EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit)
What is it? The EITC is a tax credit for people who work, but who do not have high incomes. If you qualify, you could pay less or no tax - even get a tax refund. To qualify, you must meet certain rules and file a tax return, even if you don't owe any tax or did not earn enough money to require filing a return.
Am I eligible? The amount of the EITC varies - depending on total earnings, other income and certain other considerations.
For example:
You must be a US citizen, or a non-resident alien married to a US citizen.
If you do not have a qualifying child, you must be between 25and 65 years of age.
You must have earned income from employment or self-employment.
Income must be less than $32,121 if you have more than one qualifying child.
$28,281 if you have one qualifying child.
$10,710 if you have no qualifying child.
Investment income must be $2,450 or less.
For more information, contact your nearest Bethlehem Housing Authority management office. The BHA also has informative posters at their offices. We will also be sending info to current residents through rent statement mailings!
Family Self-Sufficiency
BHA's Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is designed to assist families in Public Housing (and Section 8) to achieve economic independance. The program helps by removing traditional obstacles to success and by improving life skills and providing job training, career development and educational opportunity.
who is eligible? The FSS program is open to all Public Housing and Section 8 tenants who are willing to enter into a contract with the BHA to establish goals and work toward economic self-sufficiency. Participants need only be residents in good standing with BHA.
how does it work? Each participating family is required to enter into a five-year contract. Once the family's goals , needs and barriers to achieving self-sufficiency are determined, an Individual Training and Services Plan will incorporate the path the family will take toward their goal.
what are the benefits? When a family chooses to participate in the FSS program, BHA agrees to establish an escrow savings account during the contract term for the family. Each time the family's earned income increases (causing their rent to increase), they will earn credit for that amount in the interest bearing account. Upon successful completion of the contract, the family is entitled to the money accumulated in their account. In addition to this financial incentive, participating families will also benefit from case management services, including appropriate referals to community resources and services!
For more FSS information, contact:
Mirella Snow, FSS Manager
1429 Fritz Drive (The Northeast Office)
Bethlehem PA 18017
610-865-8372
Recreation
mission: "BHA recognizes the need to provide recreational and entertainment opportunities for all residents." To this end, the authority recreation department sponsors recreation league softball and basketball teams for adults and basketball for school age kids. Director Robert Robinson runs trips to professional sporting events such as Phillies baseball , 76'ers basketball and Iron Pigs baseball. Residents have an opportunity each summer to visit Eagle training camp at Lehigh University and to attend Lehigh University athletic events year long.
special events: Also for kids, the authority throws an end of the summer party at Blazer Field which includes games, refreshments and competition. A day-long basketball tournament is staged for teens, as well as a softball throw, running races and more. The event is co-sponsored by community minded businesses and with the cooperation of the various tenant councils. Trophies are provided for participants.
for adults: Older residents have ample opportunity to avail themselves of entertainment such as the popular "Fall Foliage Tour" in October, the "Christmas Lehigh Valley" events, trips to the Lehigh Valley Flower Show in March and now, shopping trips to local centers in the valley.
what's next? BHA is partnering with Embrace Your Dreams and the First Tee organization to bring an exciting recreation program to Bethlehem. The First Tee at Marvine will present a terrific learning opportunity for BHA kids between the ages of 8 and 16. Participants will not only learn the game of golf, but they will be taught life lessons which will help them as adults. Call Mr. Robinson today to sign up your youngsters!
Recreation Director
Robert Robinson
1161 Fritz Drive (The Fink Building)
Bethlehem PA 18018
610-865-8351
about Tenant Selection: This department is responsible for screening and placing applicants. TSO can answer any questions you may have regarding our programs.
when can you apply? Any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday at our office at Monocacy Tower (4th floor) 645 Main Street, Bethlehem. 610-865-8300. We accomodate persons with special needs.
who may apply? Any person who is income eligible and is either a head of family, or is handicapped or disabled.
must I be on welfare, or be unemployed? No! Your rent is based upon 30% of your adjusted annual income and assets.
I am disabled; are there special apartments for me? Yes. Some of our properties are specially designed to meet your needs. Call for more info!
It's it's a rental assistance program which allows a tenant to rent an apartment anywhere in the country, under certain conditions. The tenant pays a percentage of their adjusted, anticipated income, less the cost of basic utilities.
Fair Market Rent Information
(Lehigh Valley and Warren County (NJ) Metropolitan Statistical Area)
2007 0BR 1BR 2BR 3BR 4BR 5BR
FMR 566 690 816 1056 1117 1284
PS 566 759 897 1161 1228 1284
BHA Income Limits
(As of 03/2006)
Persons
Extremely LowVery LowLower
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Public Housing Flat Rents May 2007
Pembroke 1 563
2 650
3 850
4 873
Marvine 1 646
2 761
3 987
4 1037
Fairmount 2 802
3 941
Lynfield, Parkridge
2 708
3 824
4 841
Hirises, Pfeifle 0 549
1 668
2 791
For More Information , Contact:
Bob Caprioli
Assistant Manager
Tenant Selection/Public Housing
645 Main Street
Bethlehem 18018
610-865-8331
TDD 610-865-8333
Community Service
what is it?
The Quality Work and Housing Responsibility Act of 1998 contained a component requiring able- bodied public housing residents to perform community service for a minimum of eight hours each month. Exempted from the program are seniors and the disabled , kids under the age of 18, caregivers and those who are employed at least thirty hours per week. the program
This is a brand new program. The authority will work closely with residents and assist them in finding suitable service arrangements. This program is mandatory!
The performance of voluntary work or duties that are a public benefit, and that serve to improve the quality of life, enhance resident self-sufficiency, or increase self-responsibility in the community. CS is not employment and may not include political activities.
Each adult resident shallcontribute 8 hours per month or participate in the FSS program for 8 hours per month, or a combination of each totalling 8 hours per month.
Service must be performed at a location within Lehigh and Northampton counties; the activity must be pre-approved by BHA. BHA staff will provide a list of possible organizations to residents, but service to those organizations will not be required. Residents must provide monthly verification to BHA confirming all service performed.
If BHA is able to identify appropriate community service work at its developments, it will offerthis opportunity to residents required to comply.
A resident may also satisfy the requirement by participating in Economic Self-Sufficiency programs; these programs include programs for job training employment counseling, work placement, basic skills training, education, English proficiency, workfare and more.
For more Community Service information
contact:
Mirella Snow, FSS Manager
1429 Fritz Drive
Bethlehem PA 18017
610-865-8372
