In addition to the services identified below, the WHA Resident Opportunities & Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) program provides residents with assistance, support and referrals without the long-term involvement required by other programs. These services include, but are not limited to, enrolling in ESL/Hi-SET, applying for Mass Health, referrals for PCA or Home Health Aides, assistance with budgeting, creating a professional resume, and applying for employment. To request ROSS Services please contact the Resident Services Office at 508-635-3306.
Resident Services Programs 
No resident of the WHA should ever be hungry, ever. We provide a wide range of nutrition programs designed to meet the specific needs of our residents and a particular community. The following programs are offered:
Mobile Markets – In partnership with the Regional Environmental Council (REC), The WHA hosts year round weekly mobile farmers markets. A mobile vehicle provides a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables on site for purchase. Residents and community members can use cash, SNAP, HIP, WIC, Senior Coupons, Credit, and Debit to make purchases. Bring a SNAP (Food Stamps) card, to the market to get $40-$80 of produce for free each month. Just make sure to have at least 1 cent left on the card. Check the Mobile Farmers Market schedule here: https://www.recworcester.org/community-farmers-markets
Community Gardens – WHA in partnership with the REC provides garden beds, compost and seedlings to residents who are interested in gardening and growing their own fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers during the summer months at four WHA properties. This collaboration between WHA and REC allows residents to grow their own food creating beautiful and meaningful garden spaces within their communities.
Farmers Market Coupons – Each year, the WHA distributes farmers market vouchers for seniors living in public housing to spend at the farmers markets. Look for communication about distribution events in late July. A special phone number to sign up for the coupons will be posted around this time.
Food Pantry – On a monthly basis WHA provides food pantry bags to fifteen of our housing sites. We deliver food to the doors of each resident who is signed up for the service. Each bag contains food that can supplement meals such as rice, pasta, canned meat, canned soups, beans and other non-perishable food. Residents can sign-up for this service annually during scheduled registration or by calling 508-635-3306 to request an application. Emergency Food Pantry Service – The WHA has a small stock of emergency food to deliver in case of emergent food need. Residents in Public Housing or Section 8 can call 508-635-3306.”
Through a generous grant from the City of Worcester, the WHA is able to offer residents at our four senior-only developments FREE transportation to the Worcester Senior Center.
The Worcester Senior Center provides our residents an opportunity to get out of their apartments and socialize with their peers. The plethora of activities offered are both physically and mentally stimulating which has a direct correlation relative to good health and continued independence.
The Center’s focus on wellness is evident with the clinics and seminars that are offered relative to health and nutrition are extremely beneficial to our residents. The well balanced meal that is available provides some with a maybe the only nutritious meal of the day. The communal meal provides an additional opportunity for socialization which is a vital component to our resident’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
Please visit the senior center to take advantage of this program and make new friends.
WHA’s Wellness Fairs and Vaccine Clinics bring vital health services directly to our residents each year.
Through partnerships with a variety of community health agencies, residents can also connect to additional support such as case management, transportation assistance, and in-home health care.
Residents are encouraged to check their monthly calendars for upcoming Wellness Fair and Vaccine Clinic dates, and take advantage of these convenient, community-based health resources.
Resident Councils bring neighbors together to strengthen and celebrate their community! Each council is made up of elected residents who take the lead in planning activities like educational workshops, fun potlucks, cookouts, and festive holiday gatherings. Every event is shaped by the interests and energy of the community it serves.
Resident Councils also play an important role in representing their development at the Jurisdiction Wide Resident Council (JWRC), a group that works directly with WHA to share resident feedback, ideas, and community needs.
If you’re interested in getting involved, connect with your Resident Council leaders or reach out to Resident Services at 508-635-3306 to learn how you can make a difference in your community!
Our senior and senior/disabled communities have the services of a professional trained social service coordinator. Each of our social service coordinators holds regular office hours and is available to assist any resident who thinks that he or she might benefit from some help.
HISET WHA in partnership with Quinsigamond Community College provides a HiSET and GED class for adult residents seeking to obtain their high school certificate or GED. Students receive assistance and instruction preparing them for the HISET (GED) test taking. All supplies and materials are covered. Students meet weekly throughout the academic year Tuesday –Thursday from 9:00am until 12:00pm at 35 Great Brook Valley Avenue. Interested WHA residents can register with the Resident Services Office or call 508-635-3306.