authority
Residents' Newsletter
PO Box 4717
Rocky Mount, NC 27803
RMHA Website is Located at www.rm-ha.org

RMHA Looking Ahead: Partnerships for Stronger Communities

An affordable home is the platform for strong, thriving communities.

Having an affordable home enhances quality of life for RMHA residents, offering stable and secure environments that support individual, family, and community wellbeing.

We assist in shaping solutions to housing issues in our city and counties. We work to impact change with and in support of individuals and families who live with us or desire to become a RMHA resident. As a result of our work, fewer people experience being unhoused or unstably housed, or living in temporary, unaffordable, or unsafe housing conditions. Simply put, "We are here for housing".

But not only are we here for 'housing'; RMHA ensures that the Learning and development of our youth, the education and training of our working adults, and the care and interests of our senior population all are attended to byway of our on-site programs, partnerships, and resident engagement.

So, as we enter into this new year, we are asking that our residents purpose within themselves to first and foremost, be attentive to our need to establish and maintain a strong line of communication with each of you. Secondly, we will be intentional about receiving feedback from you as to what activities, events, and learning opportunities you and your family members would like to engage in. And finally, we need your participation. "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much" Helen Keller.

RMHA Special Events - Fall Festival 2025

Fall Festival 2025 occurred at our Weeks Armstrong housing community this year. Once again, residents from all RMHA properties came out and enjoyed an afternoon of fun, food, festivities, and information sharing. RMHA staff, board members, city officials, and community partners were all in attendance and provided residents, youth and adults, with an opportunity to simply enjoy their surroundings, participate in drawings for prizes, receive employment, education, and health information, while the youngsters played on the bouncy houses, created artwork, and a delicious meal was had by everyone.

 

People sitting at tables under a tent. Three women sit and smile for a picture. A woman and man smile and shake hands. A woman smiles for a picture with four kids.
Five police officers stand for picture. A man and woman stand at the North Carolina Wesleyan University table. A young boy holding a greenbag in front of the North Carolina Wesleyan University table. People standing by a large inflatable slide.
People walking around between tents and inflatable slides and bounce houses. A man talking to a woman at table under a tent. A woman talking to another woman and man at the Flood and Truth table. A woman holding a purple bag stands and smiles for a picture, with a inflatable slide in the background.
A woman with an A woman stands and smiles for a picture at the flood and truth table.    

RMHA Special Events - Christmas Luncheons For Our Seniors 
Holiday time 2025 proved to be once again a festive occasion in and around the RMHA senior community. Senior residents from the Weeks Armstrong and West End  Terrace  communities were invited to a local restaurant and enjoyed a buffet-style holiday luncheon with all the trimmings. Residents at the Lucille Powell Village (downtown Rocky Mount) were  brought together in their on-site dining hall and provided a catered holiday luncheon. Both groups participated  in a  pre-luncheon program where guest speakers gave a word of holiday cheer, RMHA staff led in singing a series  of  holiday favorites, and CEO, Kelvin Macklin,  presented each  attendee  with a special Christmas gift from the agency.

People sitting at a table eating. Three people smiling for a picture.

RMHA Special Events - WAH Brings Community Together
In November 2025, The Resident Services team at Rocky Mount Housing Authority formed another community partnership with Rise Up Kings and Queens. This non-profit's mission is to be a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment for adolescents who have faced mental, emotional, and physical challenges. The founders and members of the organization brought their generosity onto the grounds of the Weeks Armstrong Homes and provided the community with a catered holiday meal and free clothing. The Authority looks forward to a lasting partnership with the organization.

A line of people at a table full of drinks. A suv with Rise up Queens and Kings banners on it.

RMHA Partnerships - Nash CC Begins at WET 

RMHA is excited to bring to the West End Terrace community teaching professionals and Continuing Education courses by way of Nash Community College. Currently, the Hyman Battle Community Center has on-site classes that will give adult learners easy access to learning and development opportunities. Residents have shown interest in enrolling in a wide variety of courses that will allow them to personally and professionally develop. 

Students sitting at a table looking at computers.

Currently, Computer Basics and GED classes are being held in the center. Soon to start will be Working Smart (a certification class that teaches soft-skills and job attainment), Financial Literacy, and Pathways to Healthcare. For more information, call 252.985.4130 or email jharper@rm-ha.org.

RMHA Partnerships - ECC Enters Fourth Year of HSE With Additional On-Site Programs 
The start of the spring semester 2026 brought Edgecombe Community College's basic skills instruction back to the Weeks Armstrong Homes to offer High School Equivalency (GED) instruction. Students - most of whom are RMHA residents - are receiving classroom instruction and test preparation in the subject areas Required by the State to successfully pass the five state-level exams (Reading, Science, Social Studies, Writing, and Math). Anyone 16 years or older who needs to complete high school call 252.985.4130 to begin the process of enrollment. Additionally, the College currently offers a Basic Computer Skills Class, Mondays and Tuesdays from 1 :00pm to 3:00pm in the Weeks Armstrong Community Center. During October of 2025, twelve students completed the first cohort of the Basic Computer class and received an entry-level certificate and a free laptop.

Students sitting in a classroom listening to the teacher. Edgecombe Community College logo.

RMHA Programs - Another Successful Self-Sufficiency Year 

Ashely Reynolds speaking at a podium.
RMHA's two self-sufficiency programs continue to enable eligible Residents access to a plethora of opportunities and resources that have led to success not only for the participant, but for the household as well. The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program helps families build financial security and plan for the future through personalized case management and an escrow savings account. If a resident's earned income increases during the program, the PHA puts the extra rent into their escrow account. The funds are available to the resident when they successfully complete the program. The Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) program is a program for Public housing residents that offers supportive services, resident empowerment activities, and assistance in becoming economically self-sufficient. 

The two programs celebrated their second ROSS Day event early December 2025 where twenty program participants from both programs were recognized for the credentials, certifications, and personal development successes they achieved during their program tenure. These program graduates yielded industry-related credentials and course credits from our area community colleges that included Notary Certification, Administrative Assistant course, " Explore a Career in Nursing" course, Basic Life Support Certification, Career Readiness Certification, as well as assistance in completing various degree programs.

Above, Ashley Reynolds, who was recognized as the 2025 Program Participant of the Year, given her goal achievements and program involvement, delivered an encouraging speech to her peers as well as staff and community partners. Below left, agency staff join ROSS and FSS graduates for a picture and below right, ROSS and FSS community partners are in attendance to show their continued support.

A group of 10 people stand and smile for a picture. Five women stand and smile for a picture.

RMHA Programs - Community Wide Programming

RMHA Spring 2026 Resident Programs

  • West End Terrace Homes
    • Education and Training
      • GED - Tuesday and Thursday - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
      • Basic Computer Skills - Monday through Thursday - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      • Financial Literacy - Every 3rd Thursday from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
      • Working Smart - Every Friday from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      • Pathway to Healthcare - Every Friday from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    • Youth Programs
      • Summer Camp Starts June 2026

    • Adult Programs
      • Game Night - Every First Thursday of each month
      • Resident Council Meeting Every 3rd Tuesday from 4pm to 5pm at the Hyman Battle Community Center

  • Weeks Armstrong Homes
    • Education and Training
      • GED  - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
      • Basic Computer Skills - Monday and Tuesday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
      • Financial Literacy - Every 3rd Thursday from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

    • Youth Programs
      • Summer Camp Starts June 2026

    • Adult Programs
      • Game Night - Every First Thursday of each Month
      • Resident Council Meeting Every 3rd Thursday from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

  • All Households
    • Ripe Revival Food Truck at Weeks Armstrong Every Tuesday at 2:00 PM
    • Diabetes Management Class at Weeks Armstrong Community Center Every Wednesday from 10am to 12:30 PM (Transportation Provided)

Call 252.450.3536 or 252.958.4129 for more information.

RMHA Resident-Centered Snapshots - Staff in Caregiving Mode

Six people stand with boxes of food, smiling for a picture.

Mr. Macklin (far right) and staff in response to the 2025 food crisis.

 Five people stand and smile for a picture, with a table full of gifts.

Resident Services and Property Management prepare Angel Tree presents for residents.		 Seven women wearing purple stand and smile for a picture.

The ladies of Weeks Armstrong Admin. Staff support Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness.
Three people in Halloween outfits.

West End Terrace Resident Council's President, Nikki Pittman (center) kicks off Halloween for Kids.

 Four police officers stand and smile for a picture.
Mr. Macklin, CEO, poses in front of the RMPD's Mobile Crime Lab funded in part by RMHA.

 Carolina's Council recipient Ky'Naisha Bobbit smiles with three other people for a picture.

Mr. Macklin joins RMHA's 2025 Carolina Council's scholarship winner Ms. Ky'Naisha Bobbitt.

RMHA Safety Corner - Tax Season Safety Tips

This Tax Season: 

  • Choose a trustworthy tax preparer. Avoid return preparers who promise large refunds or charge a fee based on your refund amount. A trustworthy tax preparer will also provide their Preparer Tax Identification Number (P TIN) on your tax return and give you a complete copy of your return for your records.

  • Protect your return. Never sign a blank tax return, and make sure your refund goes to your account, not your tax preparer's. Do not file your return if it reports false income, expenses, or dependents.

  • Be cautious with emails and texts. Don't click links or open attachments from unknown senders claiming to be from the IRS. These could be scams that steal your personal information or install malware on your device.

  • Don't fall for social media scams. Ignore social media influencers who encourage you to falsify your tax return with inaccurate income, false withholdings or credits. You could owe a hefty sum to the IRS if your tax return is not accurate, including penalties and interest.

  • Report suspicious activity. If you think someone is trying to scam you during tax season contact law enforcement and the IRS.

Protect Yourself:

RMHA Property Management - Springtime Reminders 

Every year, we all say that it is time to get the spring cleaning done. Here is a rundown of what we suggest you do during the spring months.

  • March - Start opening windows and airing the place out. This is also a good time to declutter, clean range hood filters, and also change HVAC filters.
  • April - Clean the windows so they sparkle and let the sunshine in. Clean floors and wash rugs. 
  • May - Walk around and look at the exterior of the home and report any weather damage to the Agency. Look at the surrounding trees and see if they are interfering with power.

RMHA Employee Welcome - New Additions to the RMHA Family

Sharrod Alston headshot.
Sharrod Alston		 Carlos Bishop headshot.
Carlos Bishop		 Travis Mercer headshot.
Travis Mercer		 Joseph Hussey headshot.
Joseph Hussey		 Antonio Staton headshot.
Antonio Staton

 

Our agency is very pleased to have joined the RMHA family three new team members. Sharrod Alston and Carlos Bishop have come aboard as Preventative Maintenance Mechanics. Travis Mercer and Joseph Hussey are recently hired Maintenance Mechanic Assistants. Antonio Staton received a recent promotion from Maintenance Mechanic Assistant to Workorder Clerk. We welcome each of these individuals into our RMHA family as they have already begun to use their talents and skills to keep our communities functional, safe, and welcoming.

RMHA Announcements/Upcoming Events

  • It's Scholarship Season! - Parents of all graduating high school seniors are encouraged to connect with the Resident Services Department and learn about the opportunities - Call 252.985.4130

  • Employment Vacancies - RMHA is actively recruiting for the positions of an Administrative Management Assistant and a Maintenance Mechanic Assistant. Call Latonya Gunter at 252.450.3527 for more information

  • Game Night - Game Night at Weeks will resume during the month of April 2026 in the Community Center every 3rd Thursday of the month at 5:30pm. Game Night at West End Terrace will start during the month of April 2026
    in the Hyman Battle Community Center Thursday of the month at 6pm. Call Annie Jones at 252.407.1946 for more information.

  • Homebuyers Education  - In-person Class will be held on the following Saturdays: Feb 28, 2026 , Apr 18, 2026 June13, 2026, Aug 29, 2026 , and Oct 10, 2026 - Dates are subject to change. Call Ms. Teresa Rhodes at 252.407.1941 for more information.

  • Our Website - Continue to use the RMHA website as a resource to stay abreast of current and vital housing and community information We want this resource to be one more way we can remain connected to our residents.
    Visit www.rm-ha.org. 

Mr. Kelvin Macklin, CEO

RMHA Contact Numbers

RMHA Board of Commissioners

  • Lea Henry, Chairman
  • Ted Lord
  • Kevin Jones
  • Benton Moss
  • Tarrick Pittman
  • Tysheeda Cherry

RMHA Newsletter Editor: Jerry Harper
Assistant Editor: Teresa Rhodes

Articles published in the RMHA Residentsʼ Newsletter do not necessarily represent an endorsement by the Rocky Mount Housing Authority or its Board of Commissioners. We are committed, however, to inform our readers of programs and activities which have a direct or indirect impact on the residents we serve.