{"id":1396,"date":"2021-08-30T22:08:17","date_gmt":"2021-08-30T22:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nwrecc.org\/?page_id=1396"},"modified":"2023-03-16T16:49:46","modified_gmt":"2023-03-16T16:49:46","slug":"resident-services-resources","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nwrecc.org\/resident-services-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"Resident Services & Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Resident Services \/ Stepping Stones<\/h2>\n

Northwest Stepping Stones is a nonprofit agency with the goal of providing learning centers and service coordination that will teach residents self-sufficiency, independence, and create happy, healthy homes. We believe that if we give residents access to skills training and services, we will provide a stepping stone toward a brighter future.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”.vc_custom_1634141657769{padding-bottom: 3em !important;}”][vc_column][vc_tta_tour style=”flat” shape=”square” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”Home” tab_id=”home”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1634137109391{padding-top: 1em !important;}”][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1634137197531{margin-bottom: 1em !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Our Mission<\/h3>\n

Our mission is to end generational poverty by promoting self-sufficiency principles within affordable housing communities. Through a variety of resident services we advance independence by providing access to technology, community resources, skills training and mentoring to low-income families, senior and people with disabilities.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-6″][vc_single_image image=”1889″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1634137431594{margin-bottom: 1em !important;}”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Our Vision<\/h3>\n

To become a stepping stone toward a brighter future for those who use our centers.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”About Us” tab_id=”about-us”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1634137529324{padding-top: 1em !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

About Us<\/h3>\n

Stepping Stones, a nonprofit agency, in partnership with Northwest Real Estate Capital Corporation (NWRECC), operates and manages service sites and Neighborhood Network Computer Centers for multiple properties.<\/p>\n

Stepping Stones was founded in 2006. Our mission is to create computer learning centers and self-sufficiency resources within affordable housing communities. Our goal is to connect residents to services and resources that promote housing stability and economic mobility.<\/p>\n

We also provide service coordination programs in properties for seniors and the disabled in order to support aging in place and independent living.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Services” tab_id=”services”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1634141846948{padding-top: 1em !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1634243349040{margin-bottom: 1em !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Services<\/h2>\n

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What We Do<\/h4>\n

The Resident Services Department provides support for residents to help them live independently, overcome challenges, and meet their goals. The department plans and coordinates programs, workshops, and activities that address housing stability, employment, education, health and wellness, community building and financial empowerment.<\/p>\n

NWRECC also partners with other nonprofit organizations and service providers to offer residents greater access to services and resources in their communities.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#dddddd”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Our Centers<\/h4>\n

Our centers provide residents access to a computer, internet, and local services. They also serve as a community hub for activities and community building, some may provide an afterschool program in conjunction with community activities.<\/p>\n

Residents can expect to find a community resource dedicated to strengthening themselves as an individual, promote family growth and building communities.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#dddddd”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Service Coordinator Program<\/h4>\n

Our Resident Service Coordinators provide support in accessing benefits such as rent and utility assistance programs, food benefits, technology assistance, and healthcare entitlements. They also help residents maintain housing stability and promote self-sufficiency by assisting residents with making phone calls, reading important documents, understanding lease compliance, and conflict mediation.<\/p>\n

NWRECC uses a third-party evaluator to provide an impartial evaluation of our Service Coordinator programs to ensure a consistent and competent service coordinator program is effectively implemented and in compliance with the HUD Service Coordinator grant agreements. NWRECC Stepping Stones provides goals and outcome measurements so that the Service Coordinator may measure themselves against a benchmark of effective performance and standards.<\/p>\n

NWRECC Stepping Stones also provides Service Coordinator training that meets the required HUD Service Coordinator continuing education requirements.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Resources” tab_id=”Resources”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Resources<\/h3>\n

In 2022, NWRECC rolled out a new online platform that lets residents, property managers, and service coordinators search for community programs and make referrals. The platform was made possible through our partnerships with Findhelp, America\u2019s leading search and referral platform for social service organizations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

We named this new resource \u201cBridge2Community\u201d because it\u2019s meant to serve as a bridge between people in need and resources that can help them.\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

Bridge2Commmunity is a resource and referral platform that provides instant access to free and reduced-cost services and resources in local communities and online. It\u2019s as simple as entering a zip code and checking off the services needed (food, mental health services, transportation, etc.).\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

The platform can be translated into 100 languages and was designed to enable two-way communication between the people making referrals and seeking services and community service providers.\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

Click the link below to give it a try!<\/p>\n

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Resident Forms<\/h2>\n

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Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications<\/h3>\n

Updated August 19, 2019<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#dddddd”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1634138637618{padding-top: 0.5em !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Fair Housing laws require that reasonable accommodations be made for disabled applicants, residents or their guests. In addition, reasonable physical modifications may not be denied to applicants or residents. We are firmly committed to complying with these requirements.<\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#dddddd”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1634138672822{padding-top: 0.5em !important;}”]What is a Reasonable Accommodation?<\/strong>\u00a0A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice or service that may be necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling, including public and common use spaces. Since rules, policies, practices and services may have a different effect on persons with disabilities than on other persons, treating persons with disabilities exactly the same as others will sometimes deny them an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. To show that a requested accommodation may be necessary, there must be an identifiable relationship, or nexus, between the requested accommodation and the individual\u2019s disability. Examples of accommodations that are typically reasonable are: providing a resident with a mobility impairment and who is substantially limited in his ability to walk with an assigned parking spot close to his apartment; allowing an assistance animal when a property has a no pet policy; allowing a resident with a mental disability and a fear of leaving her apartment to sign paperwork in her apartment instead of requiring that she come to the rental office in person.<\/p>\n

What is a Reasonable Modification?<\/strong>\u00a0A reasonable modification is a structural change made to existing premises, occupied or to be occupied by a person with a disability, in order to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises. Reasonable modifications can include structural changes to interiors and exteriors of dwellings and to common and public use areas. To show that a requested modification may be necessary, there must be an identifiable relationship, or nexus, between the requested modification and the individual\u2019s disability. Further, the modification must be \u201creasonable.\u201d Examples of modifications that are typically reasonable include: widening doorways to make rooms more accessible for persons in wheelchairs; installing grab bars in bathrooms; lowering kitchen cabinets to a height suitable for persons in wheelchairs; adding a ramp to make a primary entrance accessible for persons in wheelchairs; or altering a walkway to provide access to a public or common use area.<\/p>\n

How Applicants & Residents Request a Reasonable Accommodation or Modification:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Reasonable accommodation and modification requests may be submitted in writing, verbally, or in any other equally effective means of communication to the local property office staff or to the corporate office. All requests will be reduced to writing, and dated upon receipt. We have prepared reasonable accommodation and modification request forms that are available in the property office, by clicking on these links:\u00a0Reasonable Accommodation \/ Modification Procedure Policy<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Reasonable Accommodation \/ Modification Request Packet<\/a>, or by calling the corporate office at the numbers listed below for individuals who wish to utilize them. Individuals may also ask for staff members or other individuals to assist them with completing the request process.<\/li>\n
  2. We may need to verify the identifiable relationship, or nexus between the individual\u2019s request and their disability. The third party verifier may be a doctor, medical professional, peer support group, non-medical service agency or a reliable third party who is in a position to know about the individual\u2019s disability. The verifier will be asked to: verify the individual is eligible for and needs the requested accommodation \/ modification, state the major life activities that are limited by the disability and how the accommodation \/ modification will offset the limitations of the referenced major life activities; and indicate if the accommodation or modification is needed for a lifetime. Verifiers may choose to provide the requested information to us in writing, verbally or in any other equally effective means of communication. The individual submitting the request may be asked to sign a Verification form, which will be sent to their identified third party verifier, allowing us to verify the accommodation or modification is necessary based on the individual\u2019s disability. Alternatively, the individual may take their Request and Verification forms to their verifier directly for completion.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Processing the Request:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Property staff will review the request and determine if additional verification is necessary. If staff is aware of the individual\u2019s disability and the need for the accommodation and\/or modification, staff may verify the need for the request without additional third party verification. For example, if the individual is wheelchair bound and is asking for a cabinet below a sink to be removed, staff may determine that third party verification is not required before submitting the request.<\/li>\n
    2. If verification is required, the property staff will forward the request(s) and third party verification to the identified third party for verification once the request(s) is received in the office. If the requesting party chooses to deliver the Request and Verification to their verifier and return the forms to the property office once they are complete, the Request will not be logged until the forms are returned.<\/li>\n
    3. If the Verification is not complete or if it is not clear, it may be necessary to follow up with the identified third party verifier and\/or the requesting individual. Our efforts to clarify the request will be documented and the requesting individual may contact us for the status of their request at any time during the process.<\/li>\n
    4. If the Verification is not returned in a reasonable period of time, staff will attempt to notify the requesting individual so that he or she may contact their third party verifier or select another one. If we are unable to verify the request after making several attempts, we may notify the requesting party that their request has been cancelled.<\/li>\n
    5. When the completed verification form is returned, or if verification is not necessary, the request(s) for the reasonable accommodation \/ modification and the third party verification form or a statement by staff that verification is not necessary will be submitted electronically to our 504 Coordinator for approval or denial.<\/li>\n
    6. When considering the request, the 504 Coordinator will confirm the third party verification supports the request or that third party verification is not necessary, and will take into consideration the property’s ability to fund the request, the administrative burden and physical feasibility. In the event the 504 Coordinator determines the request poses an administrative and financial burden or it is physically infeasible, the 504 Coordinator will engage in an interactive process to determine if there is an alternative accommodation that will effectively address the needs of the individual making the request. If property funding is not required (Conventional or Tax Credit properties), or if it would pose a financial burden to the property to provide the request, the requesting individual or another source may pay for the reasonable accommodation \/ modification. Individuals granted a modification in Conventional or Tax Credit properties that are not subject to Section 504 requirements may be required to remove a modification at the end of tenancy at the individual\u2019s\/source’s expense.<\/li>\n
    7. The 504 Coordinator will make every effort to return a decision to the requesting party within ten (10) days of the initial request. However, delays in receiving the Verification or the need for clarification may prohibit us from meeting this timeframe. If a response is not received within this ten (10) day timeframe, the requesting party may contact the Property Manager or the 504Coordinator to determine the status of their request.<\/li>\n
    8. If the request is approved, the Property Manager will be copied on the decision and work with the requesting party to make the preparations necessary to provide the accommodation or modification.<\/li>\n
    9. If a request is denied, the requesting party may contact the 504 Coordinator to discuss any questions regarding the denial.<\/li>\n
    10. If the requesting individual does not agree with the decision made by the 504 Coordinator, he\/she has 10 days to appeal the decision by writing to our Vice President of Operations. If the individual making the appeal is unable to submit the appeal in writing, he\/she may authorize a staff member or a third party to assist with the appeal process.<\/li>\n
    11. The Vice President of Operations will evaluate the request and make a final decision to approve or deny the request. This final response will be returned to the applicant \/ resident within 10 days of receipt of the appeal letter.<\/li>\n
    12. If the requesting individual does not agree with the decision made by the Vice President of Operations, they may request a meeting, which will be held via telephone or in person at the Company\u2019s discretion, to discuss the denial with either the 504 Coordinator or the Vice President of Operations and another member of Company\u2019s Management Team by sending a written request to the 504 Coordinator. If the individual requesting the meeting is unable to submit a written request or attend the meeting in person, they may authorize a third party to assist them with the process.<\/li>\n
    13. Upon completion of the meeting, a final letter will be sent to the requesting individual, indicating the decision supported by the Management Team.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Guest Requests:<\/strong>\u00a0Guests who are requesting a reasonable accommodation will be asked to provide verification of the disability and the disability related need for their request to the property office. If the guest does not already have verification, he or she will need to make arrangements with their verifier to obtain verification that can be provided to the office.[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#dddddd”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

      Tamarack Contact Information<\/h3>\n

      504 Coordinator<\/strong>
      \nDustin Tucker<\/p>\n

      Vice President of Operations<\/strong>
      \nJeryl Schneider<\/p>\n

      Address<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Tamarack Property Management Co.
      \n2929 3rd Avenue North, Suite 538
      \nBillings, MT 59101-1944<\/address>\n

      Telephone \/ Fax Numbers<\/strong>
      \n      (406) 252-3773 (tel)<\/a>
      \n      (406) 252-9512 (fax)<\/a>
      \n711 (TTY)[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#dddddd”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1634138766878{padding-bottom: 1.5em !important;}”]<\/p>\n

      State Fair Housing Contacts<\/h3>\n

      Montana Fair Housing<\/strong><\/p>\n

      519 East Front Street
      \nSuite 504
      \nButte, MT 59701
      \n      (800) 929-2611<\/a><\/address>\n
      \u00a0<\/address>\n

      Wyoming Fair Housing<\/strong><\/p>\n

      305 West 1st Street
      \nCasper, WY 82601
      \n      (866) 255-6362<\/a><\/address>\n
      \u00a0<\/address>\n

      (Utah) Industrial Commission, Anti-Discrimination Division<\/strong><\/p>\n

      160 East 300 South
      \nSalt Lake City, UT 84114
      \n      (800) 222-1238<\/a><\/address>\n

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      Surveys<\/h2>\n

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      Current Tamarack Resident Survey<\/h3>\n

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