|
2018 Budget Helps Families in Need
Good news for low-income families around the country (including the 14,069 Harford County households identified as having “housing problems”): the 2018 budget includes increased spending for affordable housing! Congress passed the budget last month and President Trump signed it into law. Specifically, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was approved for a 10 percent increase in spending and almost every program will receive additional funding.
|
|
|
|
In addition to increased funding, the budget also contains two key provisions from the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act which increase the allocation by 12.5 percent for 4 years and allow for income averaging. Affordable housing advocates have been a key voice in the fight for the bill, spearheading a massive letter-writing campaign that was clearly heard by Congress and resulted in this dramatic bi-partisan action!
|
|
|
|
|
Monthly Health Focus:
Must-Have Cancer Screenings for Women
 The best chance for surviving any type of cancer is early detection. Catching the disease early allows for more treatment options, so it is important is to be screened before symptoms develop. For women, there are four very important cancer screenings recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the Centers for Disease Control: breast, cervical, colon and lung cancers. Many of these tests are free or low cost, so seek referrals from a medical clinic.
Of course, prevention is the best cure, so make an appointment with a medical provider to learn about minimizing your risks for these cancers, when to start screenings, and how often to be tested. Read more about the tests here.
NOTE: Another important screening for women as well as men and children is skin cancer. Mark your calendar for these no-cost checks provided by the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health System.
 |
|
|
Spring into Fitness at SomersetServe
|
|
|
Did you know gardening is good for your health? Not only is the fresh air sunshine beneficial, but being active lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and improves sleep. It also burns calories!
|
|
So this year, jumpstart your workout and do something really good for the community by taking part in SomersetServe, our annual neighborhood cleanup and beautification project. Work side by side with other residents, churches and service groups to spruce up Somerset Manor by raking, mulching, trimming, planting, painting curbs and benches and removing fence line vegetation. Activities begin at 8:00am and go until noon. Lunch will be provided. Bring these supplies with you: rakes, shovels, gloves, leaf blowers, paint brushes, brooms, dustpans, wheelbarrows and sunscreen.
Register to attend here.
|
|
|
Get Food, Bikes, Healthcare and MORE at No or Low Cost:
- April 21--Food Giveaway at Bel Air United Methodist Church, 9-11am (Doors open at 8am.)
- May 11- Bikes and Bike Repairs at the Epicenter at Edgewood, 2-5pm, JAMSQUAD will be giving away FREE bikes on a first-come, first-serve basis; Bike Doctor Bel Air will also offer free bike repairs.
- May 11- Health Fair & Food Giveaway at the Epicenter at Edgewood, 2-5pm. (Food distribution at 3pm.) Services offered include employment counseling, free and low-cost healthcare programs, chiropractic care, Narcan training (emergency treatment for opioid overdoses), and much more.
Ongoing:
- Medical Transportation by the Harford County Health Dept. Learn more here.
- NARCAN kits at the ShopRite stores in Aberdeen, Bel Air (Main St. & Festival) and Forest Hill (while supplies last:)
- Church Fans from NAATPN--It's cool to be tobacco-free! Sign your church up here.
|
|
|
Keep It Green
When You Clean!
Earth Day is officially April 22, but as residents of the planet we should all celebrate it every day and do our best to take care of the water and ground. One of the biggest way to have a positive impact on the environment is by limiting your use of chemicals, and an easy place to start is in the house. Spring cleaning? Here are two green ideas to consider:
Make a multipurpose cleaner: Mix 12 ounces of water with 5 drops of a natural dish liquid like Seventh Generation's (use 15 drops for a more heavy duty cleaner). This DIY brew won't contaminate food with chemicals and lasts forever.
|
Oven cleaners are among the most hazardous products you can spray in your home and heat adds to the toxicity. For a green alternative, sprinkle baking soda on grimy parts. (if you've got crazy baked-in crud, make a paste of baking soda and water and let it dry overnight.). Then wipe down surfaces and racks with a bit of vinegar. Works in microwaves, too! For more green cleaning tips, be sure to attend the SUCCESS Class on May 22. (See flyer below for more info.)
|
|
Upcoming SUCCESS Classes
Lots of fun and lots of learning at the next round of SUCCESS Classes. Here's a peek at what's coming up.
Lots of Freebies & Giveaways for Attendees!
|
|
|
|
