Resident Services

Resident Services
The Resident Services Program provides supportive services to at-risk elderly and disabled residents. The program serves four (4) housing sites for the elderly and disabled in Prince George’s County:
 

• 1100 Owens Road -Program headquarters
• Cottage City Towers
• Marlborough Towne
• Rollingcrest Village

Resident Independence
Emphasis is on providing a comprehensive approach to service delivery that reduces premature institutionalization by promoting resident independence. Key program components include case management and congregate services to address personal care issues, wellness and health awareness and prevention education. Program efforts are focused on linking residents to the services they require that already exist in the community. This allows them to not only age in place, but assists residents in meeting their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), thus maintaining their independence. 

Program components Include:
 

• Nutrition site that serves hot lunches three (3) days a week for a nominal donation. This feeding site is based out of the 1100 Owens Road property and is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The kitchen serving the program is a commercial kitchen licensed by the county health department requiring certified food handling status for staff and volunteers.
• One (1) fifteen (15) passenger, handicapped accessible van to transport residents to congregate services and community activities. The van can transport two (2) residents needing wheelchair services.
• Computer classes coordinated with resident and community agencies. State of the art computer center operating at three seniors sites:
  • 1100 Owens Road
  • Cottage City Towers
  • Marlborough Towne
• A calendar of congregate activities that promote health/wellness, independence and increase the resident’s level of social interaction. Activities include:
  • Bimonthly mobile library on wheels
  • Bingo
  • Computer classes
  • Sewing classes
  • Shopping trips to the local malls, Wal-Mart and the Farmer’s Market
  • Tri-monthly visits by a podiatrist

Resident Councils
Resident participation in management is also a crucial component of Resident Services efforts. The properties have Resident Councils that meet monthly to plan resident activities, provide information about resident services, and to advocate on behalf of their respective tenant population.

Resident Advisory Board
There is a Resident Advisory Board (representation from each of the participating Resident Councils) that provides input into the Housing Authority’s Annual Five (5) Year Agency Plan. Each year HUD requires Housing Authorities to submit for approval this document which sets out the goals, objectives and various programs and activities that will be undertaken in the coming year. In addition to comment by the general public, it is required that residents be given the opportunity to have input into the plan and to have their priorities for services and policies considered and where feasible, incorporated into the Plan. This feedback is consolidated and made a part of the final plan that is approved by the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.