Eclectic store for selective shoppers

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

By Nancy Malcom

Nevada Daily Mail

Residents of Chapman Estates and Fair Ground Estates have a new place to shop. However, U.S. money isn't allowed in this store. Purchases made at the new establishment can only be paid for by "Housing Bucks." Those bucks must be earned.

Debbie Williams, resident oordinator of Nevada Housing Development, explained that the store was devised as a way to enable their residents to earn money to make purchases that their budgets might not normally allow.

"Our philosophy is that people here at Chapman Estates have worked their entire lives and let's give them some kudos and provide a really safe, fun environment." Williams said.

"The program was designed by Nevada Housing Director Johnna Brown with the team of workers including myself, David Rutledge, Kenny Butler, Dan Barnett, Doug McGibbons, Don Herman, Kimberly Forester and Joi Applegate," Williams said.

Store items were donated by various companies, Williams explained. "Naier, an Illinois company that offers a program for government agencies, furnished 99 percent of the store's inventory. With Naier we pay an annual fee and up to five times a year they have a grab bag and we can go to their warehouse and pick things up that we want -- all free of charge as part of the service. They also have a discount catalogue to buy from."

The store offers personal items for purchase, using Housing Bucks printed in one, three and five dollar denominations.

Residents eary the Housing Bucks through such activities as paying rent on time, picking up their yards, coming to bingo and doing other activities.

The Nevada Housing Authority offers low-rent housing units for various members of the community, with different criteria for each housing facility.

"Chapman Estates is for elderly, handicapped and disabled residents," Williams said. "Then we have our family housing, Fair Ground Estates, for people with children."

David Rutledge, maintenance director and team member added, "We have 130 one-bedroom units here at Chapman Estates, and 70 units with one to four bedrooms at the Fair Ground Estates."

Customer Etta McGinnis toured the new store and commented, "This is really an OK idea."

Cecil Painter said, "This is a neat little store."

Maxine Klewien said, "I like to play bingo, so I earn my Housing Bucks doing that. I like this store."

Richard Secrest said, "I haven't been here before, but this looks like a good deal."

The store is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays to any resident of the Chapman or Fair Ground Estates.

For more information, call The Nevada Housing Authority at (417) 448-2730.

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