Irma Chez, the executive director of the Swampscott Housing Authority, in front of Duncan Terrance. (JAKOB MENENDEZ)
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SWAMPSCOTT — In reflecting on 2022, Executive Director Irma Chez says the Housing Authority has accomplished a lot — with help from many individuals and organizations.
Chez said the biggest accomplishment of 2022 was the addition of Resident Service Coordinator Layla Williams to her team, as well securing five more years of funding for the position.
“What’s so needed here was building a sense of community among the residents,” Chez said. “It seems like everybody was just in their own little apartment, not knowing the neighbor and not sharing a plate of food or laughing.”
In describing her role, Williams said, “I connect the residents with resources that they need to help with their day-to-day lives — if they need housekeeping or homemaking or resources.” There are 120 to 150 residents in three communities: Cherry Court, Duncan Terrace and Doherty Circle. To communicate with residents, Williams said she sent out a monthly newsletter, and residents were also able to connect with her directly.
Chez said that since Williams joined the team, the Housing Authority has noticed a difference in their three communities.
Chez said, “A lot of our elderly residents don’t have families, and sometimes you don’t know what they’re going through until you start building a connection with them.” She believes it’s important to keep this position because it directly serves the residents.
What brought Williams to the team was a grant of $40,000 that the Housing Authority applied for in 2021. In late 2022, it applied for an extension, which would allow it to keep the Resident Service Coordinator position. The extension was approved for $50,000, to be extended each year for the next five years.
The Housing Authority also secured other grants and funding in 2022.
It received $57,000 to replace its only truck for plowing and delivering appliances and food donations, which the Authority receives every Tuesday from Whole Foods.
It received $48,000 to install a new ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp at the main office.
It received $172,000 from the Department of Community Development’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to reconstruct the balconies at Duncan Terrace.
It received $800,000 — also in ARPA funds — to upgrade the fire alarms at all three sites.
Chez also mentioned the partnerships that were fostered in 2022 with other departments, including the police department and Senior Center.
The partnership with the police departments grew thanks to the help of Officer Liason Sal Carusso, who has served as Housing Authority liaison for 20 years. He worked alongside Chez to get the kids in public housing more involved with the community. Chez said the residents are grateful for the dedicated services of the police.
In 2022, the Housing Authority began communicating with the Senior Center. Immediately, the Center sent a Santa Claus for the Authority’s holiday party. Chez said she knows the relationship will continue to grow and, together, they will provide more services to residents.
