VIDEO: Francine Kouis Helps Gives Locals in Need a Home

Francine Kouis may only log 22 hours per week, but the executive director of the Seekonk Housing Authority has a big job.

The mother of three maintains and manages the Chappell Street complex that is home to Seekonk seniors and families. The business-saavy Kouis has a background in property and hotel management and has spent years working at housing authorities in communities such as Wesport and Swansea.

One of the biggest challenges: maintaining the community's 72 units on a shoestring budget.

According to Kouis, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), conducted a study years ago to assess repairs. The estimated costs totaled $1,888,600. She has about $329,419 to use over the next three years to fix windows, locks and the complex's buildings that are slowly falling into dilapidation. She plans on using the funds to address safety hazards first.

According to Kouis, each tenant pays about 30 percent of their gross income in rent; the he average rent is $303 a month. Seekonk residents and veterans get preference when it comes to placing applicants, though those in need from other towns can apply for a space. Right now there is a long waiting list to get into a unit. According to Kouis, this is mainly due to the '08 housing crash. 

"It's really been unbelievable," she said, that noting it's hard to turn people in need away. "We've had families apply after circumstances out of their control happen."

A proponent of affordable housing, the director says today's economic climate is harder than ever and more subsidized housing should be available.

"Times have changed, she said. "There are so many people in need of help."