Welcome to Oklahoma City Housing Authority

Covid-19 Info Page

COVID-19 Notice to Resident - Senior 10-27-2022
COVID-19 Notice to Resident - Family 10-27-2022

FAQ's - Updated 10/27/2022

Q: What are the current office hours for the Oklahoma City Housing Authority (OCHA)?

A: OCHA property management offices are currently open to the general public between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Q: Am I required to wear a face covering when in the lobby?

A: Residents are not required to wear a face covering when in the lobby. However, people may choose to wear a face covering at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a face covering.

Q: What is Oklahoma City’s COVID-19 Community Level?

A: To view the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level tracker please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html

Q: What can I do to help slow the spread of COVID-19?

A: The best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to stay up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine. While vaccine sites throughout the City accept walk-ins, residents can make an appointment at www.vaxokc.com or call 2-1-1 to find a location near you. Additionally, the CDC recommends following health and hygiene guidelines such as washing hands often and avoid touching your face.

Get tested if symptoms develop or if you have been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19. Isolate if you’ve tested positive. Call 2-1-1 if you need help finding a testing location.

Q: How do I pay my rent?

A: Rent can be hand delivered or mailed to the property management office, placed in the drop box, or slid under the office management door. The rent statement should always be included with the payment so OCHA knows who the payment applies to. Any residents on auto draft will continue to have their rent auto drafted.

Q: Do I need to pay rent during the eviction moratorium?

A: On 8/27/21, the U.S. Supreme Court ended the Eviction Moratorium. All rent is currently due. Residents must also follow all the other terms of their lease.

Q: What if I am unable to pay my rent on time?

A: All rent is still due at this time. Any resident having trouble paying their rent should speak with their property manager. As of September 1, 2022, the Community Cares Partners application is now permanently closed and no new applications for assistance will be accepted. CCP will continue to process applications and distribute funds to eligible households until all remaining funds have been spent. Submitted applications will be reviewed and processed until all program funds have been spent. To check your application status visit www.okccp.org.

Q: My income has decreased because of COVID-19. How soon will my rent decrease?

A: Residents should immediately report any income changes to their property management office even if you have applied for or are receiving unemployment benefits or have begun new employment. If possible, provide any documentation to your property manager such as a screenshot or picture. All changes of income must be reported within ten (10) calendar days.

Q: Can I still submit a work order if I live in OCHA housing?

A: Yes, OCHA is currently recording all work orders. OCHA staff will also continue to conduct inspections as needed. However, if a resident has tested positive for COVID-19, has symptoms of COVID-19, or is quarantining as a result of close contact with someone who is positive OCHA will attempt to reschedule the work for a later time.

Q: Maintenance staff is performing work in my home, is it safe to stay in my home while the work is being performed?

A: Yes, staff will be following current recommended practices by the CDC; however, if any residents living in the apartment are positive for COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms please disclose this to the staff prior to the staff entering the apartment. If the work is not an emergency it will be rescheduled. If a resident is uncomfortable staying in the apartment while work is being performed, they may leave and either go to the lobby or take a walk.

Q: Am I permitted to use the elevators in my building?

A: Yes. All residents should make sure there is adequate space between riders in the elevator and avoid overcrowding. It is recommended to use your elbow or a gloved hand to push the elevator buttons.

Q: Can I still smoke at my property?

A: OCHA properties are still smoke-free. Please go off property to smoke.

Q: Can I still do my laundry?

A: OCHA laundry rooms remain open.

Q: Will OCHA notify residents if another resident or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?

A: OCHA takes the health and safety of its residents very seriously. If a confirmed case of COVID-19 is brought to our attention we will follow all steps recommended by local health and government officials including asking the person who is positive for COVID-19 to self-quarantine and follow their doctor’s guidance.

Q: How long is this going to last?

A: OCHA is not a public health agency and is not able to predict when it will be safe to lift safety protocols. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html or the OKC County Health website at: https://www.okc.gov/residents/prepare-okc/know-what-to-do/epidemics-and-pandemics to learn more about COVID-19.

Q: How will I know if something changes at OCHA?

A: OCHA will keep posting updated signage and flyers at the properties or direct notices and flyers to apartments. Additionally, we will keep our website up to date at: www.ochanet.org.

Q: Where can I get at-home COVID-19 tests?

A: Ordering COVID-19 tests through the free at-home test program was suspended on September 2, 2022. At-home tests are available for sale at retailers and pharmacies. Check with your local retailer for availability. Low or no-cost testing may also be available at select pharmacies and local health centers. Visit https://oklahoma.gov/covid19/testing-sites.html to schedule a test.

COVID-19 24 Hour Access Control

Health and safety is, and will always be our top priority. OCHA is doing what we can to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Due to increased concern about potentially spreading the virus, in addition to the property management offices and common areas being closed, OCHA is locking entrance doors 24 hours a day effective, Monday, March 23, 2020, to help decrease foot traffic. OCHA is staff is available by phone or email and we encourage members of the public to contact us.

Current normal business hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Public Housing Residents

Call your property manager if you have an emergency maintenance request
Applicants call 405-605-3277
Call your social service coordinator with social service needs or concerns
Call the after-hours maintenance phone line at 405-232-1041 with any after-hours emergency maintenance requests

Section 8 Tenants or Applicants

Call 405-239-7551 to be connected to Leased Housing Staff

Public Housing Contractors

Call 405-605-3278 to be connect to staff

General Visitors

Call 405-239-7551

COVID – 19 Call Center

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has set up a COVID-19 call center to help answer your questions. For more information about what is happening in Oklahoma, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, call 1-877-362-1606. The call center is open 24 hours. The call center has the capability to connect callers to Spanish speaking interpreters.

Additional Resources

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
OKC County Health Department - https://www.occhd.org/eng
OKC Vaccination Information – https://www.vaxokc.com/
HUD - https://www.hud.gov/coronavirus
LeadingAge - https://leadingage.org/covid19?_ga=2.105069701.701133322.1648657231-487157979.1648657231