Orange Avenue RedevelopmentTHA Monthly Newsletter August 2024
THA Monthly Newsletter August 2024
Highlights
Employment Opportunities
Resident Resources
- FSS Event
- Back-to-School
Table of Contents
- Director's Note
- THA Operations
- Demolition & Revitalization
- Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend
- Resident News & Events
- Resident Resources
- Resident Highlights & Community News
- Employment Opportunities
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. BrendaWilliams@tallha.org - 850.385.6126
Brenda Williams
Executive Director
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
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 supportive 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 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 policy, they ensure that the Authority is fiscally responsible and operates in an efficient manner.
The Authority consists of two (2) 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 housing authority provides rental assistance through the housing choice voucher program. We manage over 2700 vouchers for low-income households.
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 to find available rentals, services, more about our programs, and information about payments:
Demolition and Revitalization
Exciting Updates on Columbia Gardens at South City Development!
We are thrilled to announce that Phase I has successfully been completed and is fully leased. Phase II is on its way to completion! Executive Director Brenda Williams hosted a walk-through of Phase I and Phase II with the Florida Housing Coalition in June. The complex will have over 300 units and amenities including a pool, playground, walking trail, fitness center, laundry room, and more.
Coming Soon!!
The Elmington Capital Group is building 450 affordable apartments at 795 Ridge Road (which is the name of the development). The property will consist of 1-4-bedroom units. The property will have a common courtyard, soaring ceilings in the community building, and a swimming pool. The spacious apartments will come with energy-efficient appliances, washers and dryers, walk-in closets, and solid surface countertops. The property management staff will begin taking applications this fall to pre-lease the units. Applications will be taken at the site.
The Tallahassee Housing Authority has awarded 41 Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) to the property to provide rental assistance to very low-income families. These are families who earn no more than 50% of the area's median income (based on their family size). THA will begin accepting applications for a waitlist for the PBV units in early fall. Please check our website at www.tallha.org for more information.
Boys and Girls Clubs 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. The program operates Monday thru Friday from 3:00PM to 6:30PM after school.. During the summer, the hours extend from 8:00AM thru 5:30PM.
At the beginning of each Boys and Girls Club program, the boys and girls are greeted by staff and then served a healthy snack. Afterwards, 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 and 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 at kdennis@bgcbb.org or call 850.656.8100. To fill out a BGCBB Club Membership, please click here.
Springfield Updates
The Leon County STEM Bus stopped by the Springfield club and gave the members a chance to participate in some fun, hands-on activities. Teen members at the club went on a field trip to the Florida State University Reserve. There, they had fun canoeing, swimming, and enjoying hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off the grill!
National Boys and Girls Club Week was a hit! The club members were excited to participate in all the activities. At the BGCBB Field Day, the Gadsden County Fire Department helped everyone cool off with a shower from the fire truck.
Springfield has been excited to partner with FSU's GeoScience Program this summer. This partnership provided field trips and STEM activities to our teens. They enjoyed the chance to visit both Wakulla Springs and the Florida Caverns State Park.
Cambriah is a rising first grader at the Springfield Club. Her favorite subject is math and her favorite hobby is playing games with her friends. She loves sports and recreation at the club with her favorite games being Silent Ball and Simon Says. Cambriah wants to become a doctor when she is older, as she says she wants to help those in need and make people feel better about themselves. She has shown this compassion every day at the club towards her peers and staff. These beautiful traits are why she is Springfield's June Youth of the Month. Congratulations Cambriah!
Throughout the year, teen engagement has been one of Springfield's main focuses. It is always a challenge to get teens into the club, but by providing enticing field trips and activities, the average number of teen attendance has gone from just six during the school year to twenty one this summer. The teens have definitely made this a summer to remember!
Pinewood Place Updates
Members got the chance to experience the runway by participating in a fashion show at the club. They were responsible for all the decorating, stage setup, and most importantly, showing off their favorite outfits! National Boys & Girls Club Week gives members the chance to show their BGC Spirit by participating in a variety of different themes and competitions! These included sports day, twin day, wacky tacky day, spirit day, and senior citizens day. The club had an amazing time finishing off the week at the BGCBB Field Day! Our members definitely showed up and showed out!
Having field trips and visitors at the club are many of the kids' favorite time of the summer! Members have had no lack of either as they've had trips to District 850 and Piney Z Lake. They also had an amazing time participating in African Dancing and Drumming. Youth expressed their visions for the future by creating vision boards with Ms. Jennifer Powell! On the boards, the kids were able to add career and personal aspirations. To help stay cool in the summer heat, each week at the Pinewood Place Club ends with a water day!
Michael, a rising seventh grader, is Pinewood Place's Youth of the Month. His favorite subject is math and his favorite hobbies include playing basketball and football. Michael has been working on multiple behavioral and emotional obstacles since his arrival at the club in 2020, but this summer has been a major turn around for him. He has been constantly engaged with the staff, his peers, and all activities. He has even started to encourage his friends at the club to do the right thing and make good choices. We appreciate his leadership and willingness to set a great example. Congratulations Michael!
The Pinewood Place Club has far exceeded its membership goals for the year largely due to implementing an impactful and exciting program for our members. The club has seen a tremendous turn out for both residents of the neighborhood and surrounding communities. Club members have enjoyed an amazing summer! Having the club at capacity is the outcome we have been so excited to reach.
Weekly Activities
- Second Harvest delivery dates for Pinewood Place: 1st Tuesday, 3rd Tuesday, every Thursday, 1st Friday of every month.
- Second Harvest delivery dates for Springfield: 2nd Tuesday and Thursday of every month from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM.
Pinewood Trip to Piney Z and Field Day
Resident News and Events
Back-to-School Event
For Springfield ResidentsSpringfield Residents are invited to join us for a back-to-school supplies and backpack giveaway on August 3rd at 10 AM at the Springfield Community Center. In addition to school supplies we will be serving food and drinks, while supplies last. We can't wait to see you and are wishing all of our students a wonderful school year!
Saturday, August 3rd | 10:00 AM
Springfield Community Center
1702 Joe Louis St. Tallahassee, FL 32304
Second Harvest of the Big Bend
To locate a food pantry near you, please click here.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend provides healthy food to relieve residents in emergency circumstances and distress year-round.
Local Events
- Back-to-School Festival | Sunday August 4th | 11AM-6PM
- Miccosukee Community Center, 13887 Moccasin Gap Rd, Tallahassee, FL
- Tallahassee Beer Festival | Saturday August 10th | 2PM-6PM
- Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
- 10th Annual Harmonica Festival | Saturday August 17th | 6PM
- House of Music Tallahassee, 2011 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
- Paw Patrol Live | August 27 and 28 | 6PM
- Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
- Tallahassee Farmers Market | Saturdays | 8AM-12PM
- Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 2904 Kerry Forest Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL
Resident Resources
Empowering Residents Through the Family Self-Sufficiency Program
In our ongoing commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our residents, the Tallahassee Housing Authority emphasizes the importance of active participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. FSS serves as a transformative pathway, fostering financial independence, career development, and personal growth.
Over the past few months, we've observed a commendable but gradual increase in resident participation. This positive trend signifies a growing awareness of the program's benefits. As more residents engage, they embark on a journey toward increased income, skill development, and holistic self-improvement.
The FSS program is a beacon for those seeking financial stability, and we encourage all eligible residents to join this empowering initiative. By participating, you can access educational opportunities, job training, and a supportive community that will guide you toward long-term success.
Let's build on this momentum! We encourage every resident to explore the opportunities offered by the Family Self-Sufficiency program. Together, we can create a community where each member thrives, breaking barriers and achieving their goals. Your journey toward self-sufficiency begins with a simple step-participation in FSS. Join us as we pave the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
Upcoming FSS Program Event
Attention all Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher participants! The Tallahassee Housing Authority is excited to invite you to an informative event hosted by our Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. We are honored to have Ms. Verda Owens, MSW, CAP, from Helping Hands of North Florida, Inc., joining us to share crucial information about the USDA Rural Housing 502 Direct Loan.
Mark your calendars for August 15th at 6:30 PM at the Springfield Community Center. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how the USDA Rural Housing 502 Direct Loan can help you achieve your dream of homeownership with affordable financing options. Don't miss out on the chance to gain valuable insights and ask questions directly from the experts.
We look forward to seeing you there and supporting your journey towards self-sufficiency and homeownership!!
Annual Back-to-School Drives
The Tallahassee Housing Authority is thrilled to announce our Annual Back-to-School Drive! Mark your calendars for August 3rd at the Springfield Community Center. The date for the event at Pinewood Community Center is still to be determined, but we would like to assure you families will be notified promptly.
This event would not be possible without the incredible support and generosity of our community partners. A heartfelt thank you to the ICE Foundation, Mr. Sylvester Taylor, Second Harvest, the Tallahassee Police Department, our dedicated volunteers, and all our sponsors. Your contributions ensure that our students start the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
Join us for a day of community spirit and support as we equip our young learners for a bright future. We look forward to seeing you there!
Dates and Hours to Remember
Pest Control Treatment and Housekeeping Compliance Check Monthly Schedule:
- Pinewood Place 2nd Wednesdays
- Hidden Pines 2nd Thursdays
- Scattered Sites 4th Wednesdays
- Springfield 1st Thursdays Units 101-196
- Springfield 3rd Thursdays Units 1-100
Second Harvest Food Pantry:
- Springfield Tuesdays | 1 PM - 3 PM
- Pinewood Thursdays | 1 PM - 3 PM
- Pinewood 1st Fridays | 10 AM until (Subject to change)
Boys and Girls Club Operations
- Monday - Friday
Griffin Heights Children and Family Resource Center Operations
Monday - Friday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Seniors and disabled residents can request an application for services with Sowing Seeds Sewing Comfort Ministry at ssscmin2@gmail.com
- TPD Patrols Pinewood and Springfield seven days a week
Message from Property Manager:
Do not be afraid to call in work orders - delay in calling in work orders can ultimately cause more damage.
Techniques for Keeping a Cleaner, Healthier Home
- Run the exhaust fan while taking showers
- Please do not turn the a/c unit off when you leave your home - the a/c should be set at 78 degrees according to the City of Tallahassee
- Please do not sit the on condenser unit on the outside a/c unit
- Do not place rugs, towels, or anything on the condenser unit on the outside - doing so will cause major problems
- Once a week please make sure you clean baseboards, window sills, bathtubs, and toilets
- Keep your refrigerator free from sweet liquids that will cause the seal (gasket) around your refrigerator to rip
- Do not place foreign items such as sanitary wipes that are not flushable in toilets - doing this can be costly and you will be charged accordingly
- Please do not destroy your blinds by pulling on them to see outside - instead, simply open the blinds if you want to look out of them
- Declutter - reduce the amount of stuff you need to manage by getting rid of things like old clothes, toys, and magazines. You can create two piles: one for items to throw away and another for things to donate or recycle
- Dust from top to bottom - dusting before cleaning allows you to catch dust before it settles on lower surfaces
- Use the right tools
- Invest in quality cleaning supplies like microfiber cloths, brooms, mops, and vacuum cleaners
- Keeping surfaces clear of clutter, especially in the kitchen, can make a space look better and be easier to clean
- Keep your cleaning supplies in a caddy so you can easily access them wherever you are in the house
- Clean with the seasons
- At least once a year, you can deep clean your carpets, wash your windows, change your furnace filter, and flip and vacuum your mattress.
- Clean fridge coils regularly to help prevent breakdowns and keep your fridge and freezer running well - dust and grime can prevent the coils from releasing heat properly
Resident Resource Links
- Salvation Army
- The Salvation Army offers special one-time assistance to help you pay your rent.
- Emergency Assistance
- Catholic Charities, NWFLT, Emergency Assistance
- Free food and meals, help with electric bills, grocery vouchers, Christmas and Thanksgiving meals, and more.
- Domestic Violence Protections (VAWA)
Resident Highlights and Community News
Congratulations!
Graduation
Resident Ashley Kibler, daughter of Seritarita Kibler, graduated from Godby High School! We wish Ashley the best as she enters the next chapter!
New Baby
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Whittenbeck on their new bundle of joy, Emma, who was born in July.
Executive Director, Brenda Williams
We are thrilled to announce that our Executive Director, Brenda Williams, has been appointed to the Urban Land Institute's Affordable/Workforce Housing Council. Brenda will be bringing her wealth of experience in developing affordable housing to the table.Brenda shares, "I am excited about participating on the council with diverse leaders in the industry and learning new products, ideas, points of view, and best practices."
Employment Opportunities
Administrative Assistant to the Director of Operations
$22.00-$26.00 per hour
Description: The Executive Assistant provides administrative support for the Executive Office at the Tallahassee Housing Authority. This position will prepare correspondence and reports in written and electronic formats. Responsible for general office management and a variety of administrative tasks.
For more information, please contact DanaGreen@tallha.org
Assistant Site Manager
$42,000-$50,000 annually
Description: The Assistant Site Manager will supervise and perform various duties relative to property management for development with 200 or more housing units. Responsibilities include leasing, rent collection, resident relations and purchasing. Duties Include enforcing ail rules and regulations regarding tenant selecting, continued occupancy and evictions. Demonstration of ability to operate within budget parameters by minimizing expenditures and increasing occupancy is essential.
For more information, please contact DanaGreen@tallha.org
Housing Specialist - Housing Choice Voucher Program
$27.03 hourly
Description: The position duties include a wide range of activities related to determining and documenting applicant and/or participant eligibility, income, rent and contractual relationships with owners in support of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) operations using written administrative policies and procedures. The position requires full accountability for assigned cases including accurate and complete files, resolution of customer service cases, and responsiveness to participant and landlord inquires.
For more information, please contact DanaGreen@tallha.org
Capital Funds Project Coordinator
$55,000-$62,000 annually
Description: Plans, organizes and coordinates capital improvement and construction projects from conceptual initiation through construction closeout. Manages capital fund program and provides direct support to development and asset management departments.
For more information, please contact DanaGreen@tallha.org
Apply now and be a part of creating better communities!
Visit tallha.org/job-opportunities for full job descriptions.
Resumes may be emailed to danagreen@tallha.org