Share This
Related Posts
Tags
Empowering tech-resistant residents
By Niki Kolisch on Nov 25, 2024 in Technology
We hear it all the time: “Our residents don’t want to use technology.” And we understand why!
Concerns range from limited digital access to privacy worries, and sometimes it can be about not feeling comfortable with tech. Their reasons are valid, but with education and community-focused strategies, you can help them break through these barriers.
Because when it comes down to it, technology brings a new convenience that residents haven’t experienced before. From paying rent to requesting maintenance, software makes everyday tasks easier and faster. Communicating these benefits can help residents see technology as a helpful tool, rather than a cumbersome task. And once it clicks for them, they won’t go back!
This blog will cover:
- Why technology is critical for PHAs
- Strategies for adapting tech-resistant residents
- How Yardi can help your agency succeed
Why technology is critical for PHAs
In public housing, technology is essential in providing efficient and quality service to residents. Moving away from time-consuming processes, like mailing forms and in-person meetings, simply speeds up operations.
And the reality is, online applications and maintenance requests are processed twice as fast as traditional methods, saving you both time and money.
Many agencies are already seeing the benefits. By automating tasks, they’re able to allocate resources, reduce backlogs and plan for the future. Read more about how agencies are thriving with technology here.
Adapting residents to technology
So, how can you adapt tech-resistant residents to feel more comfortable with technology?
“In our region, some don’t warm up to technology right away, so we have to go at their pace,” says Stacy Sanders and Marti Chilcoat of the Kentucky Housing Authority.
It’s important to have patience and meet residents where there but building comfort with technology also requires education.
“Education is key,” says Juan Garcia of the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara. “We tell our residents, ‘Hey, with RentCafe you can see your rent, make interim change and submit your paperwork easily.’ Once they understand the benefits, they’re more likely to give it a try.”
We know how important resident care is to you. Making sure they feel comfortable and confident is imperative to this industry. That’s why it’s important to clarify that technology is only there to support them.
5 strategies to help your resident break the tech-barrier
- One-on-one meetings: Offering personalized support is a great starting point. Schedule individual meetings to help residents get set up on their device. Allow them to ask questions and be sure to schedule follow-up meetings.
“For us, the easiest way is by scheduling resident meetings at move-in to help them get set up on RentCafe on their mobile device.” – Juan Garcia, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara
- Group workshops: Hold regular workshops to cover different topics, such as setting up online payments. They can be an inviting way for your residents to learn in a supportive environment. Plus, it gives them a chance to learn and practice together.
- On-site kiosks: Set up kiosks at your agency or other communal area, where residents can access the technology to complete essential tasks. Having a dedicated space can help residents feel at ease while also providing support for those without a device or access to Wi-Fi.
“We set up kiosks in certain locations to make things easier for residents. If they don’t have access to a scanner, they can use the one at our kiosk to upload documents directly into RentCafe.” – Jacquelyn Hicks, vice president of Information Technology at Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority
- Wi-Fi help: Inform residents on locations where they can access free Wi-Fi. Limited access is a major barrier, but helping residents understand their options is essential.
- Step-by-step guides: Written guides or video tutorials are a great way for your residents to follow along at their own pace. Use them to address common questions and highlight what they learned at meetings and workshops.
Yardi’s impact
Housing authorities are progressing with the help of innovation. And it all begins with selecting the right technology provider. With over 40 years of experience in real estate software, Yardi’s products are designed with usability in mind. This makes our software accessible to people of varying tech backgrounds.
Yardi’s PHA Suite is built by public housing professionals for public housing professionals. We understand the unique challenges agencies face, which is why the suite is customizable. Whether it’s managing waitlists, learning plans, improving compliance workflows, you can choose the tools that fit your needs — there’s a solution for everyone.
Transitioning to technology can be daunting for some residents. And hey, there might be a few who just won’t do it. However, with education and patience more residents will see technology as a helpful addition to their lives. Your investment in resident education today will undoubtedly create a smoother process and more happy residents in the long run. Trust the process!
To learn more about Yardi’s solutions for public housing authorities, please visit https://www.yardi.com/products/pha-suite/
