New Software System for Property Development and Maintenance for Special Needs Housing for People with Disabilities...

To help streamline and to increase cost and work efficiencies in the maintenance of housing for people with disabilities owned by North Coast Community Homes (NCCH), the Property Development and Maintenance Department at NCCH has initiated the use of a new software system that is network-based. Along with this new system, the Property Management staff members have been issued blackberries and mini-laptop computers enabling paperless and decentralized management of work orders and easier/quicker electronic communication in the large four-county area that NCCH services. Before this system was implemented, staff members were reached by radio or cell phone, a slower and more cumbersome system. The new system also includes GPS modems which will help in planning for more cost efficient transporation routes to and from job sites.

A two-day training seminar was held for all maintenance staff members so they could become acquainted with the use of the new equipment and software system.

Immediate savings of not needing to hire an additional central administrative assistant have already been realized as paperwork has been greatly reduced. Additional savings are being generated by not needing to hire additional maintenance staff members since the new system has already increased work efficiencies enabling the same number of people to handle work needs more quickly and easily.

The use of this system is also planned for the Landscape Staff and will be implemented as soon as possible.

By keeping operating costs controlled, rent increases can also be controlled.