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THA Monthly Newsletter Vol 2. February 2023

Vol 2. February 2023

The Orange Avenue Redevelopment Newsletter. Tallahassee Housing Authority. Providing homes, building families, enhancing the future. 850-385-6126. TallHA.org. Accessibility Icons.

Highlights:

  • Resident Resources
  • Seniors Valentine's Day Event

Table of Contents

  • Director's Note
  • THA Operations
  • Demolition and Revitalization
  • Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend
  • Resident News & Events
  • Resident Resources
  • Resident Highlights & Community News
  • THA News & Highlights

Director's Corner

Welcome to the THA monthly newsletter!

Dear Residents - As we redefine our work and deepen our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable community residence, we are pleased to share this newsletter to provide you with the latest news, developments, accomplishments, and updates from the Tallahassee Housing Authority (THA) properties and staff.

As Executive Director, it is our mission to enhance and expand the quality of life in our community and to maintain and provide quality affordable housing. THA will facilitate a network of supportive services to enhance the quality of life for our residents. We are committed to quality service and will provide a professional atmosphere to our employees, partners, and the greater Tallahassee constituency.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns you may have. I am here to serve you.

Email Brenda Williams | 850.385.6126

Brenda Williams,
Executive Director

Brenda Williams, Executive Director Headshot.

 

THA Operations

The Mission of the Tallahassee Housing Authority is to maintain and provide quality, affordable housing and facilitate a network of supportive services to enhance the quality of life for our residents.

Here's What We Do and How We Do It

A man holding a baby on his shoulders with a woman standing behind the baby.

Tallahassee Housing Authority provides quality affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income households, fosters sustainable communities, and cultivates opportunities for residents to improve their lives in collaboration with local support services. Much of the public housing stock in Tallahassee is over forty years old and is well-maintained by the housing authority. Over time, we will work toward the redevelopment of our housing stock. A principal plan for redevelopment was recently completed for our Orange Avenue Apartments.

The Authority is governed by a volunteer seven-person Board of Commissioners appointed by the City of Tallahassee Commission. Through formal adoption of the policy, they ensure that the Authority is fiscally responsible and operates in an efficient manner.

The Authority consists of three (3) distinctive residential Public Housing communities (aka Asset Management Properties or AMPs) located in the incorporated areas of Tallahassee, Florida. There are a total of 346 residential units consisting of 41 single-family detached homes and 12 duplex units. The Authority also owns and maintains a 93-unit Low-Income Housing Tax Credit apartment community.

The Tallahassee Housing Authority is working to improve efficiencies so that all of our customers have access to information and services.

Explore the various links on our website. You'll find available rentals, services, more about our programs, information about payments, and lots more. TallHA.org/About-THA.

Demolition and Revitalization

THA is redeveloping the Orange Avenue Apartments!

Through a partnership with Purpose Built Communities, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving racial equity, economic mobility, and health outcomes in communities across the country, the revitalization plan for Orange Avenue will also improve educational and health outcomes. The purpose-built model is designed with a holistic cradle-to-college approach not only to address residents' housing but to connect resources at all angles, including educational resources and access to quality healthcare.

The demolition contract is complete. Temporary power is "ON" at the site. All site work underground, and water taps have been completed. The lateral building branches are being installed. The foundation for Building 1 is ready for concrete pour. This is delayed due to a revision that is pending approval by CoT. Resubmission has been completed, and we are waiting on clearance to proceed. Foundation crews are working on Building 2. Underground plumbing is complete for Buildings 3 and 4. The pad in Building 5 did not pass material testing. Crews are working on recompacting and completing final lifts. Concrete pours for all buildings have been set. Electricians have begun placing underground conduits at Buildings 3 and 4. Lumber is still being delivered and stored onsite.

The Mad Dog team plans to distribute all job applications received to subs in January. The THA Team has narrowed the name of the new site to either The Gardens at South City or The Gardens at Orange Ave.

Replacement Units/Right to Return:
All residents relocated because of the new development at the Orange Avenue Apartments site will have first priority preference right of return to move back into the new development upon its completion. Each returning resident exercising the preference right of return will be offered a unit at a rental price based on 30% of the resident's income under HUD project-based voucher rent criteria. Subject to changes in income, family size, and assets within HUD rental guidelines, no resident shall pay more for rent than such resident was paying at the time of relocation.

The foundation of Building 1 at Orange Ave is set. New sidewalks being poured around Orange Ave. The foundation of Building 2 being inspected by a group of workers.

Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend

BGCBB and THA

The mission of the BGCBB is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Club membership is free to Tallahassee Housing Authority residents, and enrollment is accepted at any time. The Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend provides youth development activities, at no cost, to the residents of the Springfield and Pinewood Place communities. Our program operates Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM after school. During the summer, our hours extend from 8:00 AM through 5:30 PM.

At the beginning of each Boys & Girls Club program, the boys and girls are greeted by staff and then served a healthy snack. Afterward, the boys and girls begin their "Powerhour", during which they complete homework assignments and receive tutoring in any subject that may present them with difficulty. After completing homework, the boys and girls participate in one of the character and citizenship-building activities. These programs teach young people how to make positive decisions and develop good character traits. Prior to ending the day, the youth participate in a high-yield activity that gets them moving and energized. These activities include football, basketball, and dance. The Boys & Girls Club provides a positive environment in which the youth are encouraged to evolve into responsible, caring, and productive citizens. For information, email Kacy Dennis or call 850-656-8100.

Click here for BGCBB Club Membership

P. Franklin. A photo of a young girl in a headband.

Springfield Updates

Currently, Springfield has 163 registered youth members, with a daily average of 55 members in attendance. Springfield wrapped up programming for 2022, with a total of 163 served by the end of the year. The member of the month is P. Franklin. Ms. Franklin has been a member for the past year. She overcame her stage fright by doing an amazing job in the 2022 holiday program.

Youth at Springfield participated in the holiday celebration, where they did a performance based on Kwanza. Youth and parents enjoyed a wonderful event, and each member in attendance received a brand-new toy from Santa at the end of the night.

Springfield received a special visit from the FSU Women's Basketball team. The team helped youth members with homework and spent time with them. 25 Springfield members were treated to a shopping spree with Big Man Big Heart. Walmart sponsored a clothing giveaway where youth members received brand-new clothes for the holidays.

A group of students the with the Women's FSU Basketball team. A group of men with a group of children in front of a store.

Pinewood Place Updates

Currently, there are 192 club members with a daily average of 35 members in attendance. Pinewood wrapped up programming for 2022 with a total of 192 youth served by the end of the year. The member of the month is M. Moore. He is a student at Sealey Elementary School and has been a member since 2020. Mr. Moore enjoys coming to the club for additional tutoring. He credits the club with helping him with academics, especially reading.

M. Moore. A little boy smiles standing in front of a brick wall.

Youth from Pinewood Place participated in the annual holiday celebration that took place at The Moon. Members performed for the families and enjoyed a delicious dinner. At the end of the evening, every member in attendance received a brand-new gift from Santa. On the last day, members received a special surprise from Ellis Enterprise and also received $25 gift cards.

The Ellis Enterprise Christmas Giveaway. Children stand in a group holding up their prizes.

During the holiday break, 25 Pinewood members were treated to a Christmas shopping spree hosted by FSU football player Dillion Gibbons. Each member was gifted $100 to splurge for Christmas. Members wrapped up mentoring sessions with the FAMU branch of Jewels, Inc. and had a holiday get-together.

Christmas Shopping Spree. Two children smile while holding up cards.

Weekly Activities

  • Second Harvest Commodities food deliveries
  • Second Harvest of the Big Bend food giveaway
  • Second Harvest delivery dates for Springfield: 2nd
    Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM.

Resident News & Events

Attention Students!
Students United Way

Calling all students! Students United Way is an affinity group associated with United Way of the Big Bend. This group provides students with the opportunity to enhance leadership skills through teamwork, service, and fundraising that help to better the community. For more information on joining this program and to apply, please CLICK HERE.

Attention Seniors!
Valentine's Day Party!
As Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, we would like to invite our senior citizens for a night full of food, music, and door prizes on February 14, 2023, from 12:00 - 2:00 PM at the Terrance Fregly Community Center! Please RSVP by contacting the Pinewood Place office at 850.391.8122 by February 1, 2023.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend
Locate a food pantry near you by clicking HERE

Second Harvest of the Big Bend provides healthy food to relieve residents in emergency circumstances and distress year-round.

Free Events

  • First Fridays at Railroad Square Art District | Friday February, 3rd | 6 PM

  • Railroad Square Art District, 620 Railroad Square, Tallahassee, FL 32310

  • Big Game Open House Tasting Event | Saturday February, 4th | 5:30PM

  • Publix Aprons Cooking School at Village Square, 3521 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309

  • Black History Arts and Culture Festival | Friday February, 10th | 5:30PM

  • The Grove Museum, 902 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303

Local Events

  • Colson Whitehead | Thursday February 9th | 7:30 PM
    Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, 222 South Copeland St, Tallahassee, FL 32304
    Admission: Starts at $30

  • Valentine's Day Paint and Sip Paint Party Hosted by the Fuzzy Pineapple | Tuesday, February 14th | 4 PM
    1205 South Adams Street Tallahassee, FL 32301
    Admission: $35

  • Field Day Music Festival | Sunday, February 26th | 2 PM Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, 3540 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32309
    Admission: $30 plus fees, free for children

Resident Resources

Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program!

This program is designed to empower families to achieve financial independence and stability by providing educational resources and support. The FSS Program offers a wide range of resources, including financial counseling, job training, and education on budgeting and money management. Participants will have the opportunity to work closely with a dedicated case manager to develop a personalized plan for achieving their financial goals. This comprehensive approach will assist families in building the skills and knowledge needed to achieve long-term success.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the FSS Program, please contact the FSS Coordinator, Victor Jean, via email or call 850.385.6126 ext. 305. We are committed to helping families in our community achieve stability and independence. We look forward to working with you!

Mold vs. Mildew
Moisture is the chief cause behind the growth of mold and mildew. Mold spores entering a home are inevitable and are difficult to stop. However, you can stop the factors that promote mold and mildew growth. Besides moisture, lack of sunlight, and poor ventilation, dirt, and debris can also cause mold and mildew to grow. Insufficient ventilation in areas such as a bathroom or kitchen keeps the excess moisture in one room, where it may settle onto ceilings, walls, floors, appliances, counters, sinks, and any other surface. Turning on a fan or opening a door/window are simple ways to increase ventilation in the home. If you have finished taking a shower, turn on the bathroom fan and open the door to allow the moisture to clear. If you are washing dishes or boiling water, turn on the fan above the stove, or open a window to increase the airflow throughout the space.

The health of both humans and pets may be affected by the presence of mold and mildew in the home. While some individuals may not be affected at all, others may experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, wheezing, runny nose, headaches, or difficulty breathing. People with asthma or allergies will feel the most severe reactions to mold and mildew. To prevent mold and mildew, keep things clean. Increasing ventilation in the affected area with exhaust fans or dehumidifiers may help reduce humidity. Ensure that sources of natural ventilation, such as windows, and mechanical venting, such as HVAC, remain open and unblocked. If you believe you have mold and mildew in your home, please contact your site manager for assistance.

Pinewood Place | Wilford Evans 850.224.0558
Springfield | Angela McKinnon 850.391.8122.

STAR Program

The Student Transportation for Academics and Responsibilities (STAR) Program is a StarMetro, City of Tallahassee, and Leon County Schools pilot program to encourage area students to use public transportation for school, work, extracurricular activities, or other responsibilities free of charge by using your STAR card. StarMetro's STAR Program (previously known as the Students Fare-Free Pilot Program) provides unaccompanied students in grades 6-12 within Leon County free transportation with a STAR Program card AND a current signed agreement on file. The STAR Program will provide students in kindergarten through fifth grade within Leon County free transportation ONLY if the student is accompanied by a sixth grader or older sibling, legal guardian, or parental designee, has a STAR Program card, AND a signed agreement on file. The bus stop and public transportation system are considered an extension of the classroom, and students are expected to observe the same code of discipline expected in the school classroom and on school buses. Please review all code and policy information on the agreement form.

All Leon County Schools K-12 students (including charter schools) who wish to participate in the program must register for the program through Leon County Schools/Focus Parent Portal.

Tips for Saving Energy this Winter!

  1. Let the sun in during the day
  2. Close curtains at night
  3. Eliminate air leaks and drafts
  4. Close doors and vents in unused rooms
  5. Stay warm with clothes and blankets
  6. Reset your water heater thermostat
  7. Keep the air circulating
  8. Use space heaters

Free Food Pantries in Tallahassee and Leon County

  • Good News Outreach, Food Pantry
    Address: 548 E Bradford Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
    850.412.0016
    Distributes free food, meals, clothing, and more to senior citizens and low-income families across Leon County, Florida. Call the center to get information on programs administered.

  • Wildwood Church, Our Father's Storehouse
    100 Ox Bottom Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312
    850.894.1400

  • Church of Christ
    Multiple locations
    CLICK HERE TO LOCATE
    Free food as available and/or household.

  • Promise Land Ministries Lighthouse, Inc.
    Address: 20 Church Rd, Crawfordville, FL 32327
    850.926.3281

  • Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc.
    309 Office Plaza Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32301
    Food, shelter, meals, and grant programs are offered for short-term needs. They also have applications to Florida and federal government programs, such as SNAP benefits or free lunches for children.

  • Salvation Army, Foodbank/Pantry
    5016 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304
    850.222.0304
    Services include clothing, thrift store, holiday assistance or gifts, food, and social services. Senior citizens may be able to receive a home-delivered meal. They also serve Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas meals, as well as give out boxes of free groceries from the pantry.

  • ECHO
    702 W Madison St, Tallahassee, Florida 32304
    850.224.3267

"Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down." - Roy T. Bennett

Resident Resource Links

Annual PHA Plan Hearing Notice

The THA 2023 Annual PHA Plan is a comprehensive guide to policies, programs, operations, and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. A draft copy of the 2023 Annual Plan is available for review at the THA Main Office is located at 2940 Grady Road and all public housing site management offices located at 1700 Joe Louis Street #15 and 605 Steele Drive. Office hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday-Friday, except on federal holidays.

A Public Hearing will be held at the following times:
March 8, 2023 | 5:30 PM at the Springfield Community Center | 1700 Joe Louis Street
March 9, 2023 | 5:30 PM at the Fregly Community Center | 2940 Grady Road

The purpose of this hearing is to provide an opportunity for members of the Tallahassee community, both residents and non-residents, to provide their comments regarding THA's 2023 PHA Annual Plan. Comments on the plan will be accepted until 5:00 PM on March 10, 2023, and can be emailed to Tawana or faxed to 850.386.5534. They can also be submitted by U.S. Mail to Tallahassee Housing Authority, Attn: Annual Plan Comments, 2940 Grady Road, Tallahassee, FL, 32312.

The THA will provide services or devices that allow persons with sensory, manual, and speaking disabilities to have equal opportunity to participate in its programs or activities. If such services or devices are needed, THA must be notified within 5 working days before a particular meeting, program, or activity so that provisions can be made.

For assistance, please call 1.850.385.6126 ext. 155. All meetings are open to the public. The THA will not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or age. Equal Housing Opportunity.

2022-2023 Leon County Schools Calendar

2023 Remaining:

February
20 | President's Day

March
10 | End of Third Nine Weeks
13-17 | Spring Break (Students and Teachers Out)
20 | Teacher Planning/Inservice Day
21 | Students Return

April
7 | Spring Holiday (Districtwide)

May
22-24 | Exam Days
22 | Virtual School Graduation
23 | Amos. P Godby Graduation
24 | Leon Graduation, Last Day of School
25 | SAIL & Chiles Graduation, Teacher Planning
27 | Lincoln and James S. Rickards Graduation
29 | Memorial Day (Districtwide)

June
5 | Four-Day Workweek Begins
TBD | Summer Reading Academy and ESE Summer
Services Training
TBD | Summer Reading Academy and ESE Summer
Services Planning
TBD | First Day of SRA and ESE Summer Services
TBD | SRA and ESE Summer Services
19 | Juneteenth Holiday (Districtwide)

July
TBD | SRA and ESE Holiday Break 4 Fourth of July Holiday (Districtwide)
TBD | SRA and ESE Summer Services Resume
TBD | SRA and ESE Summer Services
27 | Last Day of Four-Day Workweek

Resident Highlights & Community News

Orange Avenue Relocation Success
Lequila Lowery and her son relocated from Orange Avenue to a Midyette Road Apartment. Ms. Lowery says she and her son are adjusting well to their new spacious apartment. The neighborhood is quiet and peaceful, and her son loves their new area. Ms. Lowery credits Housing Specialist Eurika Vickers with having great communication and keeping her abreast of the process every step of the way. "Ms. Vickers made the relocation a very smooth process, and I'm so grateful". When asked if she plans to return to Orange Avenue, she advised that she is still thinking about it, but for now, she is very happy.

Lequila Lowery's headshot.

Resident Spotlights
Dreonna Copeland
Dreonna welcomed a healthy baby on January 10th! Pinewood Place welcomes little Dynim to the family!

Dreonna and her baby.

Brionne Calloway
Brionne welcomed a new bundle of joy! Congratulations!

Ms. Ward
We congratulate Ms. Ward on her new job as a Call Center Representative in addition to her new grandchild, who will arrive in June!

Ms. Ward's headshot.

Save these dates!

Please join us for a Valentine's Day Party
February 14
12:00 - 2:00 PM

Food, Music, Door Prizes

Senior Citizens Only - 62 and Older

Terry Fregly Community Center
19401 Grady Road
RSVP Pinewood Place by February 1, 2023
850.391.8122

Events Recap

Local attorney GC Murray's Ice Foundation hosted the annual Share the Warmth event on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, where his staff gifted more than 50 resident children with hats, gloves, and scarves at the Springfield Community Center.

Three people smiling behind stacks of scarves and blankets.

During the holidays, the Second Harvest Food Pantry was more important than ever! Many families were helped through donations.

Second Harvest Food Pantry members distributing food.

Tallahassee Housing Authority partnered with Leon County School Board Member Darryl Jones, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and Florida A&M University to host a toy drive. Toys and nearly 60 bikes were donated to help the children at Springfield and Pinewood Place have a very Merry Christmas.

 A man dressed up as Santa poses with two children. A little boy on a bike smiles at the camera.

Employee Spotlight
Antonio Patterson

Two men shake hands.

Springfield Apartments would like to extend appreciation to Antonio Patterson for his hard work and dedication during Tallahassee's Deep Freeze Christmas holiday break. While everyone enjoyed the warmth of spending the holidays with family and friends, Antonio was working on repairing six busted pipes and helping four families who had no heat. Antonio worked tirelessly with the assistance of our Grounds Manager, Mike Harris, Springfield residents, and Mr. Danny Johnson to ensure that the families could stay warm on Christmas Day. Thank you, Antonio!