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March 2026 Newsletter

Community News March 2026 header.

Reminders:

  • March 8: Spring Forward (Daylight Saving Time)
  • Office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:30 - 6:00
  • For After-Hours Emergencies call 479.474.6901 (follow the prompts)

Upcoming Events: 

  • FSS Survey Reminder: Please return your completed survey to office by March 16. 
  • March 17: St. Patrick's Day
  • March 23-26: Junior Engineers STEM Camp

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

Van Buren Housing Authority Facebook QR code.

Dear Residents-

Spring in on the way and I couldn't be happier! Time change is coming soon and we will all be back to brighter days! I hope each of you is looking forward to warm Spring days, and soon, long summer nights.

As you know, HUD cancelled our January NSPIRE inspection due to weather. It looks like they will reschedule that for the first week of April. We are looking forward to have the NSPIRE team here, and we are
confident that we will score high as we always have. This is always a "team effort" as we all work together to do the best we can possibly do for VBHA. We know it can get frustrating for you, it does for us, too. This is one of things that we don't really have time to do, but we do what we have to do to continue to provide subsidized housing in Van Buren. And, if we work together and do it right, it only happens every third year.

In other news, HUD continues to tighten policies and provide new guidance on existing policies. While it gets a bit harder on our end, we will continue to tighten our procedures to match the rules HUD gives us.
We do understand that you, the resident, will carry the burden of compliance in the long run. In knowing this, I am encouraging you again to complete your 8 hours of Community Service each month. We never
want to get to the point where we cannot subsidize your housing over the failure to meet HUD's requirement on this. If you have questions, please reach out to your Housing Manager today.

Some of you may have noticed that we are in the process is installing a Peace Garden at our Community Center. We have been working with Rotary on this project for about a year. Leadership Crawford County has also engaged with this and will assist. We are always very excited to partner with other agencies in our area to create the best possible outcomes for our community.

Lastly, I hope each of you are in a good place. I try to make the time to talk with everybody I possibly can, but sometimes I work out of other offices and am just not here. If I have failed to connect with you, I
apologize for that. I am planning a day in April where I can open my door and just be with you guys and hear your stories and allow you the opportunity to let me know what your needs are and how we can help
you be successful. If you have a pressing need, please call my office and make an appointment with me or your Housing Manager. You can also reach out to Larissa, and she can help connect you with community
resources (she's always available at the Community Center).

As always, thank you for choosing VBHA to be your home. It means the world to us to be part of what makes your life a bit easier.

Dayna Cochran
Executive Director

Van Buren Housing Authority March Calendar. All information as listed below.

  • Monday, March 2
    • 10:00 AM - BINGO
    • 4:00 PM - Munch-n-Make

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

  • Wednesday, March 4
    • 10:00 AM - Munch-n-Make
    • 4:00 PM - Games and Gather Jr. 

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

  • Sunday, March 8
    • Daylight Savings Time Begins

  • Monday, March 9
    • 10:00 AM - BINGO
    • 4:00 PM - Munch-n-Make

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

  • Wednesday, March 11
    • 10:00 AM - Munch-n-Make
    • 4:00 PM - Games and Gather Jr. 

  • Thursday, March 12
    • 10:00 AM - Games and Gather Sr. 
    • 4:00 PM - Homework Help

  • Monday, March 16
    • 10:00 AM - BINGO
    • 4:00 PM - Munch-n-Make

  • Tuesday, March 17
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - 55+ St. Patrick's Day Party
    • 4:00 PM - St. Patrick's Day Snacks

  • Wednesday, March 18
    • 10:00 AM - Munch-n-Make 
    • 4:00 PM - Homework Help

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

  • Monday, March 23 - Thursday March 26 
    • Junior Engineers STEM Camp

  • Monday, March 30
    • 10:00 AM - BINGO
    • 4:00 PM - Munch-n-Make

  • Tuesday, March 31
    • 10:00 AM - Trivia Tuesday 
    • 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.

Spring Forward: Small Steps Toward a Better You

March brings longer days, warmer sunshine, and a fresh sense of possibility. Spring is often seen as a season of growth-and that includes personal growth too. Self-improvement doesn't have to mean big changes or expensive goals. Sometimes, the smallest steps make the biggest difference.

Here are a few gentle, budget-friendly ways to "spring forward" this month:

  • Start Small
    Choose one simple goal-like drinking more water, taking a short daily walk, or organizing one drawer at a time. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

  • Care for Your Mind & Body
    Try stretching in the morning, stepping outside for fresh air, or practicing deep breathing when things feel overwhelming. Even five quiet minutes can help reset your day.

  • Learn Something New
    Read a library book, watch a free online tutorial, or ask someone to teach you a skill. Learning keeps our minds active and builds confidence at any age.

  • Connect With Others
    A friendly conversation, checking on a neighbor, or joining a community activity can lift spirits and remind us we're not alone

Remember-self-improvement isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up for yourself, one day at a time. This spring, give yourself grace, celebrate small victories, and know that every positive choice counts.
Here's to a brighter season ahead and new beginnings for us all.

March Health Tip: 
Spring Into Movement
Just 10-15 minutes of daily movement (stretching, walking, or chair exercises) makes a difference.

Love Your Lease: Keep Your Home and Community Clean

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

8. "To keep the dwelling unit and other such areas and appliances as assigned to Tenant for exclusive use in a clean and safe condition. This includes keeping front and rear entrances and walkways for exclusive use of Tenant, free from hazards and trash and keeping yard free of debris and litter..."

9. "To avoid obstructing sidewalks, areaways, galleries, passages, elevators, stairways, and to avoid using these purposes other than going into and out of the dwelling unit."

10. "To dispose of all garbage, rubbish, and other household waste in a sanitary and safe manner only in containers approved or provided by the PHA. To refrain from, and cause members of Tenant's household or guest to refrain from, littering or leaving trash in common areas."

As a resident, keeping your home and outdoor spaces clean is part of your lease agreement. Here's what you need to know:

  • Keep It Tidy: Your yard, front and back entrances, and walkways should be free of trash, hazards, and debris.
  • Clear the Way: Sidewalks, stairways, and common areas should stay open and uncluttered for everyone's safety.
  • Trash the Right Way: Always use approved trash containers and dispose of garbage properly-no littering in common areas! Please do not place any furniture in or near dumpsters, the trash collector will not pick it up.

Let's work together to keep our community clean and welcoming!