Skip to Main Content
menu

February 2026 Newsletter

Community News February 2026 header.

Reminders:

  • Office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:30 - 6:00
  • For After-Hours Emergencies call 479.474.6901 (follow the prompts)

Upcoming Events: 

  • February 12 - Valentine's Party
  • February 14 - Valentine's Day
  • February 16 - Office Closed for Presidents' Day

To like us on Facebook and keep updated on current VBHA Events, please click image or scan the image below!

Van Buren Housing Authority Facebook QR code.

Dear Residents,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to start by apologizing for the February newsletter arriving later than usual. Due to the recent snowstorm, many of us found ourselves about a week behind schedule. We're working hard to catch up, and we're hopeful things will be back on track moving forward. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Inside this newsletter, you'll find an important resident survey, and I truly encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete it. Your feedback helps guide our programs, services, and future planning - and your voice matters.

I'd also like to remind everyone that the Community Center is here for you. It exists to support residents and strengthen our community. We offer a variety of resources, including:

  • Computer lab (including 3D printers)
  • Tutoring/Homework help
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Full kitchen
  • Meeting and gathering space
  • Playground
  • Games and crafts
  • And much more

Please take advantage of everything the center has to offer.

Looking ahead, Spring Break STEM Camp sign-ups for school-aged children will open the first week of March, so keep an eye out for more information coming soon.

If you're working toward educational or financial goals, I'm always happy to help connect you with additional community resources. Never hesitate to reach out - we're here to support you.

Thank you for being part of our community. I look forward to all the good things ahead and hope to see you around the Community Center soon.

Warm regards,
Larissa

VBHA February Calendar of Events. All information as listed below.

  • Monday, February 2
    • 10:00 AM - BINGO
    • 4:00 PM - Cocoa and Crafts

  • Tuesday, February 3
    • 10:00 AM - Trivia 
    • 4:00 PM - Homework Help

  • Wednesday, February 4
    • 10:00 AM - Cocoa and Crafts

  • Thursday, February 5
    • 10:00 AM - Games and Gather
    • 4:00 PM - Homework Help

  • Monday, February 9
    • 10:00 AM - BINGO
    • 4:00 PM - Cocoa and Crafts

  • Tuesday, February 10
    • 10:00 AM
    • 4:00 PM - Homework Help

  • Wednesday, February 11
    • 10:00 AM - Cocoa and Crafts

  • Thursday, February 12
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Senior Valentine Party
    • 4:00 PM - Valentine's Treats

  • Saturday, February 14
    • Happy Valentine's Day

  • Monday, February 16
    • Closed for Presidents' Day

  • Tuesday, February 17
    • 10:00 AM - Trivia Tuesday
    • 4:00 PM - Homework Help

  • Wednesday, February 18
    • 10:00 AM - Cocoa and Crafts

  • Thursday, February 19
    • 10:00 AM - Games and Gather
    • 4:00 PM - Homework Help

  • Monday, February 23
    • 10:00 AM - BINGO
    • 4:00 PM - Cocoa and Crafts

  • Tuesday, February 24
    • 10:00 AM - Trivia Tuesday
    • 4:00 PM - Homework Help

  • Wednesday, February 25
    • 10:00 AM - Cocoa and Crafts

  • Thursday, February 26
    • 10:00 AM - Games and Gather
    • 4:00 PM - Homework Help

**Events are subject to change. New events are scheduled regularly, please check our Facebook page for the most recent updates! Scan the QR code or visit: www.facebook.com and search for Van Buren and Ozark Housing Authorities.

Heart Health 101

February is American Heart Month, a perfect time to focus on caring for your heart at every stage of life. The good news? Small, everyday choices can make a big difference. Staying active is one of the best ways to support heart health. Gentle movement-such as walking, stretching, dancing, or light household chores-helps keep your heart strong. Seniors should focus on safe, steady activity, while families can make
movement fun by being active together.

Eating well also plays an important role. Choosing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps support a healthy heart. Limiting salt, sugary drinks, and snacks can be especially helpful for seniors, while families can build healthy habits by preparing balanced meals together.

Managing stress and getting enough rest are just as important as diet and exercise. Taking time to relax, enjoy hobbies, and maintain regular sleep routines helps protect both your heart and overall well-being. Staying socially connected-through family, friends, or community activities-supports emotional health, which is closely linked to heart health.

For seniors, it's important to take medications as prescribed and keep up with regular medical appointments. Families can support heart health by encouraging open conversations, healthy routines, and positive habits at home.

Your heart works hard for you every day. By making small, healthy choices together, we can support strong hearts and a healthier community all year long.

Heart-Healthy Tip: 
Try adding one extra fruit or vegetable to your meals each day-small changes like this help support heart health over time.

Reminder

FSS Survey Reminder: If you received an FSS survey, please take a moment to return it. Your responses help us plan programs and opportunities that matter to you. 

Love Your Lease: Notifying PHA of Need for Repairs 

Lease Agreement-Section I Tenant Obligations-Tenant shall be obligated:

40. "To keep his/her dwelling unit in such condition as to ensure proper health and sanitation standards. Tenant shall notify the PHA promptly of need for repairs to his/her dwelling unit, and of known unsafe or unsanitary conditions in the dwelling unit or in common areas and grounds of the development. Tenant's failure to report the need for repairs in a timely manner shall be considered as contributing to any damage that occurs."

Tenants must keep their home clean and safe to maintain good health and sanitation. They should report any needed repairs or unsafe conditions in their unit or shared areas to the housing authority as soon as possible. If a tenant does not report issues on time, they may be held responsible for any resulting damage.