The Watervliet Housing Authority has recently created a program called PC's for Kids. This visionary project will be both innovative and very beneficial to the children at the Watervliet Housing Authority. The goal of this program is to provide each child attending high school or college with their own personal computer if they do not already have one.

 We ask businesses, organizations and individuals in the community to check their inventory and donate old but usable parts, such as monitors, keyboards, cd-roms, mice, rams and licensed software to the Housing Authority.  We will then separate the equipment and with the help of professional volunteers, the children will usable computers.  

 With grants from the Ronald McDonald House Charity and other contributions we have been able to purchase software and additional computer parts that were not previously donated. assemble 

 We feel every child should have an equal opportunity in today's business world despite their economic status.  The PC's for Kids program will provide them the opportunity to expand upon their knowledge and hopefully the motivation to further their education.  

When this program began we hoped to have approximately 40 computers completed and ready to be distributed within the first year.  However, since this program was started in January 2003 we have had several assembly sessions and over 80 children ranging from 4^th grade to college freshman have built and taken home their own computers.

 This program has been a great benefit to the low-income children in public housing and we would like to thank all the businesses and individuals who helped make it a success.

Youth Summer Employment

Each year we encourage resident youth ages 14 -21 that are attending school to work at the Watervliet Housing Authority. Both boys and girls work in various jobs to help the authority look good and help give a positive experience to the children, some working for the first time. The jobs range from clerical, painting and cleaning to working with younger children in our Summer SHED Program. You can click here for a job application. Please remember any child under 18 years of age needs working papers.

Head Start

Head Start is a comprehensive pre-school program for four year olds. Children must turn four by December 1st. Eligibility is based on income and family size and is free to eligible families. Some busing is available. Children of parents working/attending school may be eligible for the Extended Day Program that runs until 5:15. An eight-week summer program is also available for eligible children. For information and applications call 274-4329

If your child turns three by December 1 they may be eligible for the Home Based Program. For information and applications call 274-9150.

Watervliet Civic Center After School Program

The Civic Center provides children with a safe place to learn valuable life skills that encourage self-esteem and responsible living. The children take part in various activities including learning to use computers in the Computer Room to receiving homework tutoring to taking arts and crafts classes. Lunch is served to all who participate.

The Center runs the program right at the Elementary school. For more information contact the Center at 273-5922.

Summer Camps

WHA children are eligible to attend many camperships. One such campership is a week camp session put on by the State Police at the local State Police barracks. For many children, this is their first experience at going to “sleep away” camp. When we receive notice for these camperships we try to get as many as possible for our resident children.

Civic Center Day Camp Program

Our children can also attend the Civic center full week day camp program that offers arts and crafts, swimming, field trips and many other good recreational programs. Their is a small charge of $25/week for each child. Camperships and reduced cost are available. More information can be obtained by calling the Civic Center at 273-5922. The center is a great opportunity to attend learn to swim classes sponsored by the City of Watervliet. To know more about the Watervliet Civic Center go to www.watervlietciviccenter.com.

Boy Scouts

We are always encouraging our youth to join Scouting. We have some excellent troops and packs for both our boys and girls. It’s a great program that builds character, self esteem and self reliance. To join call the Watervliet Civic Center at 273-5922.

Watervliet Little League

This great organization is located only a short distance from the Housing Authority. Brotherhood Park is located on 6th. Ave. and 25th. Street. It's a great organization for both boys and girls.

Parents need to bring proof of residence, original or vital statistics certified copy of your child’s birth certificate and your health insurance card.