Communique’Serving the SMHO Residents of Alyson Court, Amity Plaza, and Bradley House September 2020

Enriching Lives Through Affordable Housing Options

This year, we celebrate Labor Day on Monday, September 7. South Metro Housing Options offices will be closed that day for us to recognize and celebrate our employees and all their dedication and efforts throughout the year. We are very proud of our team and how much they care for our residents. Thank you for your continued hard work... we appreciate you, and all you do!

SMHO Offices Closed on Labor Day

South Metro Housing Options (SMHO) is a community and cares for their residents. We offer support and assistance by employing a full-time Case Manager as part of our Resident Services Team for this reason.

The SMHO Case Manager is available to all SMHO residents for guidance or resources to address ANY challenges they may be experiencing. We understand that communal living itself can be a challenge, which the Case Manager can provide assistance with. This is offered as a helpful tool to achieve a peaceful and positive living experience for all.

Residents may also be referred to Case Management by SMHO staff regarding minor issues, serious concerns or lease

violations. Case Management exists to help all residents resolve issues of concern with the goal of maintaining their current housing. (If referred, a letter with a phone conference date and time will be provided.)

SMHO’s Case Manager is Brie Miller, who can be reached by phone or email at (720) 335-1310 or bmiller@smho.co Monday – Thursday from 8 am - 5 pm.

You may also contact Resident Services Manager, Kathie Covell, by phone or email during the same times at (303) 596-8926 or kcovell@smho.co.

W hat is SMH O Case Management?

Do you know about Dispatch Health? They serve the Front Range and treat everything an urgent care center can, plus more, in the comfort of your home. Their medical team is geared up and ready to treat any number of conditions, including flu, pain, sprains, cuts, wounds, high fevers, upper respiratory infections, and much more. They can also perform a variety of advanced tests on-site to address complex cases.

Call them at (303) 500-1518 from 8 am - 10 pm, seven (7) days a week.

Get Medical Care at Home

South Metro Housing Options2

Keeping SMHO Residents InformedCommunique’

How to Boost Positive Thinking in Your LifeDo you see your glass as half-full or half-empty? As the Mayo Clinic identifies, “how you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you’re optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affect your health.” Below is a look at what else they have to say.

Indeed, some studies show that personality traits such as optimism and pessimism can affect many areas of your health and well-being. The positive thinking that usually comes with optimism is a key part of effective stress management. And effective stress management is associated with many health benefits. If you tend to be pessimistic, don’t despair — you can learn positive thinking skills.

Understanding Positive Thinking and Self-Talk

Positive thinking doesn’t mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore life’s less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way.

Positive thinking often starts with self-talk. Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information.

If the thoughts that run through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is more likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are mostly positive, you’re likely an optimist — someone who practices positive thinking.

The Health Benefits of Positive Thinking

Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:• Increased life span• Lower rates of depression• Lower levels of stress• Greater resistance to the common cold• Better psychological and physical well-being• Improved cardiovascular health• Better coping skills during hardships and stress

One theory about these health benefits is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body. It’s also thought that positive and optimistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles — they get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and don’t smoke or drink alcohol in excess.

Focusing on Positive Thinking

You can learn to turn negative thinking into positive thinking. The process is simple, but it does take time and practice — you’re creating a new habit, after all. Here are some ways to think and behave in a more positive way:

• Identify areas to change. If you want to become more optimistic and engage in more positive thinking, first identify areas of your life that you usually think negatively about, whether it’s work, your daily commute or a relationship.

• Check yourself. Periodically during the day, stop and evaluate what you’re thinking. If you find that your thoughts are mainly negative, try to find a way to put a positive spin on them.

• Be open to humor. Give yourself permission to smile or laugh, especially during difficult times. Seek humor in everyday happenings. When you can laugh at life, you feel less stressed.

• Follow a healthy lifestyle. Aim to exercise for about 30 minutes on most days of the week.

• Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure those in your life are positive, supportive people you can depend on to give helpful advice and feedback. Negative people may increase your stress level and make you doubt your ability to manage stress in healthy ways.

• Practice positive self-talk. Start by following one simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about you. Think about things you’re thankful for in your life.

When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you’re better able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way. That ability may contribute to the widely observed health benefits of positive thinking.

COVID-19 U p d a t e

3www.smho.co

September 2020

Inspirational Stories From Real PeopleIn 2008, a rare winter storm buried Portland, Oregon under more than a foot of snow. The city was gridlocked. Nickole Cheron was stuck in her home for eight days. Many people would consider that an inconvenience. For Nickole, whose muscles are too weak to support her body, those eight days were potentially life-threatening.

Born with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disease that progressively weakens the body’s muscles, Nickole is fully reliant on a wheelchair and full-time caregivers for most routine tasks. Being alone for eight days was not an option. So Nickole signed up for “Ready Now!,” an emergency preparedness training program developed through the Oregon Office of Disability and Health.

“The most important thing I learned from ‘Ready Now!’ was to have a back-up plan in case of an emergency situation,” she said. “When I heard the snow storm was coming, I emailed all my caregivers to find out who lived close by and would be available. I made sure I had a generator, batteries for my wheelchair, and at least a week’s supply of food, water, and prescription medication.”

Nickole said the training was empowering, and reinforced her ability to live independently with a disability. She felt better informed about the potential risks people with disabilities could encounter during a disaster. For example, clinics might close, streets and sidewalks might be impassable, or

caregivers might be unable to travel.

Other important tips Nickole learned from the training are:

• Develop a back-up plan. Inform caregivers, friends, family, neighbors or others who might be able to help during an emergency.

• Stock up on food, water, and any necessary prescription medications, medical supplies or equipment. Have enough to last at least a week.

• Make a list of emergency contact information and keep it handy.

• Keep a charged car battery at home. It can power electric wheelchairs and other motorized medical equipment if there is an electricity outage.

• Learn about alternate transportation and routes.

• Understand the responsibilities and limitations of a “first responder” (such as local fire department or law enforcement) during a disaster.

“This training shows people with disabilities that they can do more to triage their situation in a crisis than anyone else can,” she said, “and encourages people with disabilities to take ownership of their own care.”

A special thank you to Nikole and the Oregon Office of Disability and Health for sharing this personal story.

Free COVID-19 and Antibody Testing A new COVID-19 testing center is now open for Arapahoe County residents at the Aurora Sports Park, located at 19300 East Colfax Avenue. The testing is free and available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. For more information visit the Tri-County Health Dept. website.

Another testing site for COVID-19 and antibodies is available at Cornerstone Park in Littleton on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Testing is free and pre-registration is recommended by calling (720) 902-6398 or by visiting the STRIDE Community Health Center website. Cornerstone Park is located at 5098 South Windermere Street.

Gov. Jared Polis is encouraging Coloradans to keep up the good work in the fight against COVID-19. During a news conference a couple weeks ago, Polis said social distancing, hand washing and wearing a mask are simple steps that can make a big difference across the state.

“Coloradans are succeeding in doing things a different way,” said Polis. “Yesterday (8/17) we had our lowest positivity rate for coronavirus testing in Colorado at 2.18% and that is a direct result of you wearing masks in public, of you avoiding large gatherings, staying home when you can.”

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CENSUS 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWHere’s a quick refresher of what it is and why it’s essential that everyone is counted.

The deadline is September 30. Visit 2020census.gov to learn more and participate.

The U.S. Constitution requires a census every 10 years. The census covers the entire country and everyone living here. The first census was in 1790.

It’s in theConstitution.

Census data determine how more than $675 billion are spent, supporting your state, county and community’s vital programs.

It means $675 billion.

Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets.

It’s about fair representation.

Completing the census is required: it’s a way to participate in our democracy and say “I COUNT!”

Taking part is your civic duty.

The census counts every person living in the U.S. once, only once, and in the right place.

Everyone counts.

It’s about redistricting. After each census, state officials use the results to redraw the boundaries of their congressional and state legislative districts, adapting to population shifts.

Find and circle theses U.S. Presidents:ADAMS JEFFERSONEISENHOWER HARRISONHOOVER JACKSONKENNEDY LINCOLNMONROE OBAMAROOSEVELT MADISONBUSH TRUMANCARTER REAGANGRANT WASHINGTON

Word Search: U.S. PresidentsKeeping SMHO Residents InformedCommunique’

CENSUS 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWHere’s a quick refresher of what it is and why it’s essential that everyone is counted.

The deadline is September 30. Visit 2020census.gov to learn more and participate.

The U.S. Constitution requires a census every 10 years. The census covers the entire country and everyone living here. The first census was in 1790.

It’s in theConstitution.

Census data determine how more than $675 billion are spent, supporting your state, county and community’s vital programs.

It means $675 billion.

Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets.

It’s about fair representation.

Completing the census is required: it’s a way to participate in our democracy and say “I COUNT!”

Taking part is your civic duty.

The census counts every person living in the U.S. once, only once, and in the right place.

Everyone counts.

It’s about redistricting. After each census, state officials use the results to redraw the boundaries of their congressional and state legislative districts, adapting to population shifts.

Property ContactsAlyson CourtPhone: (303) 797-0155Email: AlysonCourt@smho.co

Amity Plaza & Powers CirclePhone: (303) 795-0462Email: AmityPlaza-PowersCircle@smho.co

Bradley HousePhone: (720) 726-5080Email: BradleyHouse@smho.co

Resident ServicesJebe (303) 241-4211Brie (720) 335-1310

Emergency Work Orders(303) 794-9608

Area Hospitals Littleton Adventist(303) 730-8900

Swedish Medical Center(303) 788-5000

Skyridge Medical Center(720) 225-1000

Area ResourcesCity of LittletonCity of LittletonSouth Metro Housing OptionsArapahoe CountyArapahoe County [Gen. Info.]Arapahoe Douglas WorksFood StampsHomemakers Division LittletonHuman ServicesTri-County HealthVeteran ServicesLEAPClothing and Misc.ARC Thrift StoreCatholic CharitiesGoodwill Thrift StoresSalvation ArmyRenewed TreasuresFood and Food BanksFood Bank of the RockiesMeals on Wheels [Littleton]Volunteers of AmericaHealth/Medical/DentalDoctors CareTri-County HealthAllHealth NetworkEmergencyMedicaid OfficeSenior ServicesSenior Support ServicesAssociation for Senior CitizensTransportationOmnibus and Shopping CartRTD

(303) 795-3700(303) 794-9608

(303) 795-4400(303) 636-1160(303) 636-1130(303) 738-8080(303) 636-1130(303) 220-9200(303) 343-1268(303) 636-1420

(303) 933-2967(303) 742-0828(303) 738-2152(303) 979-0764(720) 446-1877

(877) 460-8504(303) 798-7642(303) 295-2165

(303) 730-1313(303) 220-9200(303) 730-8858(303) 730-3303(303) 636-1130

(303) 832-1622(303) 455-9642

(303) 795-3700(303) 299-6000

Contact Us! SMHO Administration: (303) 794-9608Resident Services: (303) 596-8926Website: www.smho.co

Our Main Office is Located at:5808 South Rapp StreetSuite 100Littleton, CO. 80120

Since 1971, South Metro Housing Options (SMHO), also called Littleton Housing Authority, has been building a better community by providing access to affordable housing in one of the most desirable places to live on the Front Range. Affordable housing serves an essential need and creates a more diverse and productive community, personal empowerment, and economic opportunities. Good housing provides a stepping-stone toward self-sufficiency and promotes dignity, diversity, and individuality.

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September 2020Communique’