LOCATION & STAFF
UNITY TERRACE APARTMENTS 480 Leonard Avenue Extension Fairmont , WV 26554 (304) 366-3278
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* Previous Union Affiliation. Management denoted in bold print. |
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This 100-unit Section 236 apartment complex for low-income families was built in 1971 with a 1.75 million dollar loan from the West Virginia Housing Development Fund. HRDE manages this Fairmont complex and the Department of Housing and Urban Development provides rent subsidy for 99 of the 100 rental units. Unity Terrace Apartments' Section 8 (rent subsidy) contract with HUD was renewed in October, 2000 for a five-year term.
To assist Unity Terrace residents in gaining economic self-sufficiency, Unity Housing, Inc. developed the Neighborhood Networks Center, which was the first computer learning center established in West Virginia under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Neighborhood Networks, a community-based “welfare-to-work” initiative. Training is provided on the use of the Internet and computers, as well as academic enrichment classes and on-site Adult Basic Education classes. An active referral system is in effect for employment and educational opportunities. The After-School Program provides a learning atmosphere where children may obtain assistance and have access to computers for completing homework assignments and increasing academic function in all subject areas through computerized tutorials. In 1998, an “Outstanding Collaborative Effort” award was presented to the Neighborhood Networks Center for its efforts in helping families make a successful transition from welfare to employment.
On September 20, 1989, Joyce Sue (Susie) Haun, Manager of Unity Terrace Apartments, was fatally wounded by a tenant in the laundromat of Unity Terrace Apartments, ending the life of a caring person who spent thirteen years of her life helping others improve their lifestyle.
Susie first came to Human Resource Development Foundation, Inc. (HRDF) in 1976, participating in the Supported Work Program. The purpose of the program was to help single women who were receiving welfare assistance to better themselves and become self-sufficient.
Susie began as a Secretary at Forest Glen Apartments which was managed by HRDF’s sister corporation, Human Resource Development and Employment, Inc. (HRDE). Susie served as a participant in the Supported Work Program during 1976 and 1977. In 1977, Susie was hired by HRDE as the Assistant Manager at Forest Glen Apartments and later became the Manager of Forest Glen. In 1981, she became Manager of Unity Terrace Apartments.
Susie operated an organized and efficient housing project. She was fair to tenants and dedicated to her job. Since Susie was familiar with the plight of disadvantaged persons, she was very instrumental during her eight years as Manager of Unity Terrace in helping those less fortunate to better themselves. She also initiated and sponsored a Men’s Softball Team at Unity Terrace.
A year after Susie’s death, staff came together to dedicate a plaque at Unity Terrace in her memory. It was at that time that friends and staff decided to create a permanent fund in Susie’s name that would provide an opportunity for children of Unity Terrace to attend Summer Camp.
One of Susie’s greatest pleasures was working with the children at Unity Terrace; so, in 1991 HRDF/HRDE staff established the “Susie Haun Memorial Scholarship Fund.”
One of the first fundraising events was an auction held at the HRDF/HRDE Annual Staff Conference in 1991. The “Susie Haun Memorial Auction” has become an HRDF/HRDE tradition and the main source of income for the fund. Staff and others have also contributed to the fund through payroll deductions, donation to the fund in lieu of gifts, and direct contributions. Since 1991, approximately 37 children have attended camps of their choice.
In September 2003, at HRDF/HRDE’s “Annual Auction,” items donated by staff and businesses were auctioned and sold, raising $5,196.00. The fund is designed to be perpetual and only the interest and a small amount of funds raised during the year are used for summer camp scholarships. In a little over ten years, the fund has grown to $27,600. In 2003 four children attended camp.
RENT STRUCTURE
Units |
Type |
Contract Rent |
Market Rent |
4 |
Efficiency |
$357 |
$369 |
| 20 |
One-Bedroom |
$434 |
$453 |
50 |
Two-Bedroom |
$508 |
$535 |
25 |
Three-Bedroom |
$583 |
$619 |
1 |
Three-Bedroom (Commercial) |
---- |
$569 |
1 |
Three-Bedroom (Manager) |
---- |
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