Housing Authority Reelects Officers, Meets New Pro Staffers

The Franklin Housing Authority met on Thursday April 20 at Central Park Terrace. The meeting started with the introduction of two new professionals affiliated with the Municipal Housing.

Samantha “Sam” Czernicki - Supportive Housing Coordinator is employed by Tri-Valley Elder Services and is a dedicated care manager for scores of individuals at the Authority as well as others that are referred to her. She is also responsible for screening individuals for the congregate housing managed by the Authority. In that role, she recently filled the fourth available opening, a feat that elicited looks of surprise among board members, since, the slow and complex process of filling those particular units had previously stymied efforts to get to full occupancy. Czernicki also provides “hands on” help to residents, including helping them get needed financial assistance and ensuring that their rent is paid on time.

And, there is a fun side, too, she noted since she also develops activities for residents

Erin Ferguson, a Franklin resident, is the Residential Services Coordinator for Norfolk Housing (which Franklin manages under contract) and has responsibility for 84 units there and also serves families in franklin through a Joint Agency Grant. “I started in January of 2022 and it has been a wonderful opportunity to meet people here and in Norfolk. The primary role I have is to help with successful tenancy, helping with security, applying for benefits, and recertifying and troubleshooting,” She explained

“For the coming year, my goal is to have more in person meetings and to work to improve economic security of tenants,” she added.

Lisa M. Audette, Executive Director, said in the past it had only been possible to have someone in the role for one day a week; having full time help is transformational, she said.

Audette went on to provide the board with an update on many matters involving current accounts, management and maintenance of on-premises washers and dryers, etc.

Audette said two court hearings were scheduled in March and continued to April, with regard to tenants in arrears. In one case, the tenant was able to pay the full amount to get back up to date.

Toward the end of the meeting, the board conducted its annual election of officers. The vote was unanimous to retain the current slate of officers, namely, George A. Danello, Chairman, Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson, and Peter L. Brunelli, Treasurer.