HUD Notices Why Designate SAHA Process Outcome & Cost

HUD Notices Why Designate SAHA Process Outcome & Cost

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Public and Indian Housing Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control NOTICE:PIH-2009-21 (HA) Issued: July 17, 2009 Re-Issued: May 29, 2012 Subject: Non-Smoking Policies in Public Housing Purpose. This notice strongly encourages Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to implement non-smoking policies in some or all of their public housing units. According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease in the United States. The elderly and young populations, as well as people with chronic illnesses, are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of smoking.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Public and Indian Housing Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control NOTICE: H 2010-21 Issued: September 15, 2010 Subject: Optional Smoke-Free Housing Policy Implementation Purpose. The purpose of this Notice is to encourage owners and management agents (O/As) participating in one of the Multifamily Housing rental assistance programs.to implement smoke-free housing policies in some or all of the properties they own or manage.

HUD has strongly encouraged public housing authorities to adopt smoke-free policies Smoking is not a disability under federal or state law. Public housing authorities may change their house rules or leases to make individual units smoke-free.

Decent housing is an essential component of a person s physical safety & well-being. The 2006 Surgeon General s report on the health consequences of exposure to secondhand smoke..» The scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.» Eliminating smoking in indoor spaces fully protects nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke.

1. Survey Residents 2. Partner Outreach 3. Programmatic Changes 4. Resident Meetings 5. Resident Communication 6. Board Approvals

Residents of SAHA were surveyed in January 2011 with 81% indicating they would prefer nonsmoking facilities and support a smoke free policy

We have partnerships that will support our efforts and provide us with educational material. Our partners in this effort are the:» American Cancer Society» American Lung Association» City of San Antonio (Metro Health)

1. Non-Smoking Policy & Lease Addendum 2. Designated all PH Properties 3. Designated Areas

Smoking is not allowed in individual units in buildings designated as a smoke-free environment. Any area designated for smoking shall be adequately posted smoking area and proper ashtrays placed for the safe disposal of cigarette / cigar butts and lit matches. Smoking is prohibited in or within 20 feet of any entrance or exit to a SAHA owned public housing building. Failure to comply with the terms of this Addendum may be cause for lease enforcement action, up to and including eviction.

ENFORCEMENT PLAN The new no smoking policy is anticipated to have varying levels of client compliance and will be an additional piece for site staff to enforce. The following is an outline of our enforcement plan: 1st violation - verbal warning followed by smoking cessation materials 2nd violation - verbal warning followed by smoking cessation materials and a referral to the Case Manager 3rd violation - 1st written warning letter with smoking cessation materials and a referral to the Case Manager 4th violation - Final written warning with smoking cessation materials and a referral to the Case Manager 5th violation - 30-day lease termination notice

All Public Housing developments have been designated as Non-Smoking effective January 2012. SAHA did not designate sections of buildings because of shared ventilation. We did not grandfather any residents. SAHA chose to designate at one time rather than at recertification dates or one property sequentially.

If possible, SAHA designated an area(s) where residents can smoke. DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA signs were posted in the specific location at the designated properties. If not, a standard of 20 feet from the building has been established and included in the Lease Addendum.

1. Resident meetings are important to spread a consistent message about the upcoming policy change and were held at all PH developments. 2. Residents had an opportunity to provide their concerns and support for the policy. Residents shared ideas about designated smoking areas that assisted management. 3. SAHA made sure the message is: "it's about the second hand smoke, not about the smokers. 4. Residents are an important part of the prevention and enforcement strategy.

Resident notices were provided consistently during the period prior to implementation. Presentations began at scheduled resident meetings and continued each month until all communities were served. Notices were posted at each entry to the buildings. Educational material was provided by our partners. Staff searched the internet for more information on smoke free facts and material. Made announcements in our resident newsletters Notified local media

Agenda Item titled, Update and discussion regarding the 2012 Public Housing Non-Smoking Policy was presented to the Board of Commissioners in August 2011. SAHA s Non-Smoking Policy was included as a part of the 2011 MTW Plan and received HUD approval.

Seventy one (71) public housing communities are smoke free facilities. Residents are thankful Overcome Obstacles

The cost to implement the program was just under $10,000. This is minimal considering the cost to make ready one unit damaged by fire from smoking could cost up to twice this amount. Expenses are listed as follows: Signage includes Smoke Free Facilities as well as Designated Smoking Areas Signage in English and Spanish for 71 sites: $3,125 Smoking Receptacles at 71 sites: $3,453 Printing of material: $2,411 Total cost for program implementation $8,989 Operating funds for each property were used to pay for implementation of the program. In addition, educational material and smoking cessation material (posters and pamphlets) were provided by the American Cancer Society as well at the American Lung Association at no cost to our agency.

Websites» http://www.cancer.org/» http://www.breathehealthy.org/» http://www.cancer.org/inyourarea/highplainshawaiipacific/programsa ndservices/texas-cancer-control» http://www.phlpnet.org/additional-smokefree-housing-resources» http://www.livetobaccofreeaustin.org/whats_happening.php» http://www.livetobaccofreeaustin.org/tobacco_kills.php» http://smokefreesanantonio.org/» http://www.smokefreetexas.org/fact_sheets» http://women.smokefree.gov/» http://www.epa.gov/smokefre/

Thank you