The San Marcos Housing Authority (SMHA) is committed to providing a safe and healthy housing community for all residents, staff, contractors and visitors. Consistent with CDC guidelines and to support state and local health officials in preventing the spread of contagious disease, including the coronavirus (COVID-19) virus, the SMHA has developed policies and is implementing a plan to respond to a pandemic outbreak. Please be advised that the COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation and SMHA will update its policies as needed and in accordance with guidance from Federal, State, and Local officials.
SMHA Office Buildings – Social Distancing Measures
Staff members and residents will be notified, via a written notice posted at all office entrances, if the office will be closed and accessible for only emergency situations. Additionally, the SMHA website (SMPHA.ORG) and flyers will share information and updates with residents.
Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, SMHA will start closing doors to the public at 4:00pm, Monday –Thursday and Friday regular hours.
SMHA remains open, with all services accessible by website, email, mail or phone.
ALL UPDATES WILL BE POSTED
Any in person meetings/appointments will be cancelled and will be rescheduled to be conducted via telephone, an online meeting platform, or other accessible means.
Note: Residents should not enter the office if exhibiting a temperature of 100.4° or above; have signs or symptoms of respiratory infection, such as cough, sore throat or shortness of breath; or if in the previous 14 days have had contact with someone who has a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; or, if in the previous 14 days has traveled internationally.
All SMHA employees are reminded not to report to work or duty stations when ill or if they have a sick family member in their home.
Residents should avoid gatherings and social contact – Residents and staff members are encouraged to communicate by email, social media and telephone.
Resident Payments
A payment drop box will be setup near the lobby of each SMHA office building and residents may drop off payments in the drop box. Payments may also be mailed to the respective SMHA management offices. Payment receipts will be mailed or emailed to residents.
Preventative Measures
Residents, staff and contractors are encouraged to practice good hygiene: stop handshaking; hand wash frequently; avoid touching their faces, cover coughs and sneezes; disinfect surfaces like door knobs, tables, desks and handrails regularly; and increase dwelling ventilation.
Residents are asked to handle food carefully and limit food sharing
These are the Maintenance calls and work orders that will be responded to during the COVID-19 virus or until further notice.
Fire and Ambulance (Assist in Entry)
Heater problem (no heat) only during days it is 40° or below outdoors (winter only)
AC problem (no cool air) only during days it is 80° or above outdoors (no work orders to be handled between the hours of 10 pm – 8 am)
Smoke Alarms
Sewer Clogs
Refrigerator stops working
Stove and Oven not working
Major water leak (not dripping water)
Stopped up toilet (only if there is only one bathroom)
Hot Water leaking
Roof leak
No electricity
Break in
Broken window or entrance
Broken (entrance) door lock
Exposed electrical lines
Loose ceiling
SMHA Maintenance Employees will be required to utilize Hazardous Materials gear (protective clothing-suits) and equipment, including face masks, goggles and gloves while performing maintenance at any SMHA dwelling. Residents are requested to not approach Maintenance Employees and may be required to remain outside the dwelling during while Employees are in a particular dwelling unit.
Residents are asked to be patient with delays as all Maintenance Employees will be required to clean and sanitize HazMat gear after each use and prior to responding to each work order.
Gatherings and Events
All SMHA events and gatherings are temporarily canceled and will be rescheduled in accordance with CDC guidelines and directives from local health officials.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by the pandemic. We will continue to monitor developments and guidance from health officials; and make adjustments quickly and share information based on current disaster declarations and announcements from Federal, State and Local officials.
We will continue to provide assistance to our residents as allowed during this difficult time. We will get through this together.
Any updates will be posted on the SMPHA.ORG website
