Smoke-Free Public Housing BY CHARLES ROWE
"...each PHA must implement a “smoke-free” policy banning the use of prohibited tobacco products in all public housing living units, indoor common areas in public housing, and in PHA administrative office buildings. The smoke-free policy must also extend to all outdoor areas up to 25 feet from the public housing and administrative office buildings."
-HUD
The smoke-free public housing mandate is now in effect. At first glance, some may think, “This is great! It discourages smoking within 25 feet of public housing and offices.” It is quite a bit more complicated than that. Some support the policy. Others have minor issues with it. Perhaps you, like some, are not confident in its enforcing powers. A few of your residents (and possibly staff) may see no reason for it.
“Many of the tenants have expressed that they have NO intention of stopping. They won’t.” –Edith Alkire “HUD buildings in warm climates have the same rules as ones where it is freezing. Palm trees swaying, not icicles falling. This new rule was not well thought out as to regional conditions or the stamina of the elderly in HUD senior housing.” –Carolyn Martarano
Comments expressed online are proof. Take the comment section of the National Center for
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“I do not know why I must go 25 feet from the building to smoke a cigarette.” –Michael Eubanks “What good are house rules if they are not enforced?” -Sandy
JOIN THE CONVO What have your residents said about the Smoke-Free Mandate? Let me know here: crowe@navigatehousing.com
AUGUST 2018 | ISSUE 06
Housing Management (NCHM) website for example.
