Free Hot Meals at RHA Sites
Roxboro Housing Authority (RHA), in partnership with Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, started on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, as a meal distribution site. Each day at lunch time, K&W Cafeteria delivers hot, nutritious meals for kids in need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These meals are free of charge.
"Being able to provide kids in our community a good lunch is humbling," said Felts Lewis, executive director. "A warm, delicious meal puts a smile on each child's face. We do what we can to keep our children's spirit uplifted during a time of great uncertainty."
Over 250 meals accompanied with fat free or one percent milk have been provided to youths at all RHA sites: Harris Gardens Comm. Bldg. on Mt. Bethel Church St., Green Gardens Community at Green and Walker Street, Lee Gardens Community Center on Lyle Street and Weatherly Heights Community Center. on Cleveland Lane.
STEM activity sheets, coloring books, water bottles, bags, and other materials are also available.
RHA commissioners, staff, and the afterschool program STEM instructor wear masks, gloves, and practice social distancing. They also implement other Centers for Disease Control health and safety measures. Adults pick up the meals for children and do not congregate at the site's meal distribution area.
Free meal distribution is only one of many community engagement measures RHA implemented since closing its facilities and cancelling activities in late March. Other efforts include weekly conference calls with residents, individual well-check calls to elderly and disabled residents, virtual STEM instruction and the production of a newsletter with useful information and resources.
On May 1, 2020, the Authority received over $135,000 in CARES Act funds. RHA will use these funds to help mitigate resident needs if they contract the virus. Lost operating funds due to residents not able to pay rent due to job loss is also covered from CARES Act funds.
The Authority recently announced plans to offer residents internet access via WIFI at each housing site along with purchasing computers for kids.
Over 15 senior residents recently earned a free laptop by completing a 10-week basic computer skills course. Those residents will be able to surf the web after the installation of WIFI equipment.
Child care costs will be covered for residents that are working. A community garden at each site is in the planning stages.
For more information about meal distribution, contact Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator Larry Mayfield at 336.647.4340. For questions about other matters, call the Administrative Office at 336.599.8616.