Fall Festival in Rocky Mount, NC: Music, Food, Games, COVID-19 Tests and Options to Get the Vaccine

Local partners worked together to offer educational and fun activities to the residents of West End Terrace Community.

The residents received information on local opportunities, wellness , education, COVID19 registration for vaccines, and an upcoming job fair.

On October 2, 2021, the City of Rocky Mount Housing Authority (RMHA) sponsored a Fall Festival and COVID-19 testing and vaccine registration popup at the West End Terrace Community.

The Fall Festival for RHMA residents combined fun activities for children, food, music, and vendors who provided important resources on health and wellness, education, work force training, job opportunities, and medical services.

"I applaud the Rocky Mount community, including Mayor Sandy Roberson, the Housing Association, and the Opportunities Industrialization Center for working together to create a healthy and fun environment for all residents," stated HUD Greensboro Field Office Director Roosevelt A. Grant.

The RMHA, HUD Greensboro Field Office, the Rocky Mount Opportunities Industrialization Center (RMOIC), a Federally Qualified Health Clinic and the Edgecombe County Health Department, partnered to also provide COVID-19 testing and vaccine registration for interested residents.

The community embraced the festival for the housing authority residents. Other participants included the Rocky Mount Police Department, Edgecombe Community College, Nash Community College, Peacemakers Hometown Hires (a job training and employment program), Express Employment Professionals, Peacemakers Southside Academy (STEM curriculum), and the YMCA.

RMHA CEO Kelvin Macklin summarized the importance of the festival to the community when he stated: "Our annual fall festival celebration allows RMHA to promote community harmony among our residents. It is a unique opportunity to gather and spend time with family, friends, and neighbors. In addition to building social cohesion, other benefits of healthy living and positive interactions leading to economic self-sufficiency."

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