Board Members
The following Officers were duly elected at the annual organizational meeting of the Franklin Housing Authority held on April 20, 2023.
George A. Danello, Chairman
Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson
Peter L. Brunelli, Treasurer
Andrew M. Kepple, Assistant Treasurer
Christopher Lennon, Tenant Board Member
FHA Staff
Lisa Audette, Executive Director
Candice Day, Administrative Assistant
Carole Blanchard, Office Assistant
Sean Pope, Director of Facilities
Frank McAvoy, Maintenance Laborer
James Brunelli, Groundskeeper/Laborer
Michael Doherty, Groundskeeper/Custodian
Samantha Czernicki, Supportive Housing Coordinator
Erin Ferguson, Resident Service Coordinator
The Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) name change
The Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) has changed its' name to The Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) based on Governor Healy and Lt. Governor Driscoll filing Article 8 legislation earlier this year to establish a stand-alone secretariat focused on housing. We welcome new Secretary Ed Augustus.
Modernization of the Franklin Housing Authority Properties
A Contract for Financial Assistance from the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities for the purpose of repairing components of the aging agency for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 was awarded to the FHA. In addition, ARPA funds and EOHLC Sustainability Funds were awarded to our agency. Several projects are in the works using this very timely and important funding including roof replacement, water pipe upgrades and a fire pump.
FHA Property
The Franklin Housing Authority manages 161 units of State Aided Elderly/Disabled Housing, 33 units of low-income Family Housing and two, 8-unit Group Homes. Additionally, the Housing Authority is responsible for a four-bedroom congregate facility. This program provides a shared living environment for its residents who maintain private bedrooms.
Congregate housing was established for residents who are self-reliant, however may need limited additional support.
Franklin Housing Authority also owns three single family homes and one duplex in Franklin. These properties are reserved for lease to low-income persons and allow these families the opportunity to live in a residential neighborhood for an affordable rent.
The Franklin Housing Authority acquired the 'long time vacant' property located at 813 Summer Street. The beautiful three-bedroom home will be leased to an income eligible family and will remain in the Town's inventory of affordable housing stock through perpetuity. We have completely renovated the home and it will soon be available for lease.
The process of obtaining the property took many years and has involved much assistance from several local officials, agencies and advocates. The unwavering assistance of all of our supporters was monumental in the success of the acquisition.
Supporters included: State Representative Jeffrey Roy, Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Attorney Michael Doherty, Attorney Richard Cornetta, Chairman Christopher Vericker, Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) and all MAHT's Members including Christopher Feeley, Bank of America, Dean Bank, George Danello, Chairman of the Franklin Housing Authority (FHA) and all FHA Board Members.
Also, we are grateful for the support of Lisa Mosczynski, President, Metacomet Land Trust (MLT) and all of MLT's Board of Directors including Treasurer Susan Spears. MTL transferred the property this home sits on to the Housing Authority. We and the families we house will forever be thankful to all who helped to make this acquisition possible.
Managing Agent for Norfolk Housing Authority
Franklin Housing Authority has been contracted to manage the Norfolk Housing Authority. By taking on this agreement, we increase the FHA/NHA housing stock by an additional 84 units of public housing.
Norfolk is very close logistically and the housing authority has a senior development very similar to one of Franklin's and a quaint family development located in a lovely pine grove. We see this merge as a benefit to our Norfolk residents and financially beneficial to both agencies. We enjoy working at the Norfolk Housing Authority and with the NHA Board Members to maintain the beautiful, safe and affordable public housing in the Town of Norfolk.
Special Events Noted with Appreciation Franklin Rotarians are a welcome friend to our residents. The Rotarians thoughtfully plan, cook and serve our residents at least twice annually. This year a healthy and delicious Valentine's breakfast was a welcome interruption to the winter's cold. Then in June, the Rotarians served their Italian pasta specialty to residents with all the fixings and dessert. Seniors from all over Franklin were welcome and, as always, it was a smash hit! Much thanks to the Franklin Rotarians for their continued support.
Special Thanks
The Chairman George Danello and the Board of Commissioners, Staff and Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority wish to express their thanks and appreciation to the following:
• The Clergy, for continuous support and comfort in the time of need and always.
• Chairman Tom Mercer and all of the Franklin Town Council Members, Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and their staff for their continued support and assistance.
• Chairman Christopher Vericker and all Franklin's Municipal Affordable Housing Trust members for having a similar goal as FHA in providing affordable housing to people of lower income.
• Council on Aging, Veterans Agent and SHINE Program for assisting residents with health care concerns and working with the Authority to recognize needs and provide activities, nourishment and specialized services.
• Franklin Police Department, Police Chief Lynch and the entire Franklin Police Department for continuous concern, attention and response to the needs of the Authority and its Residents.
• Franklin Fire and Rescue, Chief James McLaughlin, Deputy Chief James Klich, Deputy Chief Joseph Barbieri and EMS Battalion Chief William Blanchard and their Department. They are our Fire Safety Guardian Angel's. They are always professional and respectful when assisting our residents during a medical time of need.
• Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffrey Roy for their relentless support of the Public Housing Programs and Bills with the best interest of our town and residents at heart.
• Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll for their support of Massachusetts public housing and for the support of new construction of public housing.
• Norfolk County Sherriff's Department and Sherriff Patrick McDermott for including FHA in their inmate community service program, their professionalism during evictions and their support of the Franklin Housing Authority.
• Veterans Services Officer Shannon Nisbet and her staff for assisting our Veteran residents and veteran applicants with information and support.
• Franklin Council on Aging, Senior Center Director Danielle Hopkins and her staff for all you do to keep our population healthy, nourished and informed.
• Franklin Food Pantry and Executive Director Tina Powderly for the support of the residents of Franklin Housing Authority. Also, much appreciation for placing food pickups in the most convenient places for our residents to manage.
• Saint Mary's Church, Friends of Franklin and Saint Vincent de Paul for supporting our residents during exceptional times of need.
Through the years, the Franklin community and the housing authority find ways to improve the quality of life for our area seniors, disabled persons and low- income families. With the support of the Commissioners and the community, the Franklin Housing Authority continues to be a wonderful, safe and affordable community housing opportunity.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa M. Audette,
Executive Director, PHM, MCPPO
franklinhousing.org
The full Housing Authority report can be found in one PDF ->
The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online
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| Annual Report Of Franklin Housing Authority: FY 2023 Report |
