Welcome to the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) online Newsroom where you can find information about our agency, press releases, special bulletins, newsletters, news articles and other announcements.
Members of the media may call Orleashia Greenwood in the Executive department at (408) 993-2905.
What Makes a Great Housing Authority; More Than 660 New, Transit-oriented, All-electric Affordable Homes Planned for East Santa Clara Street in San José; Scholarship Applications Open Until May 26; Emergency Rent Relief Programs Available; 34,000 Join New Online Section 8 Program Interest Lists; Project-based Vouchers Are Key to Financing Supportive Housing
SCCHA is seeking an amendment to extend the Re-Proposed Activity 2009-1 through June 30, 2023. Re-Proposed 2009-1 reduces the frequency of regular reexaminations and delays scheduled regular reexaminations for up to twelve months.
The Draft 2022 MTW Annual Plan will be available for review February 22 through March 24, 2021 at https://www.scchousingauthority.org/about-sccha/moving-to-work.
This workshop is designed to help voucher holders navigate the housing search process and provide tips on how to successfully obtain housing.
(SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2022. A virtual public hearing on the draft plan will be held on March 12, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m To register for this virtual session: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q8oRLm8dRheFdY6ERBkVXw
SCCHA is required to publish a public notice of funds in their custody that have become dormant per California state law.
The Former Executive Director and CEO of the Fresno Housing Authority Will Start His New Appointment in May.
December 2020 Newsletter
After a careful evaluation of all proposals received, the Housing Authority’s Evaluation Committee has recommended to the Executive Director that following development projects should receive a conditional award of Project-Based Vouchers.
SCCHA's monthly Board of Commissioners meetings are being held virtually until further notice. The public is invited to remotely view or participate in the meeting.
This invitation makes available 200 project-based vouchers, for 2 or more-bedroom units. Owners will gain the benefit of a multi-year contract with SCCHA ensuring a Section 8 approved rent for their properties for an extended period.
SCCHA's building is closed to the public until further notice.
Customer service remains SCCHA's top priority and we have several alternate means for you to continue doing business with us.
Topics: Online Portals Provide Accessibility, Improve Communication; Tenant Interest Lists Open for Multiple SCCHA-Owned Properties; Agency Awarded 125 Additional Supportive Housing Vouchers; Landlord Appreciation Reception; 2019 in Review; More Veterans Leave Streets Than Become Homeless
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Cindy Chavez to present commendations at Feb. 27 landlord appreciation event...
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021). The MTW Annual Plan describes how the agency uses its special MTW designation to be more cost effective and creative in providing affordable housing in Santa Clara County. The Draft FY2021 MTW Annual Plan with summaries and public notices in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese are available at www.scchousingauthority.org.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2021. A public hearing on the draft plan will be held on March 12, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Read more...
If you believe you may be owed monies by SCCHA, please call (408) 993-2949 or send an email to Susanne.Cordova@scchousingauthority.org and provide the claimant’s name, current address, and telephone number and the address used during the time period under review. Read more...
1099 tax forms for calendar year 2019 are now available on SCCHA’s Owner Portal and will be electronically filed with the IRS on January 31st, 2020. Please access your Owner Portal account to retrieve and print your 1099. Need help? Read more...
29 de enero: La ciudad quiere saber cómo romper barreras de discriminación y de segregación para que USTED tiene acceso a la igualdad de la vivienda oportunidades.
Ngày 15 tháng 1: Xin mời quý vị đến thảo luận về các thử thách và giải pháp liên quan đến vấn-đề nhà ở mà chúng ta muốn thực hiện. Có khoản đãi thức ăn nhẹ và trò chơi cho trẻ em.
Jan 13 and 15: Your input is needed! Share your barriers to equal opportunity in housing, and what you think the most important neighborhood and housing needs are in your community. Hosted by the County of Santa Clara.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority will be closed from Thursday, November 28 through Monday, December 2 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will re-open for business on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 a.m.
Join us on December 11! SCCHA is currently in the process of drafting the Plan and is interested in your input and activity ideas. Read more...
FPI Management Company has opened their interest lists for multiple SCCHA-owned properties. The interest lists are anticipated to be open through the first few months of 2020, so apply today! Interested applicants must contact each property directly for more information about the application process. Read more...
Park Avenue Senior Apartments (62+) is currently accepting applications. Read more...
Press release re: stabilization of Buena Vista Mobile Home Park
Join Our Landlord Team; HUD Approves Increasing Project-based Vouchers to 40% of SCCHA Inventory; Russell Appointed Tenant Commissioner; Strive Program Awards $52,000 in Scholarships; FSS Program Grads Increase Income, Leave Housing Assistance.
The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) recently honored the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) with the 2019 Award of Merit in Administrative Innovation for the agency’s Customer Service Initiative. Read more...
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has amended its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2020. A public hearing on the amended draft plan will be held on July 10, 2019 from 3:30p.m. to 4:30p.m. Read More
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has amended its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020). The MTW Annual Plan describes how the agency uses its special MTW designation to be more cost effective and creative in providing affordable housing in Santa Clara County. The amended Draft FY2020 MTW Annual Plan with summaries and public notices in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese are available.
SCCHA is inviting feedback from affordable housing developers on the following proposals and policies: • Issuing PBVs to new construction developments for Extremely Low Income (ELI) units. • Incentivizing the construction of 2-bedroom or larger units. • Limiting the number of PBVs issued to projects to no more than necessary for projects to pencil out (taking into account any services provided to residents). [READ MORE]
New MTW Activities and Owner-Friendly Policies for FY2020; Scholarships Available to Section 8 Tenants; San José’s First 100% Permanent Supportive Housing To Open in April; Agency to Present at State and National Conferences
This is NOT SCCHA's Housing Choice Voucher Program. The John Stewart Company has opened the Backup Waiting List for two-bedroom units at senior properties (55+) Cypress Gardens and Lenzen Gardens. Read more...
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2020. A public hearing on the draft plan will be held on March 14, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Read more...
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020). The MTW Annual Plan describes how the agency uses its special MTW designation to be more cost effective and creative in providing affordable housing in Santa Clara County. The Draft FY2020 MTW Annual Plan with summaries and public notices in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese are available at www.scchousingauthority.org
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA), formerly known as The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara, is required to publish a public notice of funds in their custody that have become dormant per California state law. The monies will become the property of SCCHA on April 9, 2019, if they are not claimed. If you believe you may be owed monies by SCCHA, please call (408) 993-2949 or send an email to Susanne.Cordova@scchousingauthority.org and provide the claimant’s name, current
UPDATE: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN January 14, 2019 The Santa Clara County Housing Authority will remain open and expects to continue normal business operations with no impact to program participants, property owners, vendors, and employees. Sufficient funds are available to support Housing Authority operations through February 2019. We will continue to monitor the situation in Washington, D.C. and provide updates as they become available.
FPI Management is handling leasing at Laurel Grove Family Apartments. All eligible applicants already on SCCHA’s Section 8 project-based voucher waitlist have priority to reside at the property. New applicants may add their names to the property's interest list by sending an email with their name and desired unit size to laurelgrove.lease@fpimgt.com. New applicants may also visit the temporary property management office location at Huff Gardens, 3021 Huff Ave. in San José, or call 408-564-5849.
SCCHA has partnered with Nan McKay and Associates Inspections, LLC (NMAI), to conduct Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspections. Beginning September 1, 2018, NMAI will start to coordinate the scheduling of HQS inspections with owners and program participants. Clients will be notified by NMAI of a scheduled inspection by U.S. Mail, email and/or telephone. Immediate assistance or questions, contact (408) 993-4067 or email at inspections@nanmckay.com.
Board Approves FY 2019 Operating Budget, Agency in Sound Fiscal Condition; Strive Program Awards $29,000 in Scholarships; All the Way Home Houses 1,122 Veterans; Community Resource Fair; Meet Our Staff: Training and Outreach Team
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2019. A public hearing on the draft plan will be held February 28, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Helping to Build More Homes Through Measure A; Recent Property Acquisitions Expand and Preserve Affordable Housing; Event Celebrates Landlords' Compassion
Vacancy Payments, Tenant Ordinances Information, Section 8 Owner Survey, Upcoming Owner/Agent Workshops.
SCC’s Office of Supportive Housing (OSH) & the SCC Housing Authority (SCCHA) announce the availability of funding for the development of new affordable housing for vulnerable populations.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sept. 29, 2017 — The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has finalized the purchase of the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park in Palo Alto, Calif., paving the way for the Housing Authority and the park’s new operator, Caritas Corporation, to begin the design and permitting of infrastructure and other needed improvements to the site.
HUD Funding Covers Current Lease Costs, Shopping Vouchers; SCCHA Awards $50,000 in Strive Program Scholarships; Agency Continues Yearlong 50th Anniversary Celebration; Loving and O’Neal Elected Chair and Vice Chair of Board
By Katherine Harasz — For 50 years, the Santa Clara County Housing Authority has been the largest provider of affordable housing in our community.
Owners agree to sell for $40 million, meaning 400 low-income residents will be able to stay in their homes.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) and the owner of the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park in Palo Alto, Calif., have reached an agreement that will ensure the preservation and upgrade of the mobile home park and allow its 400 low-income residents to remain in their homes.
Affordable Housing Week (AHW) is a week-long celebration of affordable housing and effort to bring our diverse community together to raise awareness, educate, engage, activate, and unite around affordable housing issues and how we can work together to make Santa Clara County a more affordable place to live for all of our residents.
This Annual Report reflects groundbreaking progress toward ending homelessness in Santa Clara County.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has made a revision to its Administrative Plan (Chapter 6, Section 6.4).
The Vietnamese Voluntary Foundation (VIVO) is providing Housing Search Support to Section 8 participants displaced by the recent flood.
Learn about SCCHA’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Strive Scholarship Program, Section 8 Program: New Subsidy Standards...
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is now accepting applications for its Strive scholarship program. Strive was created to provide post-secondary educational financial assistance for Section 8 tenants or tenants of rental properties managed or affiliated with SCCHA.
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Housing Authority offers financial incentives to property owners who re-rent an eligible unit to another section 8 tenant.
50 Years of Making Homes and Growing Communities;Celebrating Our Accomplishments;Meet Our Staff: Policy Team
SCCHA is welcoming bids to provide housing search/locator services to our Section 8 tenants who are shopping for housing. If your agency is experienced in helping low-income clients obtain housing in the difficult Bay area rental market, SCCHA wants your expertise. To submit a proposal click on the link below.
SCCHA and the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley are providing information regarding Section 8 Tenants’ legal rights for those who have been displaced by the February 2017 Coyote Creek Flood. More information in English, Vietnamese and Spanish can be found here.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) will offer Strive Scholarships for fall 2017. Strive was created to provide post-secondary educational financial assistance for Section 8 tenants or tenants of rental properties owned or affiliated with SCCHA. Scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors and college students attending a university, community college or technical school on a full or part-time basis in fall 2017.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018). The MTW Annual Plan describes how the agency uses its special MTW designation to be more cost effective and creative in providing affordable housing in Santa Clara County. The Draft 2018 MTW Annual Plan with summaries and public notices in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese are available here.
As a result of the holiday closure, Housing Assistance Payments check will not be mailed until January 3, 2017. Checks should be received within a few days of mailing.
Exec. Dir. Katherine Harasz reports on progress of All the Way Home campaign to end veteran homelessness in Santa Clara County.
When searching for your new home, protect yourself from becoming a victim of a Section 8 or affordable housing scam. If you are researching housing on the internet, you must be aware of several possible traps. Learn what to avoid by watching this informative short video on housing scam prevention.
In order to encourage academic excellence and community responsibility among high school students, PHADA has implemented a scholarship program for graduating seniors who are preparing to enter college. The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) would like to nominate two college-bound high school seniors for the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA) 2017 scholarship program.
Bringing Resources and Residents Together;Transit-oriented Laurel Grove Family Apartments Breaks Ground in San José;SCCHA Awards $43,500 in Strive Program Scholarships;Meet Our Staff: Development Team
“All The Way Home” Campaign Houses More Veterans; Meet Our Staff: Customer Services Team; Poco Way Renovation Preserves Affordability
Santa Clara County Housing Authority to Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony with U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren, Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese and San José Mayor Sam Liccardo at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at 298 Laurel Grove Lane, San José, California 95126.
This workshop for property owners and managers renting to Section 8 program participants in Santa Clara County will be held Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. Topics covered include the lease-up process; correctly completing all RFTA packet forms; what to include in your lease; avoiding common RFTA Packet errors; reviewing HAP contract sections; and avoiding common HAP contract errors.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA), the City of San José Housing Department (CSJHD) and County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing (OSH), in partnership with the Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System, jointly invite qualified affordable housing developers to submit written proposals for affordable multifamily rental housing projects that will provide housing to a range of special needs residents. This invitation makes available $48 million in devel
As part of its participation in the Moving to Work (MTW) demonstration program, SCCHA has prepared a Draft MTW Annual Plan Amendment for fiscal year 2017 that covers the period from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017. The Draft 2017 MTW Annual Plan Amendment is now available for review and public comment from July 18 through August 17, 2016. For more information on how to submit comments, click on the plan summaries or public notices.
ALL WAITING LIST APPLICANTS MUST UPDATE STATUS BY AUGUST 1, 2016 The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is updating its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Project Based Voucher and Moderate Rehabilitation waiting lists. The waiting list update will help SCCHA get an accurate count of the number of applicants still interested in housing. In order to remain on each of the lists, all existing applicants currently on the agency’s federal housing program waiting lists must verif
SCCHA will be Closed to the Public for Staff In-Service Thursday, June 30, 2016 - (11:30 AM - 01:00 PM) We will re-open for business starting at 01:00 PM
Palo Alto – Today County Supervisor Joe Simitian and Palo Alto Mayor Pat Burt announced a potential partner who will bring new resources to the effort to preserve and improve the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park. Nearly a year after the City and County each committed $14.5 million to acquiring the Park, they have announced a proposed partnership with the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, in an effort to fund, acquire, improve and preserve the Park as an ongoing source of affordable
The July 2016 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) may be delayed due to the Santa Clara County Housing Authority alternate Friday closure on July 1 and the July 4th holiday. The agency is making every effort possible to disburse the payment on Friday, July 1, as per the monthly payment schedule, however we would like to keep Section 8 owners and property managers informed of any potential delay in payment. In the unlikely event that the payment is delayed, payment will be mailed and direc
The Strive application deadline has been extended to June 16, 2016 by 5:00 p.m. Completed applications with transcripts can be dropped off at the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, Attn: Dhory Sison, 505 W. Julian St., San Jose, CA 95110. Or, email applications to StriveScholarship@SCCHA.org. When emailing, place “Strive application” in the subject line.
Destination: Home and the County of Santa Clara today announced the Silicon Valley Triage Tool, a new computer model that uses Santa Clara County case records to forecast the public cost of homeless persons and then connect them with permanent supportive housing
Payment Standards Increased in February Fair Housing Regulations SCCHA Partners with the VA for Housing Solutions 2016 Owners’ Information Sessions
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017). The MTW Annual Plan describes how the agency uses its special MTW designation to be more cost effective and creative in providing affordable housing in Santa Clara County.
Federal Appropriations’ Impact on SCCHA’s Section 8 Voucher Program, SCCHA Conditionally Awards 517 Project-Based Vouchers to Selected Developers, SCCHA Joins Campaign to End Veteran Homelessness; Increases VASH Voucher Payment Standard to Help Vets Obtain Housing 2016 Voucher Payment Standard Increase Brings More Rent Relief. Harasz Appointed Executive Director.
To reflect the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) recent increases in fair market rents (FMRs), the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has raised its voucher payment standards (maximum monthly rent assistance) effective February 1, 2016. The voucher payment standards were last increased on September 1, 2015, to 110 percent of the HUD-issued FMRs. The agency has leeway to determine payment standards within a 90 to 110 percent range of the FMRs.
Silicon Valley is known as the hub of the technology industry, which continues to boom and attract high-income professionals to the region. However, for the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA), extreme challenges are associated with rising rents for those who do not make enough money to afford them.
A new initiative is being launched in Santa Clara County to end veteran homelessness. Learn how you can join the movement on Wednesday, December 2.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) requests proposals from qualified housing developers for the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program and HUD-VASH Voucher Program.
Tenants’ Rights and Duties. Housing Specialist Contact List. New Payment Standards. Family Self-Sufficiency. (Available in English, Vietnamese and Spanish)
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is recruiting for an Executive Director.
SAN JOSE, Calif. ― August 26, 2015 ― In an effort to begin closing the widening gap between federal housing assistance and skyrocketing rents in Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is raising the maximum monthly rental housing assistance for Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program participants to 110 percent of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) fair market rents. This move will bring rent relief for approximately 5,670 families with
SCCHA Announces PBV Solicitation Timeline, MidPen Housing Builds 58 New Affordable Rental Homes at Onizuka Crossing in Sunnyvale, SCCHA Wins NAHRO 2015 Award of Merit for MTW University, SCCHA Awarded 113 New HUD-VASH Vouchers; Begins Lease to Vets, Katherine Harasz Appointed to Interim Executive Director.
Housing Authority Promotes New Construction with Release of up to 1,000 New Project-Based Housing Vouchers.
SCCHA Continues Push to Increase Affordable Housing, Local Support for MTW Contract Extension to 2018, SCCHA Releases up to 1,000 Additional Project-Based Vouchers, SCCHA Makes Academic Scholarships Available for Tenants, State Needs More Than 1.5 Million Affordable Rental Homes
Landlord Survey Provides Insights for Improvement. Steps to Request a Rent Increase. Policy Changes Affect Landlords. Tenant Affordability Determined Case-by-Case. List Your Units on GoSection 8.
(Updated) The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is now accepting applications for its Strive scholarship program. Strive was created to provide post-secondary educational financial assistance for Section 8 tenants or tenants of rental properties owned or affiliated with SCCHA.
SAN JOSE, Calif. ― May 19, 2015 ― In an effort to help increase the supply of affordable housing and serve more low-income families in Silicon Valley’s increasingly hot rental market, the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) today announced plans to begin the process of releasing up to 1,000 additional federal Section 8 project-based rental housing vouchers to selected housing developers and property owners through a competitive request for proposals process.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) submitted its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on April 1, 2015. SCCHA is proposing to amend this draft plan by proposing Activity 2016-2 and amending Activity 2009-1.
SCCHA Increases Housing Options for Voucher Holders. Extensive Renovation Preserves Affordability. 2015 Poco Way Renovation and Neighborhood Revitalization.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA)’s Draft FY2016 MTW Annual Plan is now available for public comment at http://www.scchousingauthority.org/about-SCCHA/moving-to-work/moving-to-work-plans-and-reports/
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year (FY) 2016. The MTW Annual Plan, which covers the period from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, describes how the Agency is using its special MTW designation to be more cost effective and creative in providing affordable housing in Santa Clara County.
Notice is hereby given that the regular meeting of the Commissioners of the Santa Clara County Housing Authority scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 9:30am, at 505 W. Julian St, San Jose, CA, is cancelled.
Last month’s closure of “the Jungle,” a 68-acre homeless encampment along the Coyote Creek watershed in San José, received national news coverage. While 144 unsheltered individuals were housed and 53 more had rental housing vouchers in hand prior to the encampment’s closure, many more had to move out of their campsites
An affordable housing complex for families and seniors that will sit prominently near San Jose's Diridon Station is steps closer to breaking ground as officials seek public input about design.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program Graduates Share Their Inspiring Stories. Rehabilitation of Poco Way Apartments Scheduled for Early 2015. Setting and Achieving Goals.
Fraud Alert – November 27, 2014 – Imposters posing as SCCHA workers ask for credit card and personal information.
Long waiting lists and a dire need for affordable housing prompted city officials to sign off on rezoning required for a new affordable housing structure near Diridon Station, despite strong objections from neighbors.
October 2014 Newsletter
September 2014 Newsletter
For now, the 2-acre parcel is a vacant lot surrounded by fencing. But the Santa Clara County Housing Authority envisions the site as a community complex that will help put a tiny dent in the region's chronic lack of affordable homes for lower-income residents.
Santa Clara County’s Chronically Homeless Direct Referral Program Wins 2014 Award of Merit From National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
Governor Brown Appoints Sanchez to California Housing Partnership Corporation
Sequestration Press Release-March 2013
Opportunity Center of the Midpeninsula Press Release-August 2013
Further Shedding of Safety Net Hurts Real People
July 2014 Newsletter
April 2014 Newsletter
November 2013 Newsletter
September 2013 Newsletter
July 2013 Newsletter
May 2013 Newsletter
April 2013 Newsletter